Apparatus and methods of seasoning food product in a mechanized food product line advantageously seasons the food product in cartons or containers therefor so that the number of days or so of shipment from the process plant to destinations like grocery stores does double duty as time for the seasoning to be absorbed. Food product can be loaded into containers, which are placed on a conveyor line and passed under a seasoning dispenser which thereby applies a top coat. The containers are conveyed to shrink wrap stations or like packaging closure processes, then to refrigerated or freezer storage and onward by refrigerated or freezer motor vehicles. The dispensing apparatus has metering provisions for application of a measured amount and a controller for switching the dispenser ON as a container passes underneath and then OFF as the container goes past.