Wondering if taco seasoning is gluten-free? The answer is most of the time – yes it is! Find out which brands are gluten-free and what to look for.
Plus a recipe for homemade gluten-free taco seasoning that’s flavorful and delicious!
What Is Taco Seasoning Mix Made Of?
Taco seasoning mixes vary slightly from one brand to another, but most contain a few common ingredients. Some of the most traditional taco seasoning spices include:
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Is Taco Seasoning Gluten-Free?
It depends. Not all taco seasoning is gluten-free, since some brands add wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. It’s best to read the ingredients list and look for a “gluten-free” label on the package.
You also might like these articles on is worcestershire sauce gluten-free, is soy sauce gluten-free and gluten-free stir-fry sauce.
Which Brands of Taco Seasoning Are Gluten-Free?
It can be tricky to know which taco seasonings contain gluten, and which do not. Some taco seasonings are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, but have the chance of cross-contamination with gluten in the manufacturing process.
If you have an extreme gluten allergy, it’s best to only buy taco seasoning that has a gluten-free label. Or, you can make your own!
Here are some brands that make gluten free taco seasoning:
- McCormick Taco Seasoning (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix Original (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Ortega (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Durkee Taco Seasoning
- Pioneer Taco Seasoning
- Spice Island Taco Seasoning
- Thrive Market Taco Seasoning
You also might like this chicken taco seasoning or how to make fajita seasoning.
How Much Taco Seasoning for 1 Pound of Meat?
As a general rule of thumb, use one taco seasoning packet or 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for one pound of ground meat.
For more gluten-free basics, check out these posts on gluten-free breadcrumbs, gluten-free roux, and gluten-free bbq sauce.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe
If your family is anything like ours, tacos are on a steady rotation for weeknight dinners. They’re easy, delicious, and everyone loves them. They can be customized a million ways, and the come together in under 30 minutes.
After a busy weekday, there’s nothing better than gluten-free tacos!
Homemade taco seasoning mix may sound like a way to complicate the process, but it’s actually incredibly easy to make. And if you’re on a gluten-free diet, it’s totally the way to go.
Seasoning mix found at the local grocery store may not be gluten-free. Even if you don’t see any gluten ingredients on the list, there could be trace amounts due to cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.
Need another good reason to make your own taco seasoning blend?
The store-bought version often has preservatives and other ingredients that totally unnecessary when you make it yourself. Better yet, homemade taco seasoning just tastes better!
Add this homemade gluten free spice mix to your spice cabinet and you’ll always be ready for Taco Tuesday.
Why I Love this Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients
- Easy to make
- Use for a variety of recipes
- Perfectly balanced flavor
You also might like these recipes forchicken fajitas,gluten-free enchiladas, slow-cooker pinto beans,gluten-free enchilada sauceand our favoritesweet pork tacos.
You also might like these gluten-free breakfast tacos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this taco seasoning:
- Oregano + cayenne: Dried oregano works great for this recipe. A pinch of cayenne adds a tiny bit of heat (but not too much).
- Chili powder: Dried chili powder is the basis of all great taco seasoning. It gives it the Mexican flavor you know and love!
- Onion + garlic powder: These aromatics are essential to balancing the smoky flavor of the chili powder and paprika.
- Paprika: Paprika gives the taco seasoning warmth and flavor. Used smoked paprika for a stronger smoky flavor.
- Cumin: Dried cumin is a classic pairing with chili powder and garlic powder.
- Salt + pepper: Salt and pepper enhance the flavor of all other seasonings in the mix!
Use it to make these loaded taco fries!
How to Make this Recipe
Mix all spices together until well combined.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container and use as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container (such as a Mason jar) for up to one month.
Taco Seasoning Tips
- I use one recipe of this seasoning per pound of ground beef or ground turkey. You could also use this to make chicken tacos or taco salad!
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled! Make a large batch and you’ll always have pre-made taco seasoning on hand for any Mexican dish.
5 from 8 votes
Easy, Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Author Erin Collins
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 4 servings
This EASY homemade taco seasoning makes the most delicious naturally gluten-free tacos! We like to double or triple it so we always have some on hand.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Mix all spices together until well combined.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container and use as needed.
Notes
STORAGE: Store in an airtight container (such as a Mason jar) for up to one month.
RECIPE NOTES
I use one recipe of this seasoning per pound of ground beef or ground turkey. You could also use this to make chicken tacos or taco salad!This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled!
Make a large batch and you’ll always have pre-made taco seasoning on hand for any Mexican dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Taco Seasoning FAQs
Is McCormick regular taco seasoning gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. McCormick taco seasoning contains the following ingredients: Spices (Including Chili Pepper, Paprika, Oregano), Corn Starch, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
Is Ortega taco seasoning original gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. Ortega Taco seasoning contains the following ingredients: Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Rosemary and Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide.
Is the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. Old El Paso taco includes the following ingredients: Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt). Contains 2% Or Less Of: Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Soybean And/Or Sunflower Oil), Corn Flour, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar, Natural Flavor.
Is Lawry’s taco seasoning gluten-free?
No, Lawry’s taco seasoning is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free. It contains the following ingredients: Spices (Including Paprika and Chili Peppers), Onion, Salt, Lactose (Milk), Sugar, Garlic, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Citric Acid, and Natural Flavor.
Who makes gluten-free taco mix?
Several brands make gluten free taco seasoning mix, including Durkee,
Pioneer, Thrive Market and Spice Island.
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Categories: Articles, Beef Recipes, Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes
Hi, I'm Erin!
BS Food Science,
MSNutrition
I believe you can make amazing, gluten-free food with everyday ingredients that everyone will enjoy. I'm here to share my tried-and-true recipes with you!
