With the Ortega Taco seasoning, satisfying your authentic taco cravings has gotten easier. Now, whenever you want to satisfy your taste buds with the original taco taste, just grab a packet of this taco seasoning and add it to the fillings. But is it safe for gluten sensitive people? Is Ortega Taco seasoning gluten free?
All ingredients in Ortega Taco seasoning are gluten free. But the company has not labeled the seasoning as a gluten free one, meaning it has not undergone the gluten free test. Besides, the company does not ensure that it is manufactured in a dedicated gluten free factory.
So what should celiacs do now? How to make sure it’s safe for gluten intolerant people or celicas? Fret not. You will find all information related to Ortega Taco seasoning and its gluten status here in this article. So unfold them all and continue scrolling through.
Table of Contents
Is Ortega Taco Seasoning Gluten Free?
Ortega Taco seasoning is made from yellow corn flour, paprika, salt, Maltodextrin, spices, garlic powder, modified corn starch, citric acid, yeast extract, silicon dioxide, and natural flavor.
There is no gluten substance in these ingredients. We know that gluten is found in grains like barley, wheat, rye, semolina, etc. It’s a protein that gives shape and texture to food items.
Even though gluten is absent from the Ortega Taco seasoning, the brand does not declare it a gluten free product. According to the FDA, to declare a food product gluten free, the manufacturer has to make it in a special gluten free factory.
Such factories should not process any other food item with gluten because there can be chances of cross-contamination. Besides, any gluten free food should have less than 20ppm gluten percentage so that even celiacs can have it.
Ortega Taco seasonings are not prepared in such specialized factories, and they also have not been tested for their gluten substance. Therefore, the brand does not label it gluten free.
So should celiacs consume it? If you’re diagnosed with celiac disease, it is better to avoid food that is not branded as gluten free. Consuming even a little above the recommended level of gluten can leave an adverse effect on your health. We will discuss more about gluten and its side effects later in this guide, so don’t miss out on that section.
Related:- Is Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce Gluten Free?
Ortega Taco Seasoning: A Backstory
Ortega has a 150 year old tradition of creating delicious seasonings. It all started from selling high-quality chile peppers to preparing salsas. Since 2003 the company has been run by B&G Foods, carrying forward a rich heritage of taste and quality.
The company sells various Mexican products like peppers, beans, salsas and dips, tortillas, shells, taco sauce, and the famous taco seasoning. They have almost 12 varieties of taco seasoning. All of them bring you a pure Mexican flavor.
Here are some of my favorite Ortega Taco seasonings, their ingredient list along with nutritional facts.
1. Ortega Original Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- yellow corn flour
- Paprika
- Salt
- Maltodextrin
- Spices
- Garlic powder
- Modified corn starch
- Citric acid
- Yeast extract
- Natural flavors
- Silicon Dioxide
Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 20 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Saturated fat | 0g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Total carbs | 4g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Added sugars | 0g |
2. Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix (40% less sodium)
Ingredients
- yellow corn flour
- Paprika
- Salt
- Maltodextrin
- Spices
- Garlic powder
- Modified corn starch
- Citric acid
- Yeast extract
- Natural flavors
- Silicon Dioxide
- Ancho chili peppers
Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 20 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Saturated fat | 0g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Total carbs | 4g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Added sugars | 0g |
3. Ortega Street Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- Paprika
- Chili pepper
- Chipotle chili pepper
- Salt
- Corn starch
- Sugar
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Rice concentrate
- Cloves
- Natural flavors
Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 20 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Saturated fat | 0g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Total carbs | 4g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Dietary fiber | 4g |
| Added sugars | 0g |
4. Ortega Hot and Spicy Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- Caramel color
- yellow corn flour
- Paprika
- Salt
- Maltodextrin
- Spices
- Garlic powder
- Modified corn starch
- Citric acid
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Natural flavors
Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 20 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Saturated fat | 0g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Total carbs | 4g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Added sugars | 0g |
What Is Gluten? Why Should Celiacs Stay Away From It?
Gluten is a protein present in various grains, namely barley, wheat, semolina, rye, etc. It is naturally occurring, but you can extract it to add to food items. Food makers add gluten to give shape, texture, and flavor. Besides, gluten acts as a binding agent.
Although most people can digest gluten without facing any side effects, there are people whose digestive systems cannot break down this protein. Undigested gluten can make way to the small intestine, due to which you can have adverse health issues.
Some of the common minor side effects of gluten are- skin rashes, diarrhea, headache, bloating, etc. But sometimes, people experience major health issues like intestinal damage, malnutrition, and the like.
Gluten mainly harms people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia. If you have been diagnosed with any of these diseases or allergies, you should not touch food with gluten.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Brands
The food and beverage market nowadays has become widely inclusive. There are food items for vegans, vegetarians, and for people on a gluten free diet or gluten sensitivity.
There are a lot of brands that provide gluten free taco seasoning with the same taste and flavor. Here is a list of some of the popular gluten free taco seasoning companies I have tried.
- McCormick Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
- Simply Organic Taco Seasoning
- Costco McCormick Taco Seasoning
- Signature Select Taco Seasoning Mix
- Great Value Taco Seasoning
Try Homemade Ortega Taco Seasoning Recipe
If you can’t find the Ortega Taco seasoning in your nearby stores, don’t worry. I have a taco seasoning recipe that tastes almost the same as the original Ortega Taco seasoning. Keep a note of this and make sure to try it at home; your family will surely love its flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried red pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Method
- You’ve to mix all the spices in a bowl and blend.
- Take an aluminum foil, spoon the mixture into it and fold it. Make sure it’s airtight.
- You can use this seasoning for up to six months. If you want to make more, just increase the quantity of each ingredient.
Wrapping Up
Ortega taco seasoning is gluten free as no ingredient is derived from gluten grains. However, there are chances of cross-contamination as the brand has not declared it a gluten free product.
Hence, consuming the seasoning or not would entirely depend on your gluten tolerance level. I have shared a similar taco seasoning recipe to Ortega, which is gluten free; make sure to give it a try!
Most Asked Questions About Ortega Taco Seasoning
What are the spices used in Ortega Taco Seasoning?
Spices used in the Ortega Taco seasoning are- cumin, garlic, paprika, salt, onion powder, etc.
Is Ortega Taco seasoning labeled gluten free?
No, Ortega Taco seasoning isn’t labeled gluten free.
Is taco seasoning healthy?
There is no trans or saturated fat in taco seasoning, but it’s quite high in sodium, which you might want to be careful about.
Can celiacs have Ortega Taco seasoning?
It’s safer for celiacs not to have Ortega Taco seasoning.
