If you’re avoiding gluten, taco night doesn’t have to be boring. I’m Adam Moretti, and I’ve spent countless evenings in the kitchen helping my mom roll dough, learning that food should nourish and delight. Now, I focus on meals that work for real people—those with dietary restrictions, health conditions, or just high standards for taste.
That’s why we’re diving into gluten free taco seasoning—what it means, how to choose it, the best brands, how to use it, and the answers to the big questions like “Is regular McCormick taco seasoning gluten free?” or “Can I get gluten free taco seasoning at Walmart?” We’ll also connect you to other useful resources like our gluten‑free crock pot recipes and gluten‑free carrot cake for full‑meal inspiration. So grab your spice rack, and let’s turn taco night into something safe and satisfying.
Table of Contents
New to gluten-free? Start with our main guide before you dive into this recipe:
Gluten Free Recipes: Simple American Meals, Snacks, and Desserts
What Does “Gluten Free Taco Seasoning” Really Mean?
Understanding the Basics
“Taco seasoning” usually means a blend of spices—chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt—and a few bulking or flavour‑enhancing agents. For someone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, the catch is: not all spice blends are created equal. Some include wheat flour, maltodextrin derived from wheat, or are processed in facilities that handle gluten. According to one review, “some spice mixes have added gluten in the form of malt for flavouring, or even wheat flour as a binder or thickener.” That means even if the core spices are fine, hidden “glue” ingredients or cross‑contact can cause trouble.
Why It Matters for Your Pantry
If you’re eating gluten‑free, your seasoning mixes are just as important as your pasta or bread. A taco seasoning with wheat flour might seem harmless—but for someone with celiac disease, even trace gluten can trigger symptoms. Fortunately, there are blends clearly marked gluten‑free, and plenty of ways to make your own too. Plus, once you recognise the safe versions, you can turn any taco night into a healthy, delicious celebration.
How to Choose Safe and Delicious Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
What to Look for on the Label
When scanning the shelf or shopping online, keep these in mind:
- A “Gluten‑Free” claim or certification (like GFCO or Celiac Safe) is ideal.
- Ingredient list: avoid “wheat flour,” “maltodextrin (from wheat/barley/rye)”, or unspecified “seasoning blends” that could hide something.
- Manufacturing: check if the facility handles gluten products. Many manufacturers disclose cross‑contact risk.
- Trusted brands: Look for brands that clearly label the product and manufacturing process.
Top Brands & Verified Safe Options
Here are trusted options when it comes to gluten free taco seasoning:
- McCormick Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Mix: The company states it is certified gluten‑free, made by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
- Pioneer Brand Gluten Free Taco Seasoning: Clearly labeled “Certified Gluten‑Free”.
- Siete Taco Seasoning: Grain‑free, clean‑label, gluten‑free; very good for those with multiple sensitivities.
- Others: Some blends like Old El Paso are considered “no gluten‑containing ingredients” but are not always labelled gluten‑free—so you’ll want to check batch and packaging.
Making Your Own At Home
If you prefer total control (and less sodium or additives), making a DIY gluten free taco seasoning is simple and satisfying. For example:
Ingredients: chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt & black pepper, optional cayenne. (See full measurements below.)
Instructions: Mix in a jar and store in a dry, cool place. Use about 2 Tbsp per pound of meat or veggies. This plug‑and‑play mix means no hidden flour, no concerns about manufacturing, and you can scale to your taste.
FAQ About gluten free taco seasoning
What brands of taco seasoning are gluten free?
Several reputable brands make taco seasoning that’s gluten‑free or free of gluten‑containing ingredients: McCormick (Gluten Free version), Pioneer, Siete, Simply Organic, and others. For example, one guide lists Durkee, Pioneer, Spice Island, and Thrive Market among low‑gluten‑risk options.
Is McCormick regular taco seasoning gluten free?
If you mean the standard McCormick “Original” taco seasoning, it’s said to have no gluten ingredients according to some sources—but it’s not always labelled as certified gluten‑free. Celiac.com If you have celiac disease, it’s safer to choose the McCormick Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Mix (certified).
Can you get gluten free taco seasoning?
Yes — absolutely. Many brands now clearly label their products gluten‑free, and you can also make your own mix in minutes. One blog says: “Wondering if taco seasoning is gluten‑free? The answer is most of the time — yes it is!”
Is original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning gluten free?
This one is a bit tricky: Old El Paso’s Original Taco Seasoning is reported to contain no gluten‑containing ingredients but is not always certified gluten‑free, and manufacturing processes or regional formulations could vary. If you’re strictly gluten‑free, always verify that specific package or batch.
Tips, Use‑Cases & Safe Buying + Final Thoughts
Using Your Seasoning Smartly
- Use ~2 Tbsp of seasoning for each 1 lb (≈450 g) of ground meat (beef, turkey) or beans.
- Brown the meat, drain any excess fat, add seasoning and ~¾ cup water, simmer 3‑5 minutes.
- For veggies or shredded chicken, just stir in seasoning with a splash of lime and serve.
- Pair your tacos with gluten‑free tortillas, lettuce wraps, or even on top of roasted sweet potatoes for variety and balance.
Shopping Tips for Gluten‑Free Buyers
- Check for a visible gluten‑free label—not just “no wheat”.
- Check the allergen statement and manufacturing facility for cross‑contact risk.
- Watch for changes in formulation: brands sometimes update without big announcements.
- Always check packaging if you buy online or from a big box retailer like Walmart—some stores carry hidden gluten‑free or certified versions. For example, Pioneer Gluten Free Taco Seasoning is listed on Walmart.
- Stock up when you find a certified version—especially if you rely on safe, convenient meals for busy weeknights.
Why This Matters in a Bigger Way
It’s not just about tacos. Managing a gluten‑free lifestyle means every food you buy must be checked. When seasoning mixes contain hidden gluten or are processed in shared facilities, that creates risk. On the other hand, choosing safe options means you can enjoy flavourful meals without second‑guessing. That sense of freedom—of eating boldly while staying safe—is what I aim for in every recipe and guide on HealthyAmericanBites.com.
Final Thoughts
Gluten‑free living doesn’t mean boring flavours or bland meals. Whether you buy a clearly labelled gluten‑free taco seasoning or make your own, you can enjoy vibrant, bold flavour without compromise. Pair it with a hearty taco bowl, top off your slow‑cooked meat from a gluten‑free crock pot recipe, or sprinkle it over roasted veggies. In short: spice, crunch, comfort—all gluten‑free.
For a deeper dive into reading food labels and understanding how ingredients matter, check out this resource from Beyond Celiac on gluten‑free label reading
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Gluten Free Taco Seasoning: A Flavor-Packed Guide
Homemade gluten free taco seasoning that’s bold, aromatic, and completely safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or roasted veggies.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup seasoning (8 servings)
Ingredients
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Himalayan or sea salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Add all spices to a small bowl or jar.
2. Whisk or shake to blend evenly.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
4. Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat, beans, or veggies.
5. Adjust salt or heat to your taste before serving.
Notes
Use certified gluten-free spices if you have celiac disease.
Avoid maltodextrin or spice blends with unclear labeling.
This mix works for tacos, fajitas, chili, and roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Seasoning Mix
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free