Homemade Gluten Free Taco Seasoning

You may be asking yourself why there needs to be a recipe for gluten-free taco seasoning, but as you’ll read below, not only do some brands have wheat in them, but they also have a LOT of other ingredients that just aren’t necessary (like milk!). Go for one that brings big flavor, without big, unnecessary ingredients and preservatives. Pantry staples for that classic southwestern flavor you’re looking for. This is also great for those with corn allergies, or those wanting to avoid grains (you’d be surprised how many use corn starch).

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WHY YOU NEED A GLUTEN-FREE TACO SEASONING MIX

Taco Tuesday has become a phenomenon in America, with many proclaiming their love of tacos on t-shirts, hats, memes and social media. Tacos are a very unpolarizing food that generally please a large crowd.

So, to be able to season tacos well (or any derivatives like taco soup, or Frito taco salad) has become important. In our ever search to make things simple, many brands have come out with single serving taco seasoning packets that you can pour into your meat mixture.

The problem is, by letting large companies make these packets, that often sit on shelves for who knows how long, they have started adding starches and preservatives that you don’t have to eat if you make it from your own pantry.

Unfortunately, some even have wheat which is not OK for those with a wheat allergy, Celiac or Coeliac disease. Many people with a variety of health conditions avoid wheat or just prefer that gluten-free lifestyle. 

So, while Mexican can be gluten-friendly with corn shells, this really goes to show that you cannot assume because it’s “just a spice packet” that it is safe to eat. Many, including those who follow Paleo or Keto, avoid grains as well–and some store bought varieties also have things like corn starch or corn flour. 

The oddest ingredient I found in my research was green tea extract (that goes to Ortega). So, the easiest thing to do is to make your own so you can be absolutely sure that it’s gluten-free and safe.

The Extra Stuff That’s In Store Bought Taco Seasoning

I’ve looked up the top brands of taco seasoning packets. I listed anything in the packets other than the actual SPICES, so you can decide for yourself if you want their additives. I was shocked to also find milk in several taco seasoning packets.

• Kroger’s: Maltodextrin, corn starch, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, and less than 2% of silicon dioxide
• McCormick Original Taco: corn starch
• Happy Belly Taco Seasoning Mix: Maltodextrain, Cornstarch, Yeast Extract, Silicon Dioxide, Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate
• Signature Selects (Albertson’s brand): potato starch and citric acid
• Old El Paso: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Vegetable Oil (High Oleic Canola and/or Soybean Oil), Silicon Dioxide, Modified Corn Starch
• Taco Bell Original Seasoning: Wheat Flour, Maltodextrin, Silicon Dioxide Yeast Extract, Soybean Oil, Malic Acid
• Lawry’s Taco Spice and Seasoning: Lactose ( Milk ), Enriched Wheat Flour, Cocoa Powder Processed , with : Alkali , Citric Acid
• Ortega Taco Seasoning: Yellow Corn Flour, Maltodextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide
• Great Value Taco Seasoning: Whey (milk), potato starch, citric acid

WHAT STORE BOUGHT TACO SEASONINGS ARE GLUTEN-FREE

I’m not saying you shouldn’t ever take short cuts. As people living with food allergies and diseases that cause us to eat differently, sometimes we need all the short cuts we can take. Whether it’s due to time constraints, not feeling well, or already have to do a lions’ share of cooking because we don’t have many options in take out and fast food, sometimes you want less measuring.

That said, when you can, I think it helps to think ahead and have homemade mixes on hand. Take the few extra minutes to measure out your own. It really only adds a minute or two to the recipe! 

If/when you do need a manufactured taco seasoning, be sure to read all labels carefully to ensure it works for your diet and specific needs.

Many Celiacs (Coeliacs, coeliac disease, celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, and gluten sensitive enteropathy) do not feel comfortable just because a label doesn’t specifically have a gluten containing grain, many prefer to have one that has the trusted icon: “certified gluten-free”. I was able to find these store bought packets with a gluten-free claim specifically:

• McCormick Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
• Pioneer Gluten Free Taco Seasoning
• Siete Taco Seasoning

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE NEEDED FOR GLUTEN FREE TACO SEASONING

The only thing you’ll need for this recipe is just spices, and they’re common, every day spices that you most likely already have in your pantry.

• Chili powder
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Garlic salt (regular is fine, but I like to use Lawry’s Garlic Salt with Ground Parsley)
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes, optional

You’ll notice I don’t call for paprika–and some do, but to me it’s a very bland spice that does nothing for the recipe. It’s a waste of time and is really more of a food coloring than anything. 

This taco seasoning is great on chicken, beef, pork and even vegetables. It’s wonderful for tacos, enchiladas, and any kind of dish that needs a southwestern/Mexican flare.

WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED?

You only need:

• small mixing bowl
• measuring spoons
• fork or whisk to stir it 
• Small mason jar with lid, or air tight container for storing

SHOULD I BUY LIGHT OR DARK CHILI POWDER?

I buy the type of chili powder that just says “chili powder” on the label. If the chili powder specifically calls out “dark” on the label, that means it’s made exclusively from ancho chilis, is sometimes roasted longer and has a deeper, spicier flavor. I find regular chili powder easier to find and because I’m feeding this to my whole family–including kids who can’t handle much spice–I do not use dark.

But, you can use either in this recipe, depending on your spice preference.

WHAT BRAND OF SPICES SHOULD I BUY?

I know when you’re first starting off reading labels, everything feels scary and you want to be told EXACTLY what to buy. In our case, we have been able to use all spices. I have yet to find a spice company that didn’t work for our diet.

Spices are usually just a single ingredient. Be sure to read the entire label though to check for cross contamination. Some people can handle cross contamination (we do) but many do not. Often times, those “manufactured in” or “made in a facility” statements are general terms, and if you’re dead set on using a spice that has one of those warnings (that are not regulated, and are optional to put) then I find it helpful to call the 1-800 number on the back and ask them to tell you more about why that warning is there. I also find it helpful to ask things like “is this XX made on it’s own line?” or “what type of cleaning procedures do you have in place between runs of different products?”. 

Due to the wide range of what people feel is “safe”, I won’t recommend certain brands and will leave you to use what you feel best using after your own due diligence.

WAYS TO ADJUST THE TACO SEASONING

If you want to make it a little bit sweeter, you can add 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar. If you want it hotter, you can use the option red pepper flakes, or even more so switch out regular chili powder for chipotle chili pepper powder.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS TACO SEASONING RECIPE MAKE?

I use this entire recipe for one batch of my Taco Soup. 

If I’m browning 1 pound of ground meat I’ll use 2-3 Tablespoons of the mix to use for tacos.

But honestly, you can use this according to taste.

Feel free to double or triple this for one and done for multiple recipes.

WHAT TYPE OF SALT SHOULD I USE?

I just use regular table salt. Great Value Iodized Salt to be exact. No need for fancy finishing salt when this is going in a blend. Use whatever brand you want, but do not use a larger crystal type. 

CAN I MAKE THIS SPICE BLEND AHEAD OF TIME?

You can make this ahead of time, and I recommend it. It’s so nice to have it sitting in your pantry so you don’t have to stop mid-recipe to make up this portion of it. I either keep it in a plastic container with a tight lid, or in a mason jar with a screw top lid–either way, it needs to be airtight and stored in a cool, dark place. If stored properly, it can last up to 6 months!

It’s also fun to make this for neighbors as Christmas gifts. Everyone gets so sick of sweet treats that time of year, and you can make an adorable print out that says: “Let’s TACO-bout Christmas” (get it …”taco=talk about”). Or, fill in something else instead of Christmas. Tie a little ribbon around the jar it’s in, and neighbors will be so grateful! And if they can’t use it right away, no worries since it lasts so long.

IS THIS RECIPE ALLERGY FRIENDLY?

Yes, this recipe is free of the top-9-allergens. It does not have: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame the way it is written. But of course, check EACH individual label to ensure.

This taco seasoning is also gluten-free, paleo and keto as well! 

Be sure to check out my Easy Chicken Fajita Marinade for another fun Mexican night.

DO I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO MAKE THIS?

This gluten-free taco seasoning recipe is so easy, you probably don’t need a video, but just in case I made one. No shame in making sure you’re doing it right. The video should auto populate, and if it doesn’t, it’s embedded in the bottom of the recipe card. If all else fails, you can watch it on my YouTube channel.

BE SURE TO PIN THIS, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. WHILE YOU’RE THERE, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER GLUTEN-FREE PINS.