Andy Montoya
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are a convenient snack option, but are they gluten-free? Taquitos, or small tacos, are typically deep-fried rolled mini tacos. While Trader Joe's taquitos have been described as bland and dry, they can be improved with dips and sauces. They are high in carbs and low in protein, with 13 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of protein per taquito. So, are they gluten-free? Based on the listed ingredients, which include corn tortillas, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, it seems that these taquitos are indeed gluten-free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Lactose-free | No |
| Lupin-free | Yes |
| Milk-free | No |
| Nightshades-free | No |
| Oat-free | Yes |
| Peanut-free | Yes |
| Serving size | 2-4 taquitos |
| Calories | 310 per serving |
| Sodium | 180 mg per serving |
| Protein | 2.5 grams per taquito |
| Carbohydrates | 13 grams per taquito |
| Taste | Bland, dry, lacking in cheese flavor |
| Preparation | Microwave, stovetop, or oven |
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What You'll Learn
- The product is gluten-free, but not lactose-free
- The taquitos are made with corn tortillas, beans, cheese, and spices
- They are dry and bland, improved by dips like salsa or sour cream
- The oven-baked version is tastier than the microwaved one
- They are not filling, with only 2.5 grams of protein per taquito
The product is gluten-free, but not lactose-free
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are a convenient snack option, and they are indeed gluten-free. This is because the taquitos are made with corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, and the other ingredients listed on the label do not contain gluten.
However, it's important to note that these taquitos are not lactose-free. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and the taquitos contain several milk-derived ingredients, including Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese is made with pasteurized milk and cheese cultures, and it adds a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the taquitos.
While the taquitos are gluten-free, they may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or those avoiding milk products for other reasons. Lactose intolerance is a common condition where the body has difficulty digesting lactose, and it can cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
Additionally, the taquitos contain other ingredients that are worth noting. They are not suitable for those avoiding soy, as they contain soybean oil and, possibly, other soy-derived ingredients. They also contain nightshades, which some people may need to avoid for health or personal reasons.
In conclusion, while Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are a gluten-free option, they are not lactose-free. It is always important to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition information before consuming any packaged food, especially for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
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The taquitos are made with corn tortillas, beans, cheese, and spices
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are gluten-free, oven-baked snacks. They are made with corn tortillas, beans, cheese, and spices and are best served with dips like salsa, sour cream, or queso. The corn tortillas are made with water, white corn flour, and a trace of lime. The black beans are cooked with water, onions, salt, and garlic powder. The taquitos also contain Monterey Jack cheese, onions, white mushrooms, soybean oil, cornstarch, and jalapeno peppers in brine.
While the taquitos are gluten-free, they are not lactose-free or milk-free. They contain pasteurized milk and cheese cultures. The taquitos are also not suitable for those avoiding corn, as they contain corn tortillas, cornstarch, and possibly corn derivatives in other ingredients.
The taquitos can be cooked in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. It is recommended to heat them for about a minute in the microwave, flipping them halfway through. Baking them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes yields better results, with a crispier texture.
One serving of Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos contains four taquitos, providing 310 calories, including 100 calories from fat. Each taquito has approximately 77.5 calories. The sodium level per serving is 180 mg, which is considered low for frozen food. While convenient and tasty when paired with dips, these taquitos are not very filling due to their low protein content (2.5 grams per taquito) and high carbohydrate content (13 grams per taquito).
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They are dry and bland, improved by dips like salsa or sour cream
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are gluten-free, according to the product's label and the ingredients listed on the website. They are made with corn tortillas, which are typically gluten-free, and there are no gluten-containing ingredients listed.
Now, onto the taste. The handcrafted bean and cheese taquitos have received mixed reviews. While they are convenient and quick to prepare, they are reportedly dry and bland. Some reviewers have suggested that they are improved by dips such as salsa, sour cream, or queso, and are best enjoyed as a snack or side dish rather than a full meal.
One review noted that the oven-baked version was tastier than the microwaved option, but still lacked flavour. The Monterey Jack cheese was barely detectable, and the only prominent flavours were the tortillas and black beans. The taquitos also fell short in terms of texture, with the microwaved version turning out soggy.
Another review concurred that the taquitos were bland and recommended pairing them with something else, preferably a dip. The sodium level was also surprisingly low for a frozen food, at 180 mg per serving.
Trader Joe's has made changes to the product since its initial launch, including a packaging redesign and portion size adjustments. Hopefully, they have also added some "zing" to the flavour, as one reviewer noted they had hoped.
Overall, while these taquitos are a convenient option for those seeking a quick, gluten-free snack, they may require some flavour enhancements to make them truly enjoyable.
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The oven-baked version is tastier than the microwaved one
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos are a convenient snack option, especially for those who are gluten-intolerant. While they can be prepared in a microwave, oven, or on a stovetop, baking them in the oven is the best way to go for a tasty treat.
The microwave method might be quick, but it often leaves the taquitos a little cold, soggy, and weirdly textured. To avoid this, it's worth taking the extra time to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, line up your desired number of taquitos on a cookie sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
To make the most of these taquitos, serve them with a dip or a rich queso on the side. Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole can all add the extra something that these taquitos are missing. While they may not be the most impressive snack on their own, with a few simple additions, they can become a tasty treat.
So, if you're looking to enjoy some Trader Joe's Handcrafted Black Bean and Cheese Taquitos, go for the oven-baked option and don't forget to add some delicious dips on the side!
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They are not filling, with only 2.5 grams of protein per taquito
Trader Joe's Handcrafted Bean and Cheese Taquitos are gluten-free, according to the product's label and several reviews. However, they are not filling, with only 2.5 grams of protein per taquito.
While the taquitos are a convenient and quick snack option, they may not be satisfying due to their low protein content. Each taquito contains just 2.5 grams of protein, which is likely why consumers find that they don't feel full or satiated after eating them.
The taquitos are made with corn tortillas, cooked black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, among other ingredients. While they can be prepared in a microwave, stovetop, or oven, the oven-baked version is recommended for better flavour and texture.
The product has received mixed reviews, with some finding them bland and in need of a dip or salsa to enhance the flavour. The serving size is listed as four taquitos, which is reasonable as a snack or side dish. However, due to the low protein content, consumers seeking a filling meal may need to pair the taquitos with other protein-rich foods or choose a different option altogether.
The low protein content of the taquitos may be a concern for those looking for a more nutritious and satisfying option. While the taquitos are gluten-free and convenient, they may not be the best choice for those wanting a substantial and healthy meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Trader Joe's handcrafted bean and cheese taquitos are gluten-free. There are no gluten ingredients listed on the label.
The ingredients in Trader Joe's handcrafted bean and cheese taquitos are: white corn tortilla (water, white corn flour, trace of lime), cooked black beans (water, black beans, onions, salt, garlic powder), Monterey Jack cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme), onions, white mushrooms, soybean/canola oil, cornstarch, jalapeno peppers in brine (jalapeno peppers, water, salt, citric acid [acidifier], calcium chloride), garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, and salt.
There are 310 calories in one serving of Trader Joe's handcrafted bean and cheese taquitos, which is equivalent to 77.5 calories per taquito.
Reviews are mixed. Some people find them bland, dry, and not very filling. Others recommend pairing them with salsa, sour cream, or queso to enhance the flavor.
Trader Joe's handcrafted bean and cheese taquitos can be cooked in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat two taquitos for 30 seconds to one minute and 30 seconds, flipping halfway through. For the oven, preheat to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
