Frederic Melton
Old El Paso is a company that offers a variety of Mexican-style food products and recipes. They have a range of gluten-free options, including crunchy corn-based tacos, gluten-free tortillas, and recipes like Mexican-inspired eggs, Mexi topped potatoes, and prawn and mango taco salad. However, it is important to carefully read the ingredient lists as some of their products do contain gluten. Their cheese sauces, for example, contain wheat and are not gluten-free. Additionally, while their salsa is generally considered gluten-free, there is a risk of cross-contamination as their products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods. Therefore, it is always a good idea to look for the certified gluten-free logo on the packaging and prioritize products made in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Is Old El Paso Cheese and Salsa Gluten-Free?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taco Seasoning | Gluten-free |
| Cheese Sauce | Not gluten-free |
| Enchilada Sauce | Mild enchilada sauce is gluten-free |
| Salsa | Most salsas are gluten-free |
| Tortillas | Corn tortillas are gluten-free |
| Taco Dinner Kits | Hard shell taco dinner kits are gluten-free |
| Refried Beans | Gluten-free |
| Spanish Rice | Not gluten-free |
| Fajita Seasoning | Gluten-free |
| Chili Lime Seasoning | Gluten-free |
| Recipes | Old El Paso offers several gluten-free recipes |
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What You'll Learn
Old El Paso's gluten-free products
Old El Paso offers a range of gluten-free products, which is great news for those who are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease. The company is transparent about its ingredients and clearly states any known allergens on its labels.
The following Old El Paso products are gluten-free:
- Mild salsa
- Hot salsa
- Thicker 'n chunky salsa
- Mild enchilada sauce
- Red chilli sauce
- Original taco seasoning
- Low-sodium taco seasoning
- Chili lime seasoning
- Fajita seasoning
- Hard shell taco dinner kits
- Corn tortillas
- Yellow corn taco shells
- Crunchy corn-based tacos
- Gluten-free tortillas
However, it is important to note that Old El Paso products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. The company cannot guarantee that traces of gluten will not be found in their otherwise gluten-free products. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the labels carefully and look for the certified gluten-free logo.
Old El Paso also provides recipes for gluten-free meals, such as Mexican-inspired eggs, Mexi-topped potatoes, and prawn and mango taco salad. These recipes use naturally gluten-free ingredients like corn, chicken or beef, onions, garlic, salsa, and avocado.
While most of their salsas and some of their sauces and seasonings are gluten-free, it is best to avoid Old El Paso's cheese sauces, as these contain wheat. Other products to avoid include soft taco flour tortillas, taco kits with tortillas, and Spanish rice, which contains wheat.
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Old El Paso's gluten-free recipes
Old El Paso offers a range of gluten-free Mexican-style products, including crunchy corn-based tacos and specially developed gluten-free tortillas. They have also created several gluten-free recipes, such as:
Mexican Inspired Eggs
This dish is a gluten-free take on the traditional Mexican breakfast of eggs and tortillas. The recipe includes corn tortillas, eggs, salsa, and other gluten-free toppings of your choice.
Mexi Topped Potatoes
A gluten-free twist on a classic Mexican dish, this recipe combines boiled or baked potatoes with salsa, cheese, and other gluten-free toppings, such as jalapeños or black beans.
Prawn and Mango Taco Salad
A refreshing and gluten-free option, this taco salad replaces the traditional tortilla shell with a base of lettuce or mixed greens. It is then topped with prawns, mango, corn, black beans, and a gluten-free dressing, such as a lime vinaigrette.
Gluten-Free Taco Casserole
A hearty and gluten-free option, this casserole combines ground beef, cheese, pinto beans, corn, and crushed gluten-free tortilla chips. The ingredients are layered and baked in the oven, creating a tasty and satisfying meal.
While Old El Paso offers these gluten-free options, it is important to note that their products may not be suitable for all gluten-free diets. Some individuals with celiac disease have reported reactions to certain Old El Paso products, such as their enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. Therefore, it is always important to carefully read the ingredient labels and make an informed decision based on your specific dietary needs.
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Old El Paso cheese sauces
Old El Paso is a company that offers a range of Mexican-style food products, including taco kits, tortillas, salsa, and cheese sauces. While the company does offer some gluten-free options, it is important to carefully read the ingredient lists and look for the certified gluten-free logo on the packaging.
Old El Paso's cheese sauces, in particular, are not gluten-free. They contain wheat and are therefore not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, there are alternative brands that offer gluten-free cheese sauces, such as Good Dee's, Enjoy Life, Daiya, and Violife. These brands provide dairy-free and gluten-free options, but it is still important to read the ingredient lists as some dairy-free varieties may contain wheat.
Old El Paso's other products also vary in their gluten content. Their crunchy corn-based tacos, gluten-free tortillas, mild enchilada sauce, red chili sauce, and some taco seasoning mixes are gluten-free. On the other hand, their Spanish rice, soft taco flour tortillas, taco dinner kits, and enchilada sauce are not gluten-free. It is worth noting that Old El Paso products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods, so there is a risk of cross-contamination even for products that do not directly contain gluten.
The company recommends asking them about any uncertain products before purchasing. They also suggest purchasing dedicated gluten-free kitchen tools and workspaces to prevent cross-contact at home. Vigilance in reading labels and following preparation steps is crucial to avoid gluten exposure.
While Old El Paso offers some gluten-free options, their cheese sauces are not among them. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should opt for alternative brands that provide gluten-free cheese sauce options. Additionally, due to the risk of cross-contamination, it is always advisable to carefully review the ingredients and look for the certified gluten-free logo when considering any Old El Paso product.
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Old El Paso's allergen declaration policy
Old El Paso is transparent with its ingredients and has a strict allergen declaration policy. The company, owned by General Mills, clearly declares all known allergens on its labels. This includes the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, which does not list gluten as an ingredient. The ingredients listed on the Old El Paso website are:
- Chili Pepper
- Maltodextrin
- Salt
- Onion Powder
- Spice
- Corn Starch
- Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt)
- Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Soybean and/or Sunflower Oil)
- Corn Flour
- Silicon Dioxide (Anti-caking Agent)
- Citric Acid
- Sugar
- Natural Flavor
The company states that if their products contain gluten, it will be listed clearly in the ingredient statement, and they do not hide any allergens under "natural flavors" or "spices." This policy pertains mainly to their Dry Seasoning mixes and some blends, such as their Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, which contains wheat gluten.
While Old El Paso Taco Seasoning does not contain gluten ingredients, the company does not list whether the product is safe from cross-contamination. Therefore, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must use their discretion before consuming this product. It is always important to read the labels and ingredient lists of food products to ensure they meet your dietary needs and allergen requirements.
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Old El Paso's taco seasoning
Old El Paso is a company that offers a range of Mexican-style food products, including taco seasoning, hard and soft taco kits, tortillas, salsas, and cheese sauces. The company is transparent about its ingredients and clearly declares known allergens on its labels.
However, it is important to note that Old El Paso products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. The company cannot guarantee that traces of gluten will not get into otherwise gluten-free products. Therefore, those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance may want to use alternative brands that are certified gluten-free or make their own taco seasoning at home.
Old El Paso offers a range of gluten-free recipes on its website, such as Mexican-inspired eggs, Mexi-topped potatoes, and prawn and mango taco salad. They also provide gluten-free tortillas and crunchy corn-based tacos.
When consuming any pre-made food products, it is always important to carefully read the ingredient lists and look for certified gluten-free logos to ensure they align with one's dietary needs and restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Old El Paso cheese sauces contain wheat and are not gluten-free.
Most Old El Paso salsas are gluten-free, including mild salsa, hot salsa, and thicker 'n chunky salsa.
Old El Paso's original, low-sodium, and chili-lime taco seasonings are gluten-free. However, their products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Yes, Old El Paso offers a range of gluten-free Mexican-style products, including crunchy corn-based tacos, gluten-free tortillas, and recipes like Mexican-inspired eggs, Mexi topped potatoes, and prawn and mango taco salad.
Here are some tips:
- Look for the certified gluten-free logo on the packaging.
- Check the ingredients list carefully every time you purchase a product.
- Stick to naturally gluten-free items like yellow corn taco shells, tortillas, and salsas.
- Avoid flour tortillas, seasoned rice, and cheese sauces, which contain gluten.
