Are any taco seasonings gluten-free? Here's what you need to know.

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 survey, 21% of US adults are trying to cut back on gluten. A common concern for those following a gluten-free diet is whether store-bought taco seasoning packets are safe, as the ingredients can vary significantly. The answer to "are any taco seasonings gluten-free?" is a definitive yes, but caution is required.

Quick Summary

Not all taco seasonings are gluten-free, but many brands offer certified or naturally gluten-free options. The risk lies in hidden gluten ingredients like wheat flour, fillers, and potential cross-contamination. Always read labels, look for a 'gluten-free' certification, and consider making a homemade mix to ensure safety.

Key Points

Check for Certification: Many store-bought taco seasonings contain ingredients that can hide gluten, so always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label to ensure safety, especially for celiac sufferers.
Homemade is Safest: Creating your own taco seasoning mix from scratch using pure spices is the most reliable way to avoid any risk of hidden gluten or cross-contamination.
Watch for Wheat Fillers: Some brands use wheat flour as a thickener or filler, which is a major source of gluten in seasoning packets.
Be Wary of 'Natural Flavors' and 'Yeast Extract': These ingredients can sometimes be derived from gluten-containing sources and may not be safe unless specified as gluten-free.
Understand Cross-Contamination: Even if ingredients are gluten-free, manufacturing in a shared facility can lead to contamination. Certified products offer the lowest risk.
Consider Alternative Thickeners: If a thicker sauce is desired with a homemade mix, use a gluten-free starch like cornstarch or tapioca starch instead of wheat flour.

Most naturally gluten-free taco seasonings are composed of simple spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic and onion powder. However, store-bought packets often contain additional ingredients that may harbor hidden gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, simply reading the ingredient list may not be enough, as the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing can be significant. Choosing products with a certified gluten-free label is the safest route. Alternatively, making your own taco seasoning at home is a simple and reliable way to guarantee a safe meal.

Hidden Sources of Gluten in Seasoning

For those managing a gluten-free diet, the most common hidden gluten culprits in taco seasoning are thickening agents and flavor enhancers. Wheat flour is sometimes used as a cheap filler or anti-caking agent, and modified corn starch can sometimes be derived from wheat, though this is less common in the US. Natural flavors or yeast extract, if sourced from gluten-containing grains, can also be problematic.

Thickeners: Some manufacturers add wheat-based thickeners to improve the texture of the finished taco meat. Always check for 'wheat flour' or similar language in the ingredients list.
Flavoring: Yeast extract and 'natural flavors' can sometimes be derived from sources that contain gluten. Reputable brands will specify if they are gluten-free.
Anti-caking agents: While less likely, cross-contamination can occur if anti-caking agents are processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Certified vs. Unlabeled Gluten-Free Options

Many brands do not contain gluten-based ingredients but lack official certification. For those with low sensitivity, these might be acceptable, but for celiac patients, certified products are the only truly safe choice. Here's what to know about some common brands:

McCormick Taco Seasoning: This brand states that their regular seasoning does not contain gluten-based ingredients, but it is not certified gluten-free. They do, however, offer a distinct product labeled 'Certified Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix' for complete assurance.
Old El Paso: Similar to McCormick, some of their standard taco seasoning mixes are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but certification status varies by product and region. Always check for specific 'gluten-free' labels on the packaging.
Siete Family Foods: This brand specializes in grain-free and gluten-free products and is a reliable choice for those with sensitivities.

How to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Making homemade taco seasoning is surprisingly easy and offers total control over ingredients. The process takes less than 5 minutes and is a great way to avoid fillers and additives.

Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Adjust for taste: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Store: Transfer the mix to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place. A double or triple batch can be made easily to have on hand.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Taco Seasoning


Feature	Store-Bought (Certified GF)	Homemade (DIY)
Cost	Can be more expensive per serving	Typically much cheaper
Control	Limited to brand formulation	Complete control over ingredients and flavor profile
Convenience	Grab-and-go packet	Requires mixing, but bulk prep is possible
Ingredient Purity	Certified free of gluten, but may contain other additives	100% control, no hidden fillers or additives
Contamination Risk	Extremely low with certified products, but not zero	Zero risk if using certified gluten-free spices

Making a Safe Choice

Whether you choose a certified store-bought blend or opt for a homemade mix, vigilance is key to a gluten-free lifestyle. Checking labels for certification and understanding potential risks from fillers and cross-contamination are critical steps. For those with celiac disease, certified products or a DIY blend are highly recommended to ensure a delicious and safe taco night. The added benefit of homemade seasoning is the ability to customize the flavor, salt, and spice levels exactly to your liking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while many taco seasonings do contain gluten-free ingredients, the risk of hidden gluten, undisclosed thickening agents, or cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities is a serious consideration. Yes, there are gluten-free taco seasonings, but finding a certified gluten-free brand or preparing your own homemade mix is the best way to ensure safety for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Always prioritize reading labels and looking for official certifications to enjoy a worry-free taco night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Several brands offer certified gluten-free taco seasoning, including McCormick (look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' labeled version), Siete Family Foods, Thrive Market, and Pioneer.

For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, relying on 'no gluten ingredients' is risky due to the potential for cross-contamination in manufacturing. Certified products are always the safest option.

The most common reason is the use of wheat flour as a cheap thickener or filler. Other potential sources include flavorings like malt-derived yeast extract.

A simple and delicious mix can be made by combining chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Many easy recipes are available online.

To get a thicker consistency without using wheat flour, you can add a gluten-free starch like cornstarch or tapioca starch mixed with a little water after browning the meat.

Pure, individual spices are naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination is a risk. For maximum safety, purchase spices from brands that are certified gluten-free or are known for strict allergen controls.

In the US, modified corn starch is typically gluten-free unless specifically made from wheat, which must be declared on the label. However, it's always safest to verify with the label or choose certified products.