Are Old El Paso Fajitas Healthy? A Nutritional Analysis

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research published by the BBC, over 50% of the energy intake in the UK comes from ultra-processed foods, raising questions about convenience meals like Old El Paso fajitas. When assessing if Old El Paso fajitas are healthy, it's essential to look beyond the convenience and examine the high sodium, processed ingredients, and overall nutritional profile. While they can be part of a balanced diet when consumed occasionally, their processed nature means a homemade alternative offers superior nutritional benefits.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Old El Paso fajita kits reveals high levels of sodium, processed ingredients like maltodextrin and flavor enhancers, and refined oils in the tortillas. While convenient, these kits offer fewer nutrients and fiber compared to versions made from fresh ingredients. Making fajitas at home allows for better control over ingredients and sodium content.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Old El Paso fajita kits contain a significant amount of sodium, primarily from the seasoning mix, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Ultra-Processed Ingredients: The kits include additives like maltodextrin, yeast extract, and refined oils, which are common in ultra-processed foods and offer minimal nutritional value.
Low Fiber: The tortillas in the kit are often made from refined flour, resulting in a low-fiber meal compared to whole-grain alternatives or fresh vegetables.
Homemade is Healthier: Making fajitas from fresh ingredients at home gives you control over sodium, additives, and overall nutritional content, resulting in a healthier, more flavorful meal.
Nutrient-Dense Alternatives: Healthier homemade fajitas can be created by using lean protein, whole-grain tortillas, and fresh vegetables rich in vitamins and fiber.
Convenience vs. Nutrition: While the kit offers quick convenience, the nutritional trade-offs make it a less healthy option than a homemade meal.

A Closer Look at the Old El Paso Fajita Kit

Old El Paso has long been a staple for quick, weeknight Mexican-inspired dinners. The kits offer convenience, packing tortillas, seasoning, and sometimes salsa into one box. But this convenience comes at a nutritional cost, primarily due to the processed nature of the ingredients. While the kit's base ingredients—lean protein, fresh peppers, and onions—can form a healthy meal, the pre-packaged components significantly alter the nutritional profile.

The Health Concerns with Processed Fajita Kits

High Sodium Content: The most significant drawback is the sodium. The seasoning mix, in particular, is a major contributor, with one UK version containing 19.5g of salt per 100g. Even when prepared, a single serving can contain a substantial portion of the daily recommended sodium intake. Excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other heart-related issues over time.

Processed Ingredients and Additives: The ingredients list for the seasoning mix often includes additives not typically found in a homemade kitchen. These can include:

Maltodextrin: A highly processed sugar that can cause blood sugar spikes.
Yeast Extract: A flavor enhancer high in free glutamates.
Silicon Dioxide: An anti-caking agent.
Refined Vegetable Oils: Used in the tortillas and can be high in saturated fats or potentially contain trace trans fats.

Refined Tortillas and Low Fiber: The soft flour tortillas included are typically made from refined white flour, offering minimal fiber. While Old El Paso has introduced some "Extra Thin" options, they still pale in comparison to whole-grain alternatives in terms of fiber and nutritional value.

Comparison: Old El Paso vs. Homemade Fajitas


Feature	Old El Paso Fajita Kit	Homemade Fajitas	Takeaway
Ingredients	Processed, pre-packaged items with additives and high salt content.	Fresh, whole ingredients like peppers, onions, and spices.	Control: Homemade offers complete control over ingredients, allowing for a cleaner, healthier meal.
Sodium	Extremely high, contributing a significant portion of daily intake.	Easily customizable, using less or no added salt.	Heart Health: Drastically lower sodium in homemade versions is better for cardiovascular health.
Fiber	Low, especially in the refined flour tortillas.	Higher, particularly with whole-grain tortillas and fresh veggies.	Digestion: Increased fiber in homemade fajitas supports digestive health and satiety.
Flavor	Can taste artificial or one-dimensional due to preservatives and enhancers.	More vibrant, authentic flavors from fresh spices and ingredients.	Quality: Homemade offers superior, fresher taste without artificial enhancers.
Prep Time	Very quick, often under 25 minutes.	Moderately quick, but takes longer than a kit to chop and season.	Convenience: Kits are faster, but the extra prep for homemade is worth the nutritional benefits.

How to Make Healthier Fajitas at Home

Creating a healthier fajita meal from scratch is simple and allows you to control the quality of your ingredients. Follow these steps for a more nutritious version:

Skip the Kit: Buy fresh vegetables, lean protein (chicken breast, shrimp, or lean beef), and separate tortillas.
Make Your Own Seasoning: A homemade seasoning blend can be prepared in minutes using chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne. This avoids the excess salt and additives.
Choose Whole-Grain Tortillas: Opt for whole-grain or corn tortillas for added fiber and nutrients. For a low-carb alternative, consider serving the filling in lettuce wraps.
Boost the Veggies: Load up on colorful bell peppers and onions, plus other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, to increase fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Smart Toppings: Use fresh, healthy toppings such as homemade salsa, sliced avocado, or a small amount of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat.

Conclusion

While Old El Paso fajita kits offer a convenient and quick meal solution, they are not the healthiest option available due to their high sodium content, processed ingredients, and low fiber. For individuals mindful of their health, making fajitas from scratch is a far more nutritious and flavorful choice. The extra effort of using fresh ingredients and preparing your own seasoning is a small price to pay for a meal free of unnecessary additives and excessive salt, delivering superior taste and nutritional value. Ultimately, how healthy your fajitas are depends entirely on the ingredients you choose and your overall dietary balance.

What's in Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning? (Example Ingredients)

Salt
Sugar
Maltodextrin
Spices (Chili Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder)
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Yeast Extract
Silicon Dioxide
Caramel Color

List of Healthy Fajita Swaps

Protein: Use lean chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu instead of fatty beef.
Tortillas: Choose whole wheat or corn tortillas for higher fiber.
Seasoning: Create your own blend to control sodium.
Oil: Use a healthier oil like olive or avocado oil in moderation.
Toppings: Garnish with fresh salsa, cilantro, and guacamole instead of cheese and sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Old El Paso fajitas are considered less healthy mainly because of the high sodium content in the seasoning mix and the presence of processed ingredients like maltodextrin and refined oils.

The sodium content can vary by kit, but some versions contain over 1000mg of sodium per half package of the prepared kit, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

You can make the kit healthier by focusing on the fresh ingredients, using less of the seasoning mix, and adding extra vegetables. However, to maximize health benefits, it's better to make fajitas from scratch.

Making fajitas at home allows you to control the amount of salt and additives, use whole-grain tortillas for more fiber, and choose healthier cooking oils.

The soft flour tortillas are typically made with refined flour and can contain processed ingredients. They are not as healthy as whole-grain or corn tortillas.

To reduce sodium, you can create your own seasoning blend with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and limit or avoid adding extra salt.

Restaurant fajitas can be a healthy option, as you can often control portions and toppings. However, both restaurant and kit versions can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so making them at home provides the most nutritional control.