Understanding Your Diet: Are Old El Paso Tortillas Gluten Free?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated two million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, requiring them to avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This makes understanding food labels essential for managing a gluten-free diet, and a common question for many is: Are Old El Paso tortillas gluten free? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific product.

Quick Summary

Old El Paso offers specific products, including corn-based and blended tortillas, that are explicitly labeled gluten-free, while their traditional flour tortillas contain wheat. Reading ingredient lists and looking for clear labeling is crucial for consumers following a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Not all Old El Paso tortillas are gluten-free: The company produces both gluten-free and wheat-based varieties, so reading the label is essential.
Look for the 'Gluten-Free' label: Only purchase products with a clear 'Gluten-Free' certification on the package to ensure they are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free versions use alternative flours: Old El Paso's gluten-free tortillas are made from ingredients like tapioca starch, corn masa flour, quinoa, and amaranth instead of wheat.
Old El Paso has a clear labeling policy: The company is transparent about its ingredients, and any gluten sources will be listed on the packaging.
Other Mexican products are available gluten-free: In addition to tortillas, Old El Paso also offers a range of gluten-free products, including taco shells and fajita kits.
Confirm ingredients every time: For those with severe sensitivities, it is always best to double-check the ingredient list on the package before purchasing, as formulations can occasionally change.
Corn tortillas are often gluten-free: Old El Paso's 100% white corn tortillas are explicitly gluten-free.

Navigating a Gluten-Free Diet with Old El Paso

For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, knowing which foods are safe to eat is a daily priority. Old El Paso is a well-known brand for Mexican-style food products, and many turn to their tortillas for taco nights and burritos. The key takeaway is that the company produces both gluten-free options and traditional products that contain wheat. This means consumers must be diligent in checking the packaging for specific labeling to ensure the product meets their dietary needs.

The Simple Answer: Check the Label

Old El Paso explicitly labels its gluten-free tortillas and other related products. For example, their 'White Corn Tortillas' and '6 Pack Gluten Free Tortilla' options are clearly marked as gluten-free. Conversely, products simply labeled 'Flour Tortillas' or 'Soft Flour Tortillas' will contain wheat and should be avoided by anyone on a gluten-free diet. This transparent labeling system is a commitment from the brand, as confirmed by their policy to disclose all gluten-containing ingredients.

What are Old El Paso’s Gluten-Free Tortillas Made Of?

To create soft and pliable wraps without wheat flour, Old El Paso uses a blend of alternative ingredients. Their gluten-free tortillas typically feature a base of tapioca starch and corn masa flour, along with other flours like quinoa and amaranth. Stabilizers such as glycerol and xanthan gum are also used to achieve the desired texture and flexibility. These carefully selected ingredients ensure that those avoiding gluten can still enjoy a satisfying, soft tortilla wrap.

Beyond Tortillas: Other Gluten-Free Old El Paso Products

Old El Paso offers more than just tortillas for a gluten-free feast. The company provides a variety of other labeled products for a complete Mexican-style meal. These include:

Gluten Free Fajita Kits: Complete with seasoning and gluten-free tortillas.
Gluten Free Taco Shells: Typically made from corn.
Tortilla Chips: Many of their corn-based chips are labeled gluten-free.
Gluten Free Seasoning Mixes: Spice mixes are often available in gluten-free versions.

A Look at Ingredients: Gluten-Free vs. Standard Flour Tortillas

To highlight the importance of reading labels, here is a comparison of key ingredients in Old El Paso's different tortilla types:


Feature	Old El Paso Gluten-Free Tortillas	Old El Paso Standard Flour Tortillas
Primary Flour	Tapioca Starch, Corn Masa Flour, Quinoa, Amaranth	Wheat Flour
Allergen Warning	Free From Gluten	Contains Wheat
Texture	Soft, flexible, and pliable	Soft and pillowy
Dietary Suitability	Suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity	Contains gluten and is not suitable for a gluten-free diet
Key Stabilizer	Xanthan Gum	Glycerol

Potential Cross-Contamination and Label Verification

For those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease, the risk of cross-contamination is a concern. While Old El Paso has a clear labeling policy, it is always wise to be cautious. The company's labeling is reliable, but reading the ingredient list every time is a good practice, especially if you have a high sensitivity. If a product is not explicitly labeled 'Gluten-Free,' do not assume it is safe, even if the ingredients appear to be gluten-free. Some ingredients, like maltodextrin, are sometimes derived from wheat but must be disclosed as such per regulations. However, Old El Paso's policy ensures any such derivatives are clearly marked.

Conclusion

In summary, while not all of the brand's tortilla products are safe for a gluten-free diet, Old El Paso has a dedicated line of explicitly labeled gluten-free tortillas and other Mexican-inspired foods. For consumers managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the brand makes it easy to identify safe options by clearly marking its products. Always check the packaging for the official 'Gluten-Free' designation to ensure you are selecting the correct item and can enjoy your meal without worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Old El Paso makes specific tortillas that are gluten-free, including versions made from white corn or a blend of tapioca, corn, and quinoa.

The packaging for gluten-free Old El Paso tortillas will be clearly labeled as 'Gluten-Free.' Always check for this designation, as their standard flour tortillas are not gluten-free.

The ingredients can vary slightly, but they typically include tapioca starch, water, white corn masa flour, quinoa flour, and amaranth flour.

No, traditional Old El Paso flour tortillas are not gluten-free as they are made with wheat flour and should be avoided by those on a gluten-free diet.

Yes, Old El Paso makes a line of crunchy white corn taco shells that are specifically labeled and confirmed as gluten-free.

Yes, Old El Paso offers a variety of other gluten-free products, including taco shells, certain seasoning mixes, and fajita kits. Look for the 'Gluten-Free' label on the packaging.

Yes, Old El Paso, a General Mills brand, has a transparent labeling policy and explicitly discloses any gluten-containing ingredients.

Old El Paso gluten-free tortillas are widely available in supermarkets, often alongside their other Mexican food products. Check your local store or online grocery retailer for availability.