The Siete Ingredient Philosophy: Clean and Simple
Siete Family Foods was born out of a desire for cleaner, healthier food options following a family member's diagnosis with multiple autoimmune conditions. The company’s core philosophy revolves around creating heritage-inspired Mexican-American foods using intentionally selected, minimally processed, and grain-free ingredients. This focus on ingredient quality and dietary inclusivity is what sets Siete apart and makes their products suitable for people with various food sensitivities or preferences, including those following paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets.
At the heart of many Siete products are alternative flours and healthy oils, replacing the corn and wheat found in traditional Mexican food staples. Instead of industrial-grade oils, they prioritize high-quality fats like avocado oil, known for its healthy monounsaturated fat content. The company is also certified non-GMO, and while most products are not organic, some lines, like their refried beans and new corn tortilla chips, do use organic ingredients.
Key Ingredients Across Siete's Product Lines
The ingredient list for Siete products is surprisingly short and transparent, with a focus on whole food-based items. Here is a breakdown of common ingredients found in their popular product categories:
- Grain-Free Flours: Cassava, almond, and chickpea flours are the primary bases for their tortillas, chips, and taco shells.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado oil is a staple across many Siete chips and some tortillas, prized for its mild flavor and health benefits. Coconut oil and olive oil are also used in various products.
- Natural Thickeners: Xanthan gum and guar gum are plant-based thickeners used to provide pliability and texture to the grain-free tortillas.
- Flavor and Seasoning: Sea salt, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, and various spice powders (tomato, garlic, onion, jalapeno) are used to create the distinct and delicious flavors in their chips and sauces.
- Nutrient-Dense Additions: Chia seeds are a common ingredient in many chips, adding a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Grain-Free Tortillas
Siete offers a variety of grain-free tortillas, each with a unique base flour:
- Cassava Flour Tortillas: Ingredients include cassava flour, water, coconut flour, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and xanthan gum.
- Almond Flour Tortillas: Made from almond flour, tapioca starch, water, sea salt, and xanthan gum.
- Chickpea Flour Tortillas: These contain water, chickpea flour, cassava flour, tapioca starch, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and guar gum.
Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
The ingredient profiles for Siete's tortilla chips are also straightforward:
- Sea Salt Chips: Composed of a cassava blend (cassava flour, cassava starch), avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seed, and sea salt.
- Nacho Chips: In addition to the cassava blend, avocado oil, coconut flour, and chia seed, these include nutritional yeast, tomato powder, sea salt, citric acid, garlic powder, onion powder, and various chili powders for flavor.
- Lime Chips: Features the cassava blend, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seed, sea salt, citric acid, and lime oil.
Siete vs. Conventional Snack Ingredients
To better understand Siete's appeal, comparing their ingredients to those in conventional, grain-based snacks is insightful. This comparison highlights the intentional substitutions Siete makes for dietary inclusivity and nutritional focus.
| Feature | Siete Foods (Grain-Free) | Conventional Brands (Grain-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Flour | Cassava, Almond, Chickpea | Corn, Wheat |
| Cooking Oil | Avocado oil | Industrial seed oils (e.g., canola, soybean) |
| Fat Profile | Higher in monounsaturated fats (from avocado/olive oil) | Often higher in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids |
| Preservatives | None; uses natural preservatives like berry and oregano extracts. | Often contains artificial preservatives to extend shelf life. |
| Additives | Uses whole foods and natural spices; avoids artificial flavors. | Can include artificial flavors and colors. |
| Dietary Suitability | Suitable for grain-free, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan diets. | May not be suitable for those with grain or gluten sensitivities. |
| Nutrient Boost | Includes nutrient-dense additions like chia seeds. | Lacks additional whole food nutrient benefits. |
The Takeaway: Thoughtfully Chosen Ingredients for Better Nutrition
The driving force behind Siete Foods is a commitment to using high-quality, whole-food ingredients that are accessible to a wider range of people with dietary restrictions or health goals. By replacing common allergens and processed fillers with nutrient-dense alternatives like cassava, almond, and chickpea flours, and using healthy fats like avocado oil, they offer a cleaner, more nourishing option. The company's origin story reinforces this mission, demonstrating that delicious, satisfying food can be made with carefully chosen ingredients for the benefit of everyone around the table. Their success shows that consumers increasingly value ingredient transparency and clean-label products, prioritizing what goes into their food for improved nutritional outcomes.
For more information on Siete's product range and food philosophy, you can visit their website.
Potential Nutritional Benefits of Siete's Ingredients
Many of Siete's ingredients offer specific health benefits. Cassava, for instance, is a root vegetable and a source of prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help improve cholesterol levels. Almond flour provides a source of protein and healthy fats, while chickpea flour is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. These thoughtfully chosen ingredients contribute to a more balanced and nourishing diet, even when enjoying a simple snack.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Siete Foods reveals a transparent and health-conscious approach to food production. By focusing on whole, grain-free alternatives and clean, natural fats and seasonings, Siete has carved out a niche in the market for those with dietary sensitivities and anyone prioritizing healthier eating. Their products demonstrate that it is possible to create delicious, satisfying, and culturally-inspired foods without relying on common allergens or highly processed ingredients. The company's commitment to quality and simple, real food ingredients is a testament to the growing demand for more nourishing and accessible options.
