Understanding Your Nutrition Diet: Does El Monterey Taquitos have gluten?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Enriched wheat flour is a common ingredient in many processed foods, and unfortunately, it is present in most El Monterey taquito varieties, meaning they are not gluten-free. For those following a strict Nutrition Diet that avoids gluten due to allergies or sensitivity, it's crucial to understand why and seek certified alternatives.

Quick Summary

El Monterey taquitos are not suitable for a gluten-free diet because they contain wheat flour in their ingredients and are manufactured with gluten-containing products. Careful label reading is necessary, and certified gluten-free alternatives from other brands are readily available for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

El Monterey Taquitos contain gluten: The vast majority of El Monterey taquito products are made with enriched wheat flour and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Check ingredients for wheat: Even varieties that appear to be made with corn tortillas may contain wheat-based ingredients or be susceptible to cross-contamination.
Celiac disease requires strict avoidance: Individuals with celiac disease must avoid all El Monterey taquitos, as even trace amounts of gluten can cause an autoimmune reaction.
Seek certified gluten-free brands: Look for products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal to ensure they are safe from gluten and processed in dedicated facilities.
Delimex offers a gluten-free alternative: The brand Delimex explicitly labels some of its corn taquito varieties as gluten-free, providing a safer option for consumers.
Homemade taquitos are a safe option: For complete control over ingredients and preparation, making taquitos at home using certified gluten-free corn tortillas is the safest choice.

Why El Monterey Taquitos Are Not Gluten-Free

For anyone adhering to a gluten-free diet, checking ingredient lists is a non-negotiable step. When examining the ingredient panels for most El Monterey taquitos, including popular varieties like Chicken & Cheese and Southwest Chicken, the presence of enriched wheat flour is clearly listed. In fact, many varieties also specifically list 'wheat gluten' as an ingredient used in dough conditioners, further confirming they are not safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and a hybrid called triticale. It acts as a binder, giving food its shape and texture, which is why it's a staple in flour-based products like tortillas. For the estimated 1% of the population with celiac disease, consuming even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. Additionally, those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience unpleasant symptoms like bloating and headaches after eating gluten. For these individuals, the convenience of a frozen snack must be weighed against significant health consequences.

The Role of Tortilla Type

While some traditional taquitos are made with corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, this does not guarantee that a pre-packaged product is safe. The El Monterey brand offers flour-based taquitos that are explicitly not gluten-free. Even for their corn-based varieties, concerns about cross-contamination are a major factor. If corn tortillas are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as wheat products, they are no longer safe for those with celiac disease. Some forum discussions among celiac patients even suggest that the ingredient lists or manufacturing practices for certain El Monterey corn taquitos may have changed over time, removing previous 'gluten-free' status. This underscores the importance of trusting only products with verified 'Certified Gluten-Free' labeling.

Finding Safe, Gluten-Free Alternatives

Fortunately, there are many explicitly labeled gluten-free taquitos and frozen Mexican food alternatives on the market. Manufacturers who specialize in gluten-free products or clearly label their corn-based options provide a safer choice for consumers. Brands like Delimex are known to offer beef corn taquitos that are explicitly labeled gluten-free, using corn masa flour instead of wheat. Always scrutinize the packaging to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal, which indicates third-party verification that the product meets strict standards.

Comparison: El Monterey vs. Certified Gluten-Free Taquitos

To make the right choice for your dietary needs, a side-by-side comparison of a standard El Monterey product with a certified gluten-free alternative can be helpful.


Feature	El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos	Delimex Beef Gluten Free Corn Taquitos
Tortilla Type	Enriched Wheat Flour	Corn Tortilla (Corn Masa Flour)
Gluten Status	Not Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free
Celiac Safe	No (Contains wheat)	Yes (Look for GF certification)
Key Allergen	Wheat, Soy, Milk	Soy (Check specific variety)
Processing Risk	High cross-contamination risk	Low risk if certified, but always verify

Steps for Adopting a Gluten-Free Diet with Frozen Foods

Navigating the frozen food aisle on a gluten-free diet requires a new mindset. Here are some actionable steps:

Read All Labels Carefully: The ingredient list is your most important tool. Do not assume any frozen Mexican food is gluten-free. Scan for wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Pay attention to warnings about shared facilities.
Look for Certification Seals: A 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is the gold standard for safety.
Search for Dedicated Brands: Explore brands that specialize in gluten-free products, such as Feel Good Foods or dedicated store brands, like some Trader Joe's items.
Consider Homemade: Making your own taquitos with corn tortillas and fresh ingredients is the most controlled method. This avoids any cross-contamination risks and allows for complete customization.
Check Online Resources: Use online apps or forums, like those on Celiac.com or Reddit, to find up-to-date information on products and brand policies.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

In conclusion, El Monterey taquitos are not a gluten-free product and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy. The presence of enriched wheat flour and potential cross-contamination risks make them unsafe options. Fortunately, the market for gluten-free frozen foods has expanded significantly, with safe and delicious alternatives readily available from other brands like Delimex. By carefully reading labels, seeking certification seals, and considering trusted alternatives, you can enjoy tasty frozen Mexican snacks without compromising your health or dietary restrictions.

Sources

Delimex Beef Gluten Free Corn Taquitos: Official Product Page
Celiac Disease Foundation: What is Gluten?
El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos: Ingredient List on Foodisgood.com
Spoonful App: El Monterey Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dietary Profile
El Monterey® Extra Crunchy Southwest Chicken Frozen Taquitos: Product Details

These resources provide solid evidence for the gluten-containing nature of El Monterey taquitos and point to credible alternatives for a healthier, safer nutrition diet. You can learn more about gluten and its effects from authoritative sources like Johns Hopkins Medicine(https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-is-gluten-and-what-does-it-do).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, nearly all, if not all, of the El Monterey taquito varieties are not gluten-free. Ingredient lists often specify 'enriched wheat flour' and other wheat-based components, making them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

No, if you have a gluten sensitivity, you should avoid El Monterey taquitos. The products contain significant amounts of wheat, which is the source of gluten, and will likely trigger symptoms.

Even if a product lists corn tortillas, it may still contain gluten if other ingredients, such as dough conditioners or seasonings, are wheat-based. Additionally, there is a high risk of cross-contamination from processing in the same facility as wheat products.

The brand Delimex is known to offer beef corn taquitos that are explicitly labeled gluten-free. You can also find other certified gluten-free options from brands like Feel Good Foods or at specialty stores.

The most reliable method is to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal on the packaging. This indicates that the product has been verified by a third party to meet strict gluten-free standards and manufacturing practices.

No specific El Monterey taquito is known to be reliably gluten-free. Given the company's use of wheat flour in their products and the risk of cross-contamination, it is best to avoid the brand entirely if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Most El Monterey products, including burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas, are made with flour tortillas and contain wheat. It's safest to assume all El Monterey items are unsafe and always check ingredient labels for potential gluten.