What are the ingredients in Old El Paso seasoning?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

The Old El Paso brand was established in the United States in 1938 and has become a staple for Mexican-inspired dishes worldwide. For decades, many have relied on the convenience of their seasoning mixes, but few know the exact list of what are the ingredients in Old El Paso seasoning. This guide breaks down the typical components found in their popular taco mixes.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the core spices and flavorings, including maltodextrin, salt, chili pepper, corn starch, and onion, used in Old El Paso seasoning mixes across various product lines. Compare ingredient lists and learn how additives like silicon dioxide enhance shelf life.

Key Points

Core Spice Blend: The base flavor of Old El Paso seasoning comes from chili pepper, spices (including cumin and paprika), onion powder, and garlic powder.
Functional Additives: Ingredients like maltodextrin and corn starch are included for thickening, while silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent that prevents clumping.
Flavor Enhancers: Beyond the main spices, the seasoning contains salt, sugar, and natural flavorings to create a balanced, appealing taste profile.
Variations Exist: Ingredient lists differ among product varieties, with gluten-free versions often replacing corn-based ingredients with alternatives like rice flour.
Consider Alternatives: For a more natural version, a homemade seasoning mix is easy to create and allows for full control over ingredients and flavor intensity.
Dietary Information: While many versions do not contain gluten-containing ingredients, only explicitly labeled products should be trusted for strict gluten-free diets.
Homemade Copycat: A homemade version is typically made from a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano.

Core Ingredients in Old El Paso Seasoning

At the heart of the classic Old El Paso taco seasoning mix is a blend of familiar spices designed to deliver a consistent, mildly spicy flavor profile. The ingredients list often varies slightly depending on the market and specific product line (e.g., Original, Mild, Hot & Spicy, or Gluten-Free). For the widely available 'Original' taco seasoning, the primary components are a combination of spices, flavor enhancers, and anti-caking agents.

The Standard Spice Blend

The distinct taste of Old El Paso seasoning comes from a specific mix of powdered spices. The main ones typically include:

Chili Pepper: This is a foundational ingredient, providing the mild heat and classic flavor base for tacos. The type and amount can change depending on whether it's a mild or spicy variant.
Spice: A generic term used by the company to refer to a proprietary blend. This often includes cumin, a key flavor in many Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired dishes, as well as paprika and dried oregano, which add depth and aroma.
Onion Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic foundation, essential for the overall taste.
Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, savory depth that balances the other spices.

Flavor Enhancers and Thickeners

Beyond the basic spices, several other ingredients are crucial for texture, stability, and overall flavor. These are typical of many shelf-stable seasoning packets:

Maltodextrin: This is a food additive used as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer. It's a processed carbohydrate that helps distribute the spice mixture evenly.
Corn Starch: Another common thickening agent. When mixed with water and heated with the meat, it creates a thicker sauce that coats the filling.
Salt: Used to enhance all the other flavors. The specific type and amount can differ, with some versions using sea salt in addition to regular salt.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is typically added to balance the heat of the chili and other spices, contributing to the overall flavor profile.

Stabilizers and Additives

To ensure the seasoning mix remains free-flowing and has a long shelf life, certain additives are included:

Silicon Dioxide: This is an anti-caking agent that prevents the powders from clumping together, ensuring easy and even distribution.
Natural Flavor: This vague term is used for flavorings derived from natural sources to enhance the overall taste profile.
Vegetable Oil: A small amount of oil, such as canola, soybean, and/or sunflower oil, is used to prevent caking and improve consistency.

Comparison: Standard vs. Alternative Blends

Old El Paso offers various seasoning products, with ingredients shifting to accommodate different preferences and dietary needs. The most significant variations are seen in the mild, hot, and gluten-free versions. For example, some non-U.S. versions may include maize flour and citic acid.


Ingredient	Standard Taco Seasoning	Mild Taco Seasoning	Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning	Hot & Spicy Taco Seasoning
Chili Pepper	Primary spice	Present	Present	Primary spice, higher concentration
Salt	Present	Present	Present	May contain sea salt
Maltodextrin	Present	Present	Rice Flour replaces	Present
Corn Starch	Present	Present	Replaced with Rice Flour	Present
Sugar	Present	Present	Present	Present
Anticaking Agent	Silicon Dioxide	Silicon Dioxide	Silicon Dioxide	Silicon Dioxide
Oil	Canola/Soybean Oil	Canola/Soybean Oil	None listed	Canola/Soybean Oil

The Function of Key Additives

The additives in Old El Paso seasoning serve specific purposes beyond flavor. Maltodextrin, for instance, is a bulking agent that helps the powder to dissolve and thicken correctly, creating a sauce-like consistency when mixed with water and simmering meat. Corn starch performs a similar thickening function. Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is an FDA-approved food additive used to prevent the powder from caking or hardening due to moisture. While these ingredients are common in processed foods, they are something to consider for those aiming to reduce their intake of processed additives. For a simpler alternative, making a copycat recipe at home with just spices is a straightforward option that offers complete control over the ingredients.

Crafting Your Own Taco Seasoning

For those who prefer to avoid certain additives or control the spice levels, a homemade version is easy to create. You can replicate the core flavor profile with common kitchen staples, often with more robust and fresher results. A homemade version would typically contain:

Chili Powder: Provides the base flavor and color.
Cumin: The warm, earthy backbone of the seasoning.
Paprika: Adds sweetness and color.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Essential for the savory base notes.
Dried Oregano: Offers an herbal, earthy aroma.
Salt: To taste.
Black Pepper: For an added layer of spice.

For a hotter mix, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or for a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika. Combining these in a jar allows you to create your own blend, free of anti-caking agents and with the ability to customize to your family’s tastes. For precise measurements to mimic the store-bought flavor, refer to a copycat recipe like the one found on Whiskaffair, a resource for homemade spice blends.

Conclusion

Understanding what are the ingredients in Old El Paso seasoning reveals a formula built on a foundation of familiar spices, including chili pepper, onion, and cumin, supplemented with functional additives like maltodextrin, corn starch, and silicon dioxide. These additions ensure convenience and a consistent result but differ from homemade versions made purely from spices. Whether you choose the reliable packet or opt for a customizable homemade blend, knowing the components of the seasoning allows for a more informed culinary experience. Old El Paso provides a quick and dependable flavor for taco night, but crafting your own blend from fresh ingredients offers a different level of control and vibrancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main spice is chili pepper, which provides the base flavor and mild heat. It is combined with other spices like cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to create the distinctive taco flavor profile.

Standard Old El Paso taco seasoning does not explicitly list gluten-containing ingredients, but cross-contamination is a risk. For individuals with celiac disease, Old El Paso offers a dedicated gluten-free spice mix which is certified to be free of gluten.

Corn starch and maltodextrin are included as thickening agents and flavor enhancers. They help create a saucy consistency when the seasoning is cooked with meat and liquid, ensuring the flavor adheres well to the taco filling.

Silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent added to prevent the powdered seasoning from clumping and solidifying due to moisture. It is a common and FDA-approved food additive considered safe for consumption.

Yes, the ingredients can vary. For example, Hot & Spicy mixes will have a higher concentration of chili pepper, while Gluten-Free versions use alternatives like rice flour instead of corn-based ingredients.

Yes, a homemade version is easy to make and gives you full control over the ingredients. A standard copycat recipe uses a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Old El Paso is known for its balanced, traditional flavor that defined the Americanized taco for many. While other brands like McCormick or Ortega have similar spice blends, they use different additives and flavorings, resulting in subtle taste differences.