This post was originally published in February 2024. It was updated with new photos and instructions in April 2025.
What Is Taco Seasoning Mix Made Of?
Taco seasoning mixes vary slightly from one brand to another, but most contain a few common ingredients. Some of the most traditional taco seasoning spices include:
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Is Taco Seasoning Gluten-Free?
It depends. Not all taco seasoning is gluten-free, since some brands add wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. It’s best to read the ingredients list and look for a “gluten-free” label on the package.
You also might like these articles on is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? and is soy sauce gluten-free?
Which Brands of Taco Seasoning Are Gluten-Free?
It can be tricky to know which taco seasonings contain gluten, and which do not. Some taco seasonings are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, but have the chance of cross-contamination with gluten in the manufacturing process.
If you have an extreme gluten allergy, it’s best to only buy taco seasoning that has a gluten-free label. Or, you can make your own!
Here are some brands that make gluten free taco seasoning:
- McCormick Taco Seasoning (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix Original (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Ortega (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning (not certified gluten-free but no gluten-containing ingredients)
- Durkee Taco Seasoning
- Pioneer Taco Seasoning
- Spice Island Taco Seasoning
- Thrive Market Taco Seasoning
How Much Taco Seasoning for 1 Pound of Meat?
As a general rule of thumb, use one taco seasoning packet or 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for one pound of ground meat.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe
If your family is anything like ours, gluten-free tacos are on a steady rotation for weeknight dinners. They’re easy, delicious, and everyone loves them.
Another perk: making your own gluten-free taco seasoning is super simple, tastes better, and skips the unnecessary additives.
Keep a homemade spice mix on hand and you’ll always be ready for Taco Tuesday!
You also might like these recipes for chicken fajitas, gluten-free enchiladas, slow-cooker pinto beans, gluten-free enchilada sauce and our favorite sweet pork tacos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are a few notes on some of the key ingredients to make this gluten-free taco seasoning. Jump to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Oregano + cayenne: Dried oregano works great for this recipe. A pinch of cayenne adds a tiny bit of heat (but not too much).
- Chili powder: Dried chili powder is the basis of all great taco seasoning. It gives it the Mexican flavor you know and love!
- Onion + garlic powder: These aromatics are essential to balancing the smoky flavor of the chili powder and paprika.
- Paprika: Paprika gives the taco seasoning warmth and flavor. Use smoked paprika for a stronger smoky flavor.
- Cumin: Dried cumin is a classic pairing with chili powder and garlic powder.
- Salt + pepper: Salt and pepper enhance the flavor of all other seasonings in the mix!
How to Make this Recipe
Here’s an overview of how to make this gluten-free taco seasoning. You can jump to the recipe for the full instructions!
- Mix spices. Combine all spices together.
- Use spice mix. Use your spice mix immediately, or store in an airtight container and use as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store your homemade gluten-free taco seasoning in a clean, dry, airtight container. (I use a Mason jar). Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
For best flavor, use it within one month. (But it can last up to 3–6 months with proper storage.)
Avoid refrigerating or freezing the mix, as moisture can lead to clumping or spoiling.
Taco Seasoning Tips
- I use one recipe of this seasoning per pound of ground beef or ground turkey. You could also use this to make chicken tacos or taco salad!
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled! Make a large batch and you’ll always have pre-made taco seasoning on hand for any Mexican dish.
Is McCormick regular taco seasoning gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. McCormick taco seasoning contains the following ingredients: Spices (Including Chili Pepper, Paprika, Oregano), Corn Starch, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
Is Ortega taco seasoning original gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. Ortega Taco seasoning contains the following ingredients: Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Rosemary and Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide.
Is the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix gluten-free?
While it is not labeled gluten-free, it is free from gluten-containing ingredients. Old El Paso taco includes the following ingredients: Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt). Contains 2% Or Less Of: Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Soybean And/Or Sunflower Oil), Corn Flour, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar, Natural Flavor.
Is Lawry’s taco seasoning gluten-free?
No, Lawry’s taco seasoning is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free. It contains the following ingredients: Spices (Including Paprika and Chili Peppers), Onion, Salt, Lactose (Milk), Sugar, Garlic, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Citric Acid, and Natural Flavor.
Who makes gluten-free taco mix?
Several brands make gluten-free taco seasoning mix, including Durkee,
Pioneer, Thrive Market, and Spice Island.
More Gluten-Free Basics
Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all spices together until well combined.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container and use as needed.
Thank you for this recipe!! Saved me as I didn’t have the “ store bought “ . I will definitely make this again !!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the taco seasoning recipe, Margaret! Thank you for your positive feedback!
This taco seasoning was so easy to make and was delicious! I will definitely be making this again!
We recently had to change our diet and so happy to find this gluten-free taco seasoning. Thank you for sharing.
Perfect!! This seasoning is adds so much flavor, it’s one of my go-to’s!! I always have it on hand!
Do you need to add water like you do with the packets?
Yes! I like to add 1/2 cup of liquid. My favorite is to use 1/2 cup of tomato sauce like this recipe: https://meaningfuleats.com/easy-gluten-free-tacos/
Wife and kids love it. Simple ingredients. Nice salt balance. Winner!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Looking forward to try your Taco Seasoning. Why buy packages when have all the spices in my cupboards. Thank you soo much.
I hope you enjoy it!
Love to make a large batch of this so I always have it on hand! It’s so much better than the store bought kind in packet. So easy to add to your meat to make tacos.
I love making a big batch of this, because I use it in so many recipes!! It’s one of my favorite seasonings!!
I never realized there’s a chance that seasoning blends could contain gluten, but that makes sense. I made this one for tacos last night and it was perfect! Way better than the store bought variety.
Is this mild enough for kids or should I lower the chilli powder amount?
It depends on what kind of chili powder you use! I use McCormick and it’s not too spicy at all!