Quick Answer
Most Herdez salsas are gluten-free, but some varieties contain wheat and are not suitable for gluten-free diets. Herdez does make some certified gluten-free salsas that are labeled “gluten-free” on the packaging.
In-Depth Answer
Herdez is a popular brand of Mexican salsas, sauces, and condiments owned by MegaMex Foods. They offer a wide variety of salsas in different flavors and heat levels.
When it comes to gluten, most Herdez salsas are formulated to be gluten-free. However, some varieties do contain wheat ingredients and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Here is a more detailed look at whether common Herdez salsa varieties are gluten-free or not:
Herdez Salsa Varieties That Are Gluten-Free
- Herdez Guacamole Salsa
- Herdez Salsa Verde
- Herdez Taqueria Style Salsa
- Herdez Salsa Casera Mild
- Herdez Salsa Casera Medium
- Herdez Roasted Garlic Salsa
- Herdez Salsa Verde Tomatillo
The above Herdez salsa varieties do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients. They are naturally gluten-free based on their ingredients.
Herdez Salsas Certified Gluten-Free
In addition to their regular gluten-free salsas, Herdez also makes some varieties that are certified gluten-free:
- Herdez Salsa Casera Mild gluten-free
- Herdez Salsa Casera Medium gluten-free
- Herdez Guacamole Salsa gluten-free
These certified gluten-free options have been tested to contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. They have been verified as gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
The certified gluten-free varieties will be labeled with the GFCO logo on the packaging:
| Salsa Variety | Gluten-Free Certified? |
|---|---|
| Herdez Salsa Casera Mild | No |
| Herdez Salsa Casera Mild gluten-free | Yes |
| Herdez Guacamole Salsa | No |
| Herdez Guacamole Salsa gluten-free | Yes |
So if you see a “gluten-free” label on the Herdez salsa, it has been certified gluten-free.
Herdez Salsas That Contain Gluten
While most Herdez salsas are naturally gluten-free, some varieties do contain gluten:
- Herdez Salsa Picante
- Herdez XXTRA Hot Buffalo Style
- Herdez Smoky Chipotle Salsa
These salsas contain wheat ingredients, likely in the form of a wheat thickener. So they are not gluten-free.
It’s important to read the ingredients label and look for wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients if gluten is a concern. Don’t assume a Herdez salsa is gluten-free based on the variety alone. Check each container’s ingredient list.
Cross-Contamination Risk
Even Herdez’s gluten-free salsas could potentially have trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. The facilities that make Herdez salsas also produce wheat-based salsas on shared equipment.
However, Herdez does state that separate equipment is used to make the certified gluten-free varieties. And that they follow all FDA regulations for gluten-free verification including thorough equipment cleaning protocols and product testing.
So the risk of gluten cross-contamination in the certified products is considered to be low. But it’s not zero risk. Very sensitive celiacs may still want to use caution.
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet with Herdez Salsas
Here are some tips for choosing gluten-free Herdez salsa varieties if you need to avoid gluten:
- Look for the certified gluten-free Herdez salsas that are labeled “gluten-free”. These have been third-party tested.
- Stick to the main naturally gluten-free varieties like Herdez Guacamole Salsa and Herdez Salsa Verde.
- Avoid salsas with “XXTRA” or “Smoky Chipotle” in the name as these likely contain wheat.
- Read all ingredient lists carefully before purchasing.
- Know that some manufacturing cross-contact is possible even in the gluten-free varieties.
- Contact Herdez directly if you have any questions about their products and gluten.
Being an informed consumer and checking labels is key to finding gluten-free Herdez salsas that fit your dietary needs. Most of their salsas are a good gluten-free option, but some do contain wheat so double check before eating.
Herdez Salsa Nutrition Facts
In addition to being gluten-free, Herdez salsas are also relatively low calorie and contain no fat or cholesterol.
Here is the nutrition facts breakdown for a typical 2 tablespoon serving of Herdez salsa:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 10 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Carbs | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 0g |
The main nutrients in Herdez salsa come from the vegetables including tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, cilantro and lime juice.
The salsas provide the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C – Immune supporting antioxidant
- Vitamin A – Important for eye and skin health
- Potassium – Needed for heart function and muscle control
- Lycopeme – Antioxidant that may help reduce cancer risk
So along with being low calorie and gluten-free, Herdez salsas also offer some great nutritional value from all the fresh veggies used to make them. They are a flavorful way to get your vegetable servings!
Uses for Herdez Gluten-Free Salsas
Here are some ideas for how to use Herdez gluten-free salsa varieties:
- Tacos – Add salsa to chicken, beef, fish or portobello mushroom tacos
- Burritos – Top your burrito bowl with guacamole or green tomatillo salsa
- Quesadillas – Mix salsa into the cheese filling for extra flavor
- Salads – Drizzle some roasted garlic salsa over your taco salad
- Chips – Use as a dip for your favorite corn or potato chips
- Eggs – Add some zing to breakfast by topping your eggs with salsa
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss chopped veggies with salsa before roasting
- Stir fries – Splash some salsa into vegetable or shrimp stir fries
- Pizza – Use salsa in place of regular pizza sauce
- Burgers – Add some salsa to spice up your burger or turkey burger
There are so many ways to use up that jar of Herdez salsa! Be creative and add it to enliven any meal.
Where to Buy Herdez Gluten-Free Salsas
Herdez salsas are sold widely across the United States, Mexico and some international markets. Here is where you can find them:
- Grocery stores – Sold in the Mexican/Latin foods section of most major supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, etc.
- Walmart – Carried at most Walmart locations and Neighborhood Markets
- Target – Available in the Hispanic foods aisle of most Target stores
- Amazon – Many Herdez salsa varieties available online from Amazon
- Mexican markets – Found at family-owned Mexican/Latin grocery stores
- Convenience stores – Some flavors sold at 7-Eleven and similar convenience stores
- Club stores – Often stocked at Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale locations
- Restaurant supply – Commercial sizes sold at restaurant supply outlets
You should be able to readily find an assortment of Herdez salsas at any major grocery store. Look for the certified gluten-free ones in the health/special diet food section. The most common gluten-free varieties are the mild and medium salsa casera.
Herdez Salsa Price
Herdez salsa offers good value for the quality. Here are some average prices for common sizes:
| Herdez Salsa | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Salsa Casera Mild | 16 oz jar | $2.99 |
| Guacamole Salsa | 10 oz jar | $2.49 |
| XXTRA Hot Buffalo Style | 7 oz bottle | $1.89 |
| Taqueria Style Salsa | 12 oz bottle | $2.99 |
As you can see, prices range from about $1.89 up to $2.99 for most regular sizes. The certified gluten-free varieties may be slightly more expensive than regular.
Larger bulk and commercial sizes are available for food service providers. These offer even better value per ounce.
Overall, Herdez salsas provide great quality and flavor for the price point. They are very affordable compared to premium and organic salsa brands.
Herdez Salsa Company History
Herdez is part of MegaMex Foods, one of the largest Mexican food manufacturers in the United States. Here is some background on the Herdez brand:
- Founded in Mexico City in 1914 by Don Francisco Herdez
- Specializes in salsas, guacamoles, canned chilis, and other Mexican foods
- Acquired by Hormel Foods in 2000
- Became part of the joint venture MegaMex Foods in 2010
- MegaMex is a partnership between Herdez and Hormel
- Headquartered in Irvine, California
- Manufacturing plants in California, Texas, Arkansas
- Certified gluten-free facility in Houston, Texas
Today, Herdez continues to be one of the top salsa brands in America and Mexico. Their products are widely available while still maintaining quality and authentic Mexican flavors.
Herdez Salsa Company Contact Info
If you have any questions about gluten in Herdez salsas or need help finding certified gluten-free products, you can contact the company directly:
Herdez Customer Service
Phone: 1-800-681-6735
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address:
Herdez Corporation
P.O. Box 541025
Houston, TX 77254-1025
The Herdez customer service team is very knowledgeable and responsive about their gluten-free items. They can double check the status of any product and help find stores that carry the gluten-free salsa varieties.
Conclusion
Most Herdez salsas are naturally gluten-free, offering celiacs and gluten-sensitive individuals delicious Mexican flavor. Look for the varieties certified gluten-free by GFCO for assurance the items have been rigorously tested. Know that some wheat-based salsas also exist under the Herdez brand, so double check all labels. With some care taken to choose the right varieties, Herdez salsas can be an enjoyable gluten-free addition to any meal.