Old El Paso is a popular brand of Mexican food products like taco shells, tortillas, salsas, seasonings, and kits for tacos, enchiladas, and more. Many people wonder if Old El Paso products are gluten free, especially those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Quick Answer
Some Old El Paso products are certified gluten free, while others contain gluten or share equipment with gluten-containing items. You need to read labels carefully to determine if a product is gluten free. Items certified gluten free will have a “gluten free” claim.
Details on Gluten in Old El Paso Products
Here are more details on whether common Old El Paso products contain gluten:
Taco Shells and Tortillas
– Original yellow corn taco shells are gluten free
– Blue corn taco shells are gluten free
– Street taco flour tortillas contain wheat and are not gluten free
– Soft taco flour tortillas contain wheat and are not gluten free
– Corn tortillas are gluten free
Salsas and Sauces
– Most Old El Paso salsas are gluten free, like mild salsa, hot salsa, thicker ‘n chunky salsa
– Mild enchilada sauce is gluten free
– Red chili sauce contains distilled vinegar and is gluten free
– Cheese sauces contain wheat and are not gluten free
Taco and Fajita Seasonings
– Original taco seasoning is gluten free
– Low sodium taco seasoning is gluten free
– Chili lime seasoning is gluten free
– Fajita seasoning is gluten free
Rice and Beans
– Spanish rice contains wheat and is not gluten free
– Refried beans are gluten free
Dinner and Taco Kits
– Hard shell taco dinner kits are gluten free
– Soft taco dinner kits contain wheat in the tortillas and are not gluten free
– Street taco kits contain wheat flour tortillas that are not gluten free
You’ll need to check every product carefully as ingredients can change. Look for the certified gluten free logo or check the ingredient list for wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Certified Gluten Free Old El Paso Products
Old El Paso identifies some products as certified gluten free. These products have been tested to contain less than 20ppm of gluten. They have the certified gluten free logo on the package.
Some gluten free certified products include:
– Yellow corn taco shells
– Blue corn taco shells
– Corn tortillas
– Cheddar flavor tortilla chips
– Hot salsa
– Mild salsa
– Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
– Mild enchilada sauce
– Taco seasoning
– Fajita seasoning
Again, always double check the label to confirm the certified gluten free logo is present and no gluten ingredients are listed.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Even if an Old El Paso product does not contain gluten ingredients, there is a risk of cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. The facility makes both gluten free and gluten-containing foods.
Some higher risk products include:
– Refried beans
– Rice
– Salsas and sauces
– Seasonings
These are made on shared equipment alongside wheat-based foods. The brand cannot guarantee no cross-contamination. Those highly sensitive should exercise caution.
Contacting Old El Paso About Gluten Free Status
If you need help determining if an Old El Paso product is gluten free, you can contact the company directly.
They have a consumer affairs team to answer questions about ingredients and manufacturing.
You can reach them at:
Phone: 1-800-352-4507
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.oldelpaso.com
The consumer affairs team may be able to look up the gluten free status of any product. They can tell you if it’s made on dedicated gluten free equipment.
Tips for Following a Gluten Free Diet with Old El Paso
Here are some tips for safely eating Old El Paso products on a gluten free diet:
– Look for the certified gluten free logo on packaging
– Check ingredients lists carefully every time you buy a product
– Stick to naturally gluten free items like yellow corn taco shells, tortillas, salsas
– Avoid flour tortillas, seasoned rice, cheese sauces
– Ask the company about uncertain products before purchasing
– Purchase dedicated gluten free kitchen tools and work spaces at home
– Prevent cross-contact at home by washing hands, surfaces, utensils after preparing gluten foods
Being vigilant about labels and preparation steps will help you avoid gluten exposure.
Some Gluten Free Old El Paso Meal Ideas
You can make some gluten free Tex-Mex favorites with Old El Paso using these recipes:
Gluten Free Tacos
– Certified gluten free yellow corn taco shells
– Ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning
– Lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa
Gluten Free Burrito Bowls
– Cilantro lime rice made without Old El Paso’s seasoned rice mix
– Black beans
– Corn, peppers, onions sauteed in oil
– Avocado
– Salsa
Gluten Free Enchiladas
– Certified gluten free Old El Paso corn tortillas
– Shredded chicken or ground beef
– Onions, garlic
– Mild enchilada sauce
– Cheese
Gluten Free Fajitas
– Sauteed peppers and onions
– Grilled steak, chicken or shrimp
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese
– Guacamole, salsa
– Corn tortillas warmed in a dry skillet
With some modifications and careful label reading, you can still enjoy plenty of Mexican cuisine with Old El Paso products. Focus on naturally gluten free ingredients like corn.
Are Old El Paso Products Processed in a Facility with Wheat?
Yes, Old El Paso products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods.
This means there is a risk of cross-contamination for products even if they don’t directly contain gluten ingredients. The company cannot guarantee no traces of gluten get into otherwise gluten free products.
The only exception is their certified gluten free line that is produced in separate dedicated facilities to avoid cross-contact.
Should Celiacs Avoid Old El Paso Products?
People with celiac disease need to be extra careful when choosing Old El Paso products due to the cross-contamination risk. There are a few options:
1. Choose certified gluten free products only – These are made in dedicated facilities and tested to under 20ppm.
2. Avoid all Old El Paso items – Safest for those highly sensitive, but means missing out on some gluten free options.
3. Assume some low risk cross-contamination – Those less symptomatic may opt to accept a low degree of CC exposure.
Talk to your doctor about the level of caution needed for your individual case. Don’t risk your health if very sensitive.
Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Gluten Free?
Old El Paso traditional refried beans do not contain any wheat or gluten ingredients. However, they are produced on shared equipment that processes wheat.
So while the beans themselves are gluten free, cross-contamination is possible in the factory. The brand doesn’t recommend their beans for gluten free diets.
Those sensitive to traces of gluten should avoid Old El Paso refried beans or look for a certified gluten free brand. Others may determine the low risk acceptable.
What About Old El Paso Rice?
Like the refried beans, Old El Paso rice products are naturally gluten free but run a cross-contamination risk:
– Instant white rice – Processed on equipment with wheat
– Instant Spanish rice – Contains wheat in the seasoning packet
– Yellow rice – Contains wheat ingredients
– Cilantro lime rice – Processed on shared equipment
The seasoned rice varieties with wheat should be avoided on a gluten free diet. The instant white rice may be tolerable depending on sensitivity level.
Again, those highly sensitive should stick to rice from certified gluten free brands only.
Are Old El Paso Salsas and Hot Sauces Gluten Free?
Most Old El Paso salsas are gluten free in the actual recipe. This includes:
– Hot salsa
– Mild salsa
– Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
– Restaurant Style salsa
– Chipotle salsa
However, they are all produced on shared equipment alongside wheat-based foods. So cross-contamination can occur.
Some of their hot sauces are also made gluten free but with shared equipment:
– Green taco sauce
– XXtra hot taco sauce
– Habanero hot sauce
The brand cannot guarantee salsas and sauces are 100% gluten free. Sensitive individuals should exercise caution.
Are Old El Paso Fajita Kits and Seasonings Gluten Free?
Old El Paso fajita kits contain wheat tortillas and are not gluten free. Their classic fajita seasoning is gluten free in the recipe. However, cross-contact with wheat-based foods may occur during manufacturing.
Those who are celiac or highly sensitive should avoid Old El Paso fajita kits and seasonings unless they are specifically labeled gluten free. Individual seasoning packets may be lowest risk compared to pouches.
You can make your own gluten free fajita marinade with ingredients like lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic and oil. Then sautee with bell peppers and onions.
Can You Buy Gluten Free Old El Paso Products in Stores?
Yes, you can find certified gluten free Old El Paso products in major grocery stores across the United States. They are normally stocked alongside regular Old El Paso items.
Some stores with gluten free Old El Paso products include:
| Store | Gluten Free Products Found |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Yellow corn taco shells, corn tortillas, hot salsa, mild salsa, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning |
| Target | Yellow and blue corn taco shells, corn tortillas, tortilla chips |
| Kroger | Yellow corn taco shells, corn tortillas, mild enchilada sauce |
Check your local store’s inventory online first. Products are typically with the Mexican foods section, not specialty gluten free section. Prices are similar to regular Old El Paso.
You may also be able to find some gluten free varieties for sale on Amazon. Compare prices to stores.
What About Old El Paso Tacos and Taco Kits?
When it comes to Old El Paso taco ingredients:
– Yellow corn taco shells are certified gluten free
– Flour tortillas contain gluten
– Hard shell taco kits are gluten free
– Soft taco kits contain wheat flour tortillas
You can make gluten free tacos with certified corn shells. Avoid flour tortilla tacos and soft taco kits. Choose hard taco kits, but swap out any rice or seasoning mixes if concerned about cross-contact.
Double check all labels as ingredients vary. Soft flour tortillas are often included in variety packs along with corn.
Is Old El Paso Cheese Sauce Gluten Free?
No, Old El Paso cheese sauce is not gluten free. It contains wheat flour as a main ingredient.
The nacho cheese and chile con queso dip also contain wheat and barley malt.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid all Old El Paso cheese sauces and dips. They directly contain gluten.
Some gluten free, dairy-free cheese sauce brands you can use instead include:
– Good Dee’s
– Enjoy Life
– Daiya
– Violife
Make sure to carefully read the ingredients since some dairy-free varieties still contain wheat.
What Old El Paso Products Are the Highest Risk for Gluten?
Based on the likelihood of cross-contamination with wheat-based products, these Old El Paso items are highest risk:
– Refried beans
– White rice
– Seasoned rice mixes
– Fajita seasoning
– Salsas
– Soft taco flour tortillas
– Taco dinner kits with tortillas
– Enchilada sauce
In general, any product made on shared lines with wheat-containing items poses some risk. Prioritize certified gluten free products made in dedicated facilities.
Flour tortillas, seasoned rice, and cheese sauces contain gluten directly and should always be avoided.
Is Old El Paso or Ortega Salsa Better for Gluten Free?
Ortega brand salsa may be slightly safer in terms of gluten cross-contamination.
Ortega does not make any wheat-containing products. So while facilities are shared, the risk of trace gluten from wheat is lower compared to Old El Paso.
However, both brands manufacture salsas on shared lines. Neither can guarantee gluten free status or zero contamination. Those highly sensitive should opt for salsas certified gluten free instead.
In terms of taste and quality, preferences vary between the brands. Ortega salsas may be preferable for gluten free Tex-Mex dishes.
Conclusion
Many common Old El Paso products are gluten free, including corn tortillas, corn taco shells, salsa, seasonings, and sauces. However, the manufacturing facilities also process wheat-containing foods.
To be safest, choose Old El Paso items marked certified gluten free to avoid cross-contamination. Also confirm no gluten ingredients each time you make a purchase.
People with celiac disease or wheat allergy need to be most cautious, as even trace amounts of gluten can cause issues. But there are still ways to enjoy favorites like tacos safely by using the right Old El Paso ingredients.
Being an informed consumer, reading labels diligently, and contacting the company with any questions will help you follow a gluten free diet using Old El Paso products.
