Sunday, February 20, 2011

Taco Seasoning and WHY NOT ORTEGA BRAND

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Do you still have pre-packaged Taco Seasoning in your pantry? If you do, check this out!

Ingredients: Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color (sulfites).

There are a few issues with using prepackaged spice mixes. First off, caramel coloring is a food dye that is in the process of being banned by the FDA due to it's links to causing cancer. Another issue is the maltodexterin...the danger is that maltodextrin is very high on the glycemic index: 105. This is 5 points higher than glucose which is 100. And, it is almost double that of table sugar which is around 59. AND ingredients are listed in the order of prevalence...they don't even list a spice until the 4th ingredient! I'll stick to making a triple batch of my own mix and keeping it in my pantry!



2 TBS chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
3 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp Celtic sea salt
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

In a bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in an airtight container. Makes 20 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Store Bought Taco Seasoning = 20 calories, 4 carbs, 0 fiber
"Healthified" Taco Seasoning = 5 calories, 0.9 carbs, 0.4g fiber

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting this! I used this tonight and everyone loved it. I was a little bit worried because I've always used McCormick taco mix but this was so much better! And easy to mix up from my spice rack. THANKS! Next I'll try the onion soup mix.

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  2. We LOVE this taco seasoning! Thanks! I like to know exactly what's in the things I cook with and this is great, none of that extra crap or things they don't list.

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  3. Is one recipe the same as one packet? How much do you use for a pound of meat?

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    1. It really depends on your taste. We use a batch of this up on about 4-5 pounds of beef. Happy Baking! :)

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  4. This taco seasoning blend is AMAZING! We use it all the time!

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  5. Maria, I really appreciate all you post, and I can't wait to try this. I make a lot of mexican flavored soups and stews for easy reheat meals, and I really never paid any attention to the ingredients on a spice mix - just figured it would be spices. Duh. Thank you for enlightening me! I can take NOTHING for granted where food is concerned!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you have to be a detective. Thanks! :)

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