Homemade taco seasoning doesn’t just taste better than the store-bought stuff – it’s also MSG-free, lower in sodium, and gluten-free. Make our simple gluten-free taco seasoning blend to keep on hand in the pantry, ready for any taco emergency!

While a packet of taco seasoning might seem like a simple blend of spices, you’ll want to make yours at home for a few reasons.

Does taco seasoning have gluten? 

Most pre-packaged taco seasoning comes with some harmful MSG, high sodium levels, and some hidden gluten-based surprises, which can be problematic for anyone eating low-carb, but especially for those with gluten sensitivities or severe celiac allergies. 

Fortunately, you can make a simple blend of homemade taco seasoning at home with the help of a few basic spices you likely already have on hand. 

One thing to keep in mind when making your spice blend: always use certified gluten-free spices to ensure there aren’t any pesky traces of gluten in your spices. Most labels clearly state whether the food inside is certified gluten-free, so you can easily ensure you’re using the right stuff.
Follow our simple instructions below and make yourself a handy blend of gluten-free homemade taco seasoning that will have you reaching for your taco holder more often than you’ll care to admit.

Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Recipe Full of Smoky Chili Flavor

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Servings

3-4 lbs of cooked ground meat

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 tsp chili powder

• 6 tsp paprika

• 5 tsp cumin

• 3 tsp onion powder

• 1 ½ tsp garlic salt

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a small-sized mixing bowl, add all of your gluten-free taco mix ingredients: chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper.

2. Whisk ingredients until thoroughly combined and place them in a small glass jar or airtight, sealed container.

3. Store your homemade gluten-free taco seasoning in your pantry or spice cupboard until use – shake well in the jar before using, as spices may settle over time.

Homemade Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning - Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 6 tsp (per 1 lb taco meat)

Calories: 57 kcal

Fat: 2 g

Sodium: 1008 mg

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 1 g

Protein: 3 g

*Nutrition information is based on estimates only - actual numbers may vary. 

Homemade Taco Seasoning - FAQ

How to use homemade taco seasoning?

When you’re ready to use your gluten-free seasoning, measure out 6 tsp of taco mix for every 1 lb of ground meat you cook. Once the ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken thoroughly cooks, add in your homemade taco seasoning, along with ¼ c. of water for every lb of meat. Mix until well combined, then let the mixture simmer over medium heat until the water evaporates. 

Is this blend spicy?

This homemade taco seasoning contains just ¼ tsp of cayenne to give it a tiny kick without making you sweat. If you hate spicy heat, omit the cayenne altogether. 

To amp up the heat factor, you can double the cayenne, or add a bit of guajillo or ancho chile spice, too. Both chiles add some spice to the blend that isn’t too overpowering. And if you want to add more spice yet, add a few drops of your favorite flaming hot sauce into your prepared taco meat. 

Can I use garlic powder in place of garlic salt?

If you’re trying to omit the salt in the spice blend or simply don’t have any garlic salt on hand, you can easily use garlic powder in its place. Add some extra salt to make up for the loss, or keep the blend unsalted and spice your taco meat to taste. 

Is taco seasoning gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no, taco seasoning isn’t always gluten-free. Many blends contain malt as a flavoring agent, though its base is gluten. Manufacturers sometimes include wheat flour in their mixes to bind or thicken the spice blend as it cooks in your meat. 

Premade gluten-free taco seasoning mix

While many brands don’t create proper gluten-free taco seasoning, there are a few brands on the market that still manage to offer some gluten-free options.

Is McCormick regular taco seasoning gluten-free?

When it comes to mixes of taco seasoning, gluten-free brands do exist, and McCormick is one great option if you want the simple convenience of a premade spice blend for your tacos. 

Is Ortega taco seasoning mix gluten-free?

Ortega seasoning is another great brand that’s free of both gluten and dairy!

Is Old El Paso taco seasoning gluten-free?

Another win! Old El Paso taco seasoning mix is entirely gluten-free, too. 

How can tacos be gluten-free?

While a gluten-free spice blend is a great start, you can’t use wheat tortillas for your wraps as they’re full of gluten! 

Here’s a simple recipe for gluten-free tortillas to make all your taco dreams come true!

Gluten-Free Taco Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ c. gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
• 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 2 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• ¾ cups water

Directions

1. In a large-sized mixing bowl, combine your gluten-free flour, baking powder, and sea salt. 
2. Microwave your water in a mug or glass measuring cup for ~ 20 seconds, then stir into the flour mixture along with the canola or vegetable oil. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until thoroughly combined. 
3. As the mixture forms a dough, use your hands to mix until it becomes a dough ball with all the liquid absorbed. 
4. Heat a large, greased cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat as you roll the tortilla dough. 
5. Pinch off a golf ball-sized dough piece and roll into a ball. The dough should make approximately 8 separate tortilla dough balls. Place the dough balls back into the mixing bowl and keep them covered as you roll out each tortilla individually. 
6. Place a dough ball on a piece of parchment paper, then flatten the dough by hand to make a disc shape. 
7. Place another parchment paper or plastic wrap over the dough and use a rolling pin to make a 7-inch, thin tortilla. Repeat until all dough balls are rolled out. 
8. Place the tortillas one at a time to cook in your preheated cast-iron skillet. Cook your tortillas over medium-high heat, 30 secs to 1 min per side. 
9. Place the gluten-free tortillas on a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm. Repeat the process until all tortillas cook. 
10. Serve your tortillas warm. Store any thoroughly cooled leftovers in a zipper plastic storage bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Gluten Free Taco Seasoning: Final Notes & Storage Tips

This taco seasoning lasts virtually forever in your pantry, as dried spices hold up much longer than fresh ingredients. 

While your spice blend will stay for up to a year or more, we recommend making it in smaller batches and using it up quickly while it’s still fresh. After 6 months or so, the flavor in your spices starts to fade, and they can get pretty bland when they’re stale.

Enjoy your gluten-free taco night, or use this spice blend to flavor Mexican meatballs and chicken enchiladas instead!

Liked our gluten free taco seasoning recipe? Check out our recipes for keto taco seasoning, taco sauce, and taco fillings!