Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

By
Teri Gruss, MS
Teri Gruss, MS
Freelance writer and nutrition expert Teri Lee Gruss, M.S. has written hundreds of recipes focusing on healthy gluten-free cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/13/21
Red Ground Chili Pepper In Bowl

Thanaphon Kingparn / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
24 Calories
0g Fat
5g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 24
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 671mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 83mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

It can be hard to find taco seasonings that are gluten-free, as many of those grocery store seasoning packets can be a source of hidden gluten. Make your own gluten-free taco seasoning with gluten-free spices and herbs, to have on hand when you need it.

This gluten-free taco spice mix includes salt and crushed red pepper, along with onion and garlic powders, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. A little sugar is added to help round out the flavors and provide some balance and a touch of sweetness to the heat, Cornstarch helps prevent clumping, so don't skip it.

This will go well with any gluten-free tacos you choose to make with ground beef or turkey, but you can use it in all sorts of ways. This blend would be great sprinkled on popcorn, scrambled eggs, or on roasted potatoes. Try it in sloppy Joes, enchiladas, tortilla soup, or mixed with ground beef for a Mexican-inspired lasagna. It's also excellent on grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp.

Store in an airtight sealed container in a cool, dry location.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free onion powder

  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free chili powder

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons gluten-free ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Place onion powder, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, red pepper, cumin, oregano, cornstarch, and sugar in an 8-ounce jar.

  3. Shake until seasonings are well distributed.

Variations

Feel free to customize this blend to your liking. Some other possible additions include the following:


  • Paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Mexican oregano
  • Cayenne
  • Ground coriander
  • Substitute black pepper for the crushed red pepper

Tips

If you're at all unsure about how old your spices are, take a sniff. If they smell dull or musty, pitch them and buy new ones. Some specialty grocers sell spices and herbs in bulk, which can be an economical way to make your own mixes and to ensure that they're fresh. You can always scoop a little bit out and smell it for yourself before buying it. You can also find fresh ground spices in bulk online, too.

How to Store Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

Keep this seasoning mix in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry, and dark place such as pantry or cabinet. The mix should keep for 6 months or longer, depending on storage conditions.

Reminder: ​Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.