Tasty Keto: Old El Paso Taco Sauce

Old El Paso is a well-known brand that has been providing families with delicious, Mexican-inspired flavors for over 80 years. The brand offers a range of products, including taco seasoning mixes, hard taco shells, tortillas, and sauces, to help make taco night fun and convenient. However, are their products keto-friendly? In this discussion, we will focus on the Old El Paso Taco Sauce and explore whether it aligns with the ketogenic diet.

Old El Paso Taco Sauce ingredients

Old El Paso Taco Sauce is made with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a delicious and convenient addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. The sauce is available in mild and medium heat levels, but the ingredients remain fairly consistent across the range.

The primary ingredient in the sauce is tomato puree, made from a blend of water and tomato paste. This provides the base for the sauce, giving it a thick consistency and a tangy, slightly sweet flavour. In addition to the tomato puree, the sauce also contains a small amount of modified food starch and sugar, which help to thicken the sauce and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

The signature spice blend in Old El Paso Taco Sauce includes chili pepper, which adds a mild to medium level of heat, depending on the variety chosen. The spice blend also includes sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a blend of other spices, which give the sauce its distinctive Mexican flavour. A small amount of vinegar is also added, which brightens the flavour of the sauce and adds a subtle tanginess.

To balance out the flavours and enhance the freshness of the sauce, Old El Paso adds a few key ingredients. Citric acid is included, which helps to preserve the sauce and add a bright, citrusy note. Natural flavourings are also added, though the company does not specify what these might be. Finally, the sauce contains a small amount of salt, which enhances the other flavours in the sauce and rounds out the overall taste profile.

Overall, the ingredients in Old El Paso Taco Sauce come together to create a versatile and tasty addition to any Mexican-inspired dish. The sauce is a convenient option for those looking to add a burst of flavour to their meals, whether they are making tacos, enchiladas, or any other creation.

Keto-friendly alternatives

While store-bought taco seasoning packets like Old El Paso are not keto-friendly, you can easily make your own keto-friendly taco seasoning at home. The benefit of making your own taco seasoning is that you can control exactly what goes into it, and you can avoid ingredients like starches, canola oil, sugar, maltodextrin, fillers, and preservatives.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1/12 teaspoon paprika (a decent-sized pinch will do if you don't have a measuring spoon this small)

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Store the mix in an airtight container, such as a mason jar. This recipe yields approximately 12 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is equivalent to 6-9 store-bought packets. The seasoning can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years, although it is recommended to use it within one to two years for the best flavor.

When making taco meat, use one tablespoon of the seasoning mix per pound of meat or protein of your choice. Simply brown your meat in a saute pan over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the desired amount of seasoning and water. Stir the ingredients, bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid cooks down into a thicker sauce.

You can also experiment with different ingredients and spices to find your perfect blend. Some popular additions or substitutions include:

• Sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan salt, or table salt
• Smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky flavor
• Oregano for an earthy, peppery flavor
• Black pepper for a sharp bite
• Cayenne or ground chili peppers for a spicy kick

Carbohydrate content

Old El Paso's Mild Taco Sauce comes in a convenient squeeze bottle and is marketed as a versatile addition to various dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken. From a carbohydrate perspective, one tablespoon (15 grams) of this taco sauce contains 1 gram of total carbohydrates, with no added sugars. This relatively low carbohydrate content may be advantageous for individuals following a keto diet, as it allows for a more generous serving size while still maintaining a state of ketosis.

However, it is worth noting that the sauce does contain modified food starch, which is a type of starch that may be less desirable for keto dieters. Starches are complex carbohydrates that can impact blood sugar levels and potentially hinder ketosis. While the amount of starch in the sauce may not be significant enough to cause a substantial impact, it is something to be mindful of, especially for those strictly adhering to a keto diet.

In contrast, homemade keto taco seasoning mixes offer a viable alternative with more control over the carbohydrate content. These mixes typically consist of spices like chile powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. While not entirely carbohydrate-free, they generally have a lower carb count than store-bought options. For instance, a recipe for keto taco seasoning provided by Low Carb Maven results in a carb count of 1 carb per 2 teaspoons of seasoning or 0.5 carbs per teaspoon. This equates to 6 carbs for the entire recipe, which can be used to season 1-2 pounds of ground beef.

Additionally, the McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix and the Old El Paso Original Mix are highlighted as commercial blends with relatively higher carbohydrate content. Each serving (2 teaspoons) of these mixes contains 3 grams of carbohydrates, amounting to 18 grams of carbohydrates per packet. This emphasizes the significance of examining carbohydrate content when selecting taco seasoning options for a keto diet.

Taco seasoning recipes

Store-bought taco seasoning often contains sugar, starch, fillers, preservatives, maltodextrin, canola oil, and anti-caking agents, which can be high in carbs and unsuitable for keto or other low-carb diets. Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and their quality, and it can also be cheaper in the long run.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in taco seasoning are:

• Salt (sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan salt, or table salt)
• Paprika (standard or smoked)
• Cumin
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper for spice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

You can also add:

• Oregano for an earthy, peppery flavour
• Black pepper for a sharp flavour with a bite
• Red pepper flakes for extra spice

Instructions

Combine the spices in a small mixing bowl, then transfer to a storage container with a lid, such as a mason jar. Shake until well mixed.

Storage

Store your homemade taco seasoning in a cool, dry place, in a sealed, airtight container. It will stay flavourful for up to two years, but use within three months for the best flavour.

How to Use

Use this taco seasoning to flavour browned meat or other taco-flavoured dishes. Add one tablespoon of seasoning for each pound of meat, along with 3/4 cup of water. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid cooks down into a thicker sauce.

Recipe Variations

For a single batch of seasoning for one pound of meat, combine:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• A pinch of paprika

For a bulk batch, simply scale up the ingredients.

Storing taco seasoning

Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that adds a robust taste to Mexican-inspired dishes. It typically includes ingredients such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sometimes salt and black pepper. The longevity of taco seasoning depends on how it's stored. Here are some tips for storing your taco seasoning to ensure it stays fresh and flavourful:

Use Airtight Containers

Keep it Cool and Dry

Taco seasoning should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent the degradation of its flavour and potency. The ideal storage temperature should remain consistent and cool, preferably between 60-70°F (15-21°C). High humidity levels can introduce moisture, which may lead to clumping, loss of texture, and possible spoilage.

Avoid Direct Light

Direct light, especially sunlight, can degrade the flavours in taco seasoning. Store your seasoning in a cupboard or pantry to minimize light exposure and protect its flavour.

Label and Date Your Containers

Always label storage containers with the date of purchase or creation. This practice helps keep track of how long the taco seasoning has been stored and ensures it is used within its best-before period. It is also helpful to label containers with their contents for easy identification.

Use Clean Utensils

When scooping out taco seasoning, use clean and dry utensils to avoid introducing moisture into the container. Moisture can cause clumping and affect the texture of the spices.

Consider Freezing

If you have a large quantity of taco seasoning or want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Transfer the seasoning to an airtight freezer bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Store in Small Batches

Instead of storing large quantities of taco seasoning, divide it into smaller batches. This way, you can open and use one batch at a time, keeping the rest sealed and fresh.

By following these storage tips, you can maximize the shelf life and flavour of your taco seasoning, ensuring that each taco you make is bursting with delicious flavours.

Frequently asked questions