Keto Dieters: Is Taco Seasoning Approved?

Taco seasoning is a mix of spices and herbs used to flavour ground beef, chicken, or turkey. While most of the ingredients in store-bought taco seasoning are keto-approved, many brands contain added fillers, anti-caking agents, starch, sugar, and preservatives, which are not keto-friendly. This has led to an increasing number of people making their own keto-friendly taco seasoning at home.

Homemade keto-friendly taco seasoning

Finding a keto-friendly taco seasoning can be challenging, as many commercial brands contain cornmeal, corn starch, sugar, and other fillers that are high in carbs. However, making your own keto-friendly taco seasoning at home is easy and ensures you know exactly what's in it. Here's a simple recipe for a delicious and bold keto-friendly taco seasoning that you can make in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or regular)
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried onion or onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (or cayenne for extra spice)

Optional Ingredients:

• Red pepper flakes for extra spice
• Xanthan gum to thicken the seasoning
• Water to create a paste or adjust consistency

Instructions:

Combine all the spices in a mason jar or a large zip-seal bag. Close the container tightly and shake or stir until the spices are fully mixed. You can also use a mixing bowl and whisk if you prefer.

Storage:

Store your homemade keto taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Old spice containers or cute mason jars are great options for storage. The seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a year, but it's best used within three months, as spices lose potency over time.

Usage:

Use 2 tablespoons of your homemade keto taco seasoning for every packet of taco seasoning required in a recipe. It's perfect for seasoning ground beef, chicken, shrimp, and even vegetables. For every pound of meat, use 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning, depending on your desired saltiness. Add 2 tablespoons of water to create a paste and adjust the amount of water as needed.

Tips:

Feel free to adjust the quantities of spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of black pepper or cayenne. If you prefer a more fragrant seasoning, you can add more cumin. You can also experiment with different types of oregano, such as Mexican oregano, to enhance the flavor profile.

Store-bought taco seasoning is not keto-approved

For example, McCormick's taco seasoning mix is not keto-friendly as it contains sugar. Other brands such as Old El Paso may also contain ingredients that those following a keto lifestyle avoid, such as starches, canola oil, sugar, maltodextrin, fillers, and preservatives.

Therefore, if you are on a keto diet and want to enjoy tacos, it is best to make your own homemade taco seasoning. This way, you can ensure that there are no added fillers or anti-caking agents that could hinder your keto journey. Luckily, making your own taco seasoning is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. All you need to do is mix together some simple ingredients, such as cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

By making your own keto-friendly taco seasoning, you not only avoid the hidden carbs in store-bought mixes but also get to enjoy a fresher and more flavorful seasoning that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond just tacos. So, get creative and enjoy your keto-friendly tacos and other delicious meals!

Nutritional value of homemade keto taco seasoning

Taco seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that can be used to flavour a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican-inspired meals. While store-bought taco seasoning often contains added fillers, sugar, and anti-caking agents that can contribute to carbohydrate intake, making your own keto-friendly taco seasoning at home is a healthier alternative. Here is a simple guide to the nutritional value of homemade keto taco seasoning.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information:

A typical homemade keto taco seasoning blend may include the following ingredients:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika (smoked or regular)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder or dried onion
• Oregano
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

Other optional ingredients can be cayenne pepper, coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes.

The nutritional values for a serving of approximately 2.25 teaspoons (or 1/2 tablespoon) of this homemade keto taco seasoning are as follows:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Net Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 616-853 mg
• Potassium: 78-99 mg
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 345-849 IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 19-25 mg
• Iron: 1mg

Health Benefits:

This keto-friendly taco seasoning offers several nutritional advantages:

• Low in Carbohydrates: With only 3 grams of total carbohydrates and 2 grams of net carbs per serving, this seasoning blend fits well within the macros of a typical keto diet.
• Sugar-Free: Unlike store-bought varieties, homemade keto taco seasoning contains no added sugar, making it a healthier option for managing blood sugar levels.
• Gluten-Free: This seasoning blend is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own taco seasoning at home can save you money, as it is often cheaper to buy the individual spices in bulk and mix them yourself.
• Customizable: You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste preferences and spice tolerance. This versatility allows you to make the seasoning milder or spicier, or to emphasise certain flavours.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Homemade keto taco seasoning should be stored in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in a cool, dry place. It is recommended to use clean, dry containers, and you can repurpose old spice jars for this purpose. Properly stored, this seasoning blend can last for at least six months, and even up to a year, although the flavour may start to diminish over time.

Usage and Portion Size:

This keto taco seasoning can be used just like store-bought seasoning packets. For every pound of meat (ground beef, turkey, or chicken), use 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix, along with 2 tablespoons of water, to make delicious taco meat. You can also use it to season other proteins and vegetables or to add a Mexican twist to your favourite dishes.

Storing your homemade keto taco seasoning

Firstly, you'll need an airtight container. A mason jar is a popular choice, but any sealable jar or container will work. You can also use a zip-seal bag.

Next, you'll want to find a cool, dry place to store your seasoning. The pantry or a spice cabinet are ideal, as they are usually dark and away from sunlight.

Your homemade keto taco seasoning should stay fresh for at least six months, and up to a year. However, the flavour may start to diminish after six months, so it's best to use it within this time.

Don't store your taco seasoning in the freezer, as it will clump up and become crumbly and thick once thawed.

Keto-friendly recipes that use homemade taco seasoning

Keto Tacos

The most common way to use taco seasoning is for ground beef tacos. Brown a pound of ground beef in a skillet, then add two tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water. Cook until the extra liquid is absorbed into the meat. Warm your favourite tortillas and stuff them with the taco meat and toppings, like fresh salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Keto Chicken Fajita Soup

Chicken fajita soup is a keto-friendly recipe that uses homemade taco seasoning. This recipe is perfect for a cold winter day and will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Keto Cheesy Mexican Skillet Chicken

This recipe is a perfect example of how taco seasoning can be used to create a delicious and keto-friendly Mexican-inspired dish. The chicken is seasoned with the homemade taco seasoning and then cooked in a skillet with cheese, peppers, and onions.

Keto Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Another creative way to use homemade taco seasoning is to make keto Mexican stuffed peppers. Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning, then baked in the oven until tender.

Keto Taco Salad

Taco salad is a fresh and flavourful option that uses homemade taco seasoning. Simply season your meat of choice with the taco seasoning and serve it over a bed of greens, such as lettuce or spinach, with your favourite taco toppings.

Keto Queso Easy Taco Soup

This recipe is a fun and tasty twist on traditional taco soup. It uses homemade taco seasoning to create a rich and creamy soup with a kick of spice.

Keto Nachos

For a fun and indulgent keto-friendly treat, try making keto nachos using homemade taco seasoning. Simply season your meat of choice with the taco seasoning and serve it over low-carb tortilla chips with cheese, sour cream, and your favourite nacho toppings.

Frequently asked questions