Taco seasoning may be eaten if you are on a gluten-free diet, if the product is made without any form of gluten, or is labeled as gluten-free. A gluten-free diet consists of a diet without the protein gluten. Gluten can be found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. If you suffer from celiac disease, choose seasonings with caution, as many are made with less common forms of gluten. While it is best to make your own seasonings, some prepackaged seasonings can be safe alternatives.
Main Ingredients to Avoid
When on a gluten-free diet, avoid taco seasonings that contain any form of wheat. According to an article published in November of 2007 by Scott Adams for Celiac.com, less common forms of gluten that could potentially be in taco seasonings that should be avoided are spelt, malt, semolina, durham, bulgur and oats. Adams also noted that caramel color and flavoring could contain gluten and be harmful, and should also therefore be avoided if possible.
Seasoning Production
MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding any taco seasonings that have been processed in facilities that produce other products containing wheat. If the gluten-free grains become cross-contaminated with wheat during the processing stage of production, it can be harmful for you to consume if you are avoiding gluten. Check the food labels to ensure you are using taco seasoning from a gluten-free production site.
Gluten-Free Taco Seasonings
There are taco seasonings available on the market that are produced without any gluten and are one alternative if you are on a gluten-free diet. McCormick produces a taco seasoning that does not contain gluten and would be a safe choice for gluten-free diets. Ortega Taco Seasoning is another gluten-free alternative if you are looking to use store-bought taco seasoning.
Alternatives
While some store-bought taco seasonings can be safe if you are on a gluten-free diet, some can be harmful. Scott Adams of Celiac.com recommended making your own taco seasoning so you are sure to avoid harmful products.Create your own taco seasoning using cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. This allows you to get the flavor of packaged taco seasoning, without the harmful additives.
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