Simple DIY Taco Seasoning

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We’ve been making our own seasoning mixes for probably about two years.  Our Ranch Seasoning Mix is used on an almost daily basis in our home for all the things, and we use this taco seasoning mix about once a week.  Mixing up the ingredients does take a little extra time, but it’s minimal.  In fact, I usually put the taco seasoning together while the ground beef is browning.

It’s actually been a fairly easy switch after realizing what’s in the commercial mixes.  Yikes!  I won’t list all of the ingredients here, but I’d like to highlight a few of the concerning ones in a very popular “must have little packet” of taco seasoning mix.  Because, in my opinion, seasoning mixes should only contain spices!

I do not believe that Maltodextrin should be one of the main ingredients in a spice mix!  It is a highly processed white powder derived from (likely GMO) corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat.  It’s similar to a corn syrup, with the difference being a lower sugar content.  It still acts as glucose in our bodies though, which makes sugar one of the main ingredients in some of the popular taco seasonings.  That’s super concerning, especially given the current diabetes epidemic in the U.S.  In fact, “sugar” is added to 80% of packaged foods, and it can hide behind at least 56 different names!

Another concerning ingredient is Natural Flavor because it is an unregulated label and truly could mean anything, including MSG!  The only requirement is that the ingredient was originally derived from something natural (including plants or animals), but it is then highly processed and all kinds of extra additives can be used as well.  This means that even though the ingredient started out as natural, it’s so processed that it can’t even be considered whatever it was in the first place.  And unfortunately, there’s no way to tell what ingredients, chemicals, or processes are included.

Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil is an ingredient that seems harmless but is actually secretly hiding trans fats!  The chemical process that creates all partially hydrogenated oils produces trans fats in the oils.  This is concerning.  There is a long list of the potential dangers from consuming trans fats, including cancer, obesity, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, decreased immunity, increased bad cholesterol, and reproductive concerns.  Likewise the soybeans grown in the U.S. are typically genetically modified (GMO) and they are known hormone disrupters because they can mimic estrogen.  Additionally, soybeans can also contain “anti-nutrients,” which are toxins that inhibit digestion.

Of significant concern, the preservative, Ethoxyquin, is a synthetic antioxidant, developed by Monsanto, that is not approved for human consumption in most parts of the world.  It was originally registered as a pesticide in 1965, and simply does not belong in our food.  In fact, my research on this preservative revealed that it’s almost exclusively approved for pet food and livestock feed only, not human food.  It is banned as a food additive in Australia and Europe, but it is somehow approved for human consumption in the U.S. with chili powder, paprika, and ground chili to prevent color loss.  What?!?  From the Chemicals.News website, Ethoxyquin:

“is harmful if swallowed, and exposure to the chemical can cause skin irritation along with eye irritation. Ethoxyquin can also cause skin sensitization (allergic reactions), lacrimation, depression, reproductive effects, liver effects, kidney effects, and thyroid effects. Dermatitis may also occur. Ethoxyquin is very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects.”

There are a few other ingredients in this commercial “must-have little packet” of taco seasoning mix, but I think these ingredients alone are scary enough.

So, are you ready to make your own taco seasoning mix?  Good!  Let’s get to it!

I have linked to the safe, non-irradiated spices that I use, but feel free to use what’s available in your area.  McCormick’s spices are all non-irradiated and they have a robust line of organic options.  They’re a fantastic choice.  Once you have these spices in your pantry, it’s really easy to mix this taco seasoning up quickly.  This recipe is also perfect for grilling, or adding to a dish for fun flavor.  The possibilities are endless!