Make gluten free taco seasoning that's also vegan-pantry staples, big flavour, no hidden gluten. Make your own gluten free taco seasoning: be creative and adjust the spices to your taste.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from We Made This Vegan.
Jump to:
If you've been hunting for a truly gluten free taco seasoning that's also vegan, here's your keeper. This easy homemade taco seasoning uses simple pantry staples (think chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder and onion powder) to deliver a bold, smoky flavour for Taco Tuesday or any taco night-without wheat flour, dairy, or hidden gluten. It mixes up in minutes, stores beautifully in a small mason jar or any airtight container, and saves you a grocery store run when the craving hits. Full disclosure: this post may contain the odd affiliate link to tools we use and love.
This gluten free taco seasoning is perfect for adding flavour to any dish, using gluten free taco seasoning can really elevate your meals.
Ingredients
This is the simple, balanced spice blend I use as a house taco mix-adapted from the attached recipe. It's naturally vegan and gluten free.
You will need: (makes ~5 tbsp):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or your preferred type of salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Method
Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl or jar, stir or shake, and store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. Label your homemade taco seasoning so it's easy to find in the spice cabinet.
How much to use:
- For classic "packet" vibes, use 2 tablespoons of seasoning + ¾ cup water (about 1 cup of water if you like saucier) per 450g plant-based mince. Simmer over medium heat in a large skillet until thick. Commercial packets use a similar ratio.
Tip: If you like a thicker, glossy sauce for vegan taco meat, stir in ½-1 teaspoon corn starch (naturally gluten free-just check the label) with the water.
Are spices gluten free? How to be absolutely sure
This method works well with any gluten free taco seasoning.
- Single-ingredient spices & herbs are naturally gluten free. The risk comes from blends and from cross contamination during processing/packing. Always read labels.
- In the UK & EU, a product labelled "gluten-free" must test at ≤20ppm gluten by law. Look for this claim (or the Crossed Grain symbol) on spice packs and blends.
- Avoid cross-contact at home: clean boards/utensils, don't share toasters or oil, and keep GF spices separate from baking flours.
What to check on a spice label
- Any "may contain wheat/gluten" statement (choose a safer brand if present).
- Clear "gluten-free" or "certified gluten-free" wording (assures ≤20ppm).
- Blends that add bulking/anti-caking agents (e.g., corn starch, maltodextrin)-both can be GF but should state the status; choose brands that test and label.
Store-bought vs homemade (GF + vegan)
Here's how popular store-bought packets stack up against this homemade version:
| Brand / Mix | Gluten-free claim | Vegan? | Notable additives | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old El Paso Mild Taco Seasoning (US) | Labeled Gluten Free on product page | Appears vegan from listed ingredients | Corn starch, maltodextrin, “natural flavor” | 1 packet + ¾ cup water to 1 lb mince / tofu |
| McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning | Labeled Gluten-Free (certified) | Not vegan – contains whey (milk) | Potato starch, whey | 1 packet + ¾ cup water to 1 lb mince / tofu |
| This homemade mix | Naturally GF (single-ingredient spices) | Vegan | No fillers, no dairy | 2 tablespoon + water per 450g vegan mince / tofu. Ingredients above. |
Note: Labels and formulations can change. Always re-check packets, especially in the UK where some blends differ from US versions. (Old El Paso's UK page doesn't explicitly list a GF claim on the generic seasoning mix page-so verify on pack.)
Why make your own?
- Control the ingredients: skip dairy, wheat flour, excess sodium, and mystery "natural flavours."
- Perfect blend of spices: tailor the flavor profile-more cumin for earthiness, extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy flavor, or smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
- Pantry staples: lots of time not needed-just a small bowl and five minutes.
- Better value: a jar of DIY mix seasons multiple dinners for the whole family.
Ingredient notes & nutrition at a glance
- Chili powder: UK blends vary; choose a brand that's certified gluten-free when possible. It should have that bright red color from quality chilies.
- Sea salt / black pepper / ground cumin / garlic powder / onion powder / oregano / paprika: naturally GF single-ingredient spices; check labels to rule out shared-line cross contamination.
- Sodium watch: many store-bought taco packets hover around 300mg sodium per 2 tsp; DIY lets you dial salt down.
Variations & substitutions
- Mild: halve the chili pepper (chili powder) and skip red pepper flakes/cayenne.
- Smoky: swap half the paprika for smoked paprika.
- Salt-free: omit sea salt; season your taco salad/taco soup to taste at the end.
- Warming & earthy: add ¼-½ teaspoon ground coriander.
- Thicker saucy tacos: whisk ½-1 teaspoon labelled-GF corn starch into the water.
- Oil-bloomed mix (next level): warm 1-2 teaspoon olive oil in a pan, bloom the spices 30 seconds before adding water and vegan mince for big flavor.
- Experiment with gluten free taco seasoning to find your favourite combination.
Serving suggestions (vegan + family-friendly)
- Everyday tacos: sauté plant-based mince or crumbled tofu/tempeh; add seasoning + little water; simmer.
- Sheet-pan veg: toss cauliflower, peppers and onions with 1-2 tablespoon mix + oil; roast for favorite Mexican dishes.
- Beans & rice: stir 1-2 teaspoon into black beans; fold through rice for burrito bowls.
- Soups & salads: season taco soup or try using gluten free taco seasoning in salads: it adds a delightful kick.
- Gluten free taco seasoning works wonders in dips: try it out!
Storage
Transfer your seasoning to an airtight container (a 3-4 oz spice jar or small mason jar). Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months for best potency. Shake before use. Store your gluten free taco seasoning in a cool place to maintain its flavour.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe (& Vegan too!)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 Tbsp 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make gluten free taco seasoning that's also vegan-pantry staples, big flavour, no hidden gluten.
Ingredients
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl or jar, stir or shake.
Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. Label your homemade taco seasoning so it's easy to find in the spice cabinet.
With this gluten free taco seasoning, you get clean ingredients, a customisable flavour profile, and guaranteed vegan, dairy-free results-perfect for everything from taco night to quick taco soup. Mix a double batch, label it, and stash it in your spice cabinet-you'll never miss the packet of gluten free taco seasoning again.
FAQ's
Is all chili powder gluten free?
Do I need "certified gluten-free" spices?
Are store packets vegan and gluten-free?
What if I'm very sensitive to cross contamination?
If you liked this recipe please share it with your friends and Pin it for later...
Did you enjoy this post? You might also like these recipes...
Comments
No Comments