Is Blue corn taco dinner kit Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a packaged food is Kosher, we look beyond just the main ingredients to the processing aids and additives. For this Blue corn taco dinner kit, the verdict is straightforward because the ingredient list is remarkably clean and plant-based.

Starting with the organic stoneground blue corn masa flour, this is simply corn that has undergone a process called nixtamalization (soaked in an alkaline solution) to make it digestible and nutritious. Corn is inherently pareve (neither meat nor dairy), making it a Kosher staple. The expeller pressed canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil are also plant-derived oils, which are universally Kosher and do not present any concerns regarding hidden animal fats.

The taco sauce ingredients are equally compliant. Organic tomatoes, water, sea salt, and organic lime juice are all basic, unprocessed vegetables and minerals. The spices—organic jalapeno peppers and organic garlic powder—are also plant-based. Crucially, there are no enzymes, glycerin, or natural flavors listed, which are the common culprits that can sometimes hide non-Kosher animal derivatives. Because the kit contains no meat or dairy ingredients, it is considered pareve.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Blue corn taco dinner kit offers a solid foundation for a meal, particularly due to the organic blue corn masa flour. Blue corn contains more protein and fiber than standard yellow corn, and it is rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give it its distinctive color. This makes the shells a more nutrient-dense carbohydrate choice.

The fat content comes from expeller pressed oils, which are a healthier way to prepare the shells compared to hydrogenated oils. The taco sauce is low in calories and sugar, relying on citric acid and lime juice for acidity rather than added sweeteners. If you are watching your sodium intake, be mindful that sea salt is present in the sauce. Overall, this kit fits well into a balanced diet, especially when paired with lean proteins like chicken or beans and plenty of fresh vegetables.