Does Burrito Spices & Seasonings contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of whey (milk). It also contains gluten from the enriched wheat flour.

Is Burrito Spices & Seasonings good for weight loss?

While the seasoning itself is low in calories, it contains added sugar and is high in sodium, which can lead to water retention. It is best used in moderation.

Where can I buy Burrito Spices & Seasonings?

This product is widely available at major grocery retailers, big-box stores like Walmart, and online through Amazon.

Is Burrito Spices & Seasonings safe for kids?

It is generally safe for children, but the sodium content is high. The spices, including chili peppers, may be too spicy for very young palates.

Is Burrito Spices & Seasonings Vegan?

No, Burrito Spices & Seasonings are not vegan. While the name suggests a simple blend of plant-based spices, a closer look at the ingredient label reveals hidden animal-derived products. Specifically, this seasoning blend contains whey and beef fat, making it strictly off-limits for those following a vegan diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing on the front of the package to the chemistry on the back. When analyzing this seasoning blend, we find a mix of standard thickeners, flavor enhancers, and specific animal products that strictly define it as non-vegan.

The base of the product consists of ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR and PINTO BEAN FLOUR. These act as bulking agents to help the seasoning coat the food evenly. While wheat and beans are plant-based, the flour is often a hidden source of gluten, which is a primary concern for many restricted diets.

The flavor profile comes from SPICES, ONION, and GARLIC, which are all vegan. However, the savory 'umami' depth is bolstered by YEAST EXTRACT. While yeast is a fungus (not an animal), it provides a savory punch often associated with meat broths.

Unfortunately, the formulation crosses the line into non-vegan territory with two specific ingredients. First is WHEY (MILK). Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process and is strictly an animal product. It is often used in seasoning blends to help the powder dissolve better in liquids and to add a subtle creaminess. Second, and most definitive, is BEEF FAT. This is exactly what it sounds like: rendered fat from cattle. It is used to carry the fat-soluble flavors and provide an authentic meaty taste.

Finally, the product contains CARAMEL COLOR and NATURAL FLAVOR. While caramel color is usually plant-derived, the term 'Natural Flavor' is a regulatory gray area. In a savory context like this, natural flavors can be derived from animal sources to mimic the taste of cooked beef, though the beef fat already confirms the non-vegan status.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

milkwheybeef

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this seasoning is designed to be used in small amounts, so it won't drastically alter the caloric content of your meal. However, it is a concentrated source of sodium and contains added sugars.

The inclusion of SUGAR and CITRIC ACID is common in spice blends to balance the heat of the chili peppers and the bitterness of the spices. While the amount per serving is low, it contributes to the overall glycemic load of a meal. The SALT content is significant, which is expected for a seasoning meant to flavor a burrito filling.

Regarding the fat content, the BEEF FAT adds a small amount of saturated fat. While the quantity in a single serving of seasoning is minimal, it contributes to the overall flavor mouthfeel. For those monitoring their sodium intake or avoiding added sugars, this product should be used sparingly.