Is Old El Paso Hard and Soft Taco Shells 12 Count Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is halal, we look for three main red flags: alcohol (often hidden in vanilla or flavorings), pork derivatives (like lard), and non-halal meat by-products. In the case of the Old El Paso Hard and Soft Taco Shells 12 Count, the ingredient profile is surprisingly clean from a halal perspective.

Let's look at the structural fats. The shells use Palm Oil and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (soybean, palm, and/or cottonseed). These are strictly plant-derived. Unlike some flour tortillas that use Lard (pork fat), Old El Paso relies on vegetable sources. This is the most critical distinction for halal compliance.

Regarding the dough conditioners and preservatives, we see Glycerin, Mono and Diglycerides, and Fumaric Acid. In modern food manufacturing, particularly in the US, these are almost exclusively derived from vegetable oils (soybean or palm) rather than animal sources. While there is a theoretical possibility of animal-based glycerin, it is rare in mass-produced shelf-stable baked goods due to cost and consistency. Therefore, there are no flags here.

Finally, the Limed Corn Flour found in the hard shells is simply corn treated with calcium hydroxide (lime), a standard halal process used to make masa. There are no hidden animal enzymes in the dough conditioners that would render the product haram.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these taco shells are a source of refined carbohydrates. The primary ingredient is Enriched Flour, which provides energy but lacks the fiber found in whole grains. A single serving (one shell) generally contains between 110 and 130 calories, depending on whether you are eating the hard or soft variety included in the pack.

Fat content is relatively low, usually hovering around 2-3 grams per shell, coming mostly from the Palm Oil. The sugar content is negligible, making them a better option than sweetened snacks, but the sodium content (around 135mg) should be noted if you are on a strict low-sodium diet. They fit well into a balanced meal plan when paired with lean proteins and vegetables, but they are not a 'health food' due to the refined flour base.