Does Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredient list provided, it does not contain dairy or gluten ingredients. However, it does contain a bioengineered food ingredient.

Is Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix good for weight loss?

Yes, at only 15 calories per serving with 0g of fat, it adds flavor without adding significant calories to your meal.

Where can I buy Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix?

This specific Great Value brand product is available at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.

Is Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids, though the spice level (chili pepper) may be sensitive for very young children. It contains no caffeine.

Is Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix Vegan?

No, Walmart's Great Value Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix is not considered vegan. While the ingredient list appears plant-based, the packaging explicitly flags the inclusion of a bioengineered food ingredient and provides instructions specifically for browning ground beef. This suggests the product is formulated with or for animal-derived additives.

The Ingredient Breakdown

At first glance, the ingredient list for Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix looks promising for those avoiding animal products. It lists standard spices like Chili Pepper, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder, along with Corn Starch and Corn Maltodextrin as thickening agents. The presence of Citric Acid and Sugar is common in seasoning mixes, though strict vegans sometimes scrutinize the source of sugar (bone char filtering) or citric acid (mold fermentation). However, these are generally accepted by most vegan standards.

The primary issue lies in the Bioengineered Food Ingredient disclosure found at the bottom of the packaging. While this usually refers to GMO corn or soy, in the context of taco seasoning, it can sometimes mask proprietary flavor enhancers that mimic meat flavors or contain animal-derived processing agents. More importantly, the preparation instructions provided on the packaging are a major red flag. The instructions explicitly state: "1 lb ground beef or turkey" and "Brown meat in large skillet...". This indicates the product is not only marketed specifically for meat consumption but is likely engineered to bind with animal fats and proteins, suggesting it may contain trace animal derivatives or is simply not intended for a vegan diet.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

beef

Nutritional Value

Regarding the nutritional profile, Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix is relatively low impact. A serving size of 2 teaspoons (5g) contains only 15 calories, with 0g of fat and 0g of protein. The "Reduced Sodium" claim is valid; it contains 210mg of sodium per serving, which is significantly lower than the 300mg found in their standard version. However, 210mg still accounts for about 9% of the daily recommended value, so moderation is still key for those monitoring blood pressure. The carbohydrate content is 3g, mostly derived from Corn Starch and Corn Maltodextrin, with less than 1g of fiber. It fits well within low-calorie and low-fat diet limits, but the bioengineered ingredient flag remains the deciding factor for health-conscious consumers.