Key findings
- 1Old El Paso taco seasoning lists maltodextrin (a starch filler) as its first ingredient, homemade taco seasoning uses 5-6 actual spices with no fillers
- 2Plain hard taco shells (corn, oil, salt) are among the least processed items in the brand
- 3The brand spans from three-ingredient plain shells to heavily formulated seasoning mixes and enchilada sauce; product selection matters enormously
- 4Dinner kits aggregate multiple processed components, making the total processing load higher than buying shells and making your own seasoning
What goes into Old El Paso products?
Old El Paso is one of the widest-ranging brands from a processing standpoint because it spans fundamentally different product types under one label. The plain hard taco shells are among the simplest products in the Mexican food aisle, ground corn, vegetable oil, and salt, essentially a fried tortilla. The flour tortillas add more ingredients (bleached flour, hydrogenated oils in some varieties) but remain relatively simple. The processing escalates dramatically with the seasoning mixes: where homemade taco seasoning uses 5-6 ground spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano), Old El Paso taco seasoning contains maltodextrin as the first ingredient (a starch-derived filler), modified corn starch (thickener), silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent), "natural flavor," and yeast extract (a glutamate source). Maltodextrin as the first ingredient means it is the largest single ingredient by weight. The refried beans add lard or hydrogenated lard and preservatives. The dinner kits combine multiple processed components; shells, seasoning, and sauce; into a single package where the sum of processing exceeds what any individual component would suggest.
How 211 old el paso products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Old El Paso brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a old el paso label
- 1
Check the seasoning packet separately; maltodextrin as the first ingredient means a starch filler is the largest single ingredient
- 2
Plain hard taco shells (corn, oil, salt) are the simplest Old El Paso product
- 3
Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent) and modified corn starch (thickener) are industrial additives unnecessary in homemade seasoning
- 4
Dinner kits combine multiple processed components; evaluate the shell, seasoning, and sauce ingredient lists individually
Ketzal for iPhone
Got Old El Paso At Home?
Scan yours in Ketzal to see how your exact product scores, not just the average, plus a less processed swap.
Scan It Free
Frequently asked questions
Are Old El Paso taco shells ultra-processed?
Plain hard taco shells are among the brand's simplest products: ground corn, vegetable oil, and salt. The flour tortillas are somewhat more processed. It is the seasoning packets and sauces that carry the most additives, not the shells themselves.
Is Old El Paso taco seasoning ultra-processed?
The seasoning is the most heavily formulated part of the range. Maltodextrin (a starch-derived filler) is the first ingredient, followed by modified corn starch, silicon dioxide, yeast extract, and "natural flavor." Homemade taco seasoning uses 5-6 ground spices and no fillers, and takes about 2 minutes to mix. Each packet's product page shows its own score.
Are Old El Paso refried beans ultra-processed?
Old El Paso refried beans contain cooked beans, water, lard (or hydrogenated lard in some varieties), salt, and preservatives. Hydrogenated lard is a more processed fat than regular lard. Homemade refried beans need only beans, oil or lard, onion, garlic, and salt.
What is the least processed way to use Old El Paso?
Buy only the plain hard taco shells (corn, oil, salt) and skip the seasoning packets and sauces. Make your own taco seasoning from chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. This combination gives you the convenience of premade shells without the additives in the packets.
What is maltodextrin in Old El Paso seasoning?
Maltodextrin is a starch derivative (usually from corn) used as a filler, carrier, and mild sweetener. In taco seasoning, it carries the spices and bulks up the packet. It adds little flavor of its own; it is an industrial processing aid.