Are you someone who is gluten-sensitive or has celiac disease?
Do you love fajitas but worry about the gluten content in the seasoning?
Look no further than McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning.
But is it really gluten-free?
In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients and answer that question for you.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to ensure your meals are gluten-free and safe for consumption.
So, let’s get started!
Is Regular McCormick Fajita Seasoning Gluten Free?
According to McCormick’s website, their Regular Fajita Seasoning does not contain any wheat ingredients, which is the main ingredient that contains gluten. The ingredients listed on the label include chili pepper, sugar, garlic, onions, paprika, tomato powder (dehydrated tomatoes, maltodextrin, and citric acid), cumin, oregano, and natural spices (including red bell pepper and enriched wheat flour [wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid]). However, it’s important to note that the enriched wheat flour is listed as a separate ingredient and is not included in the natural spices category.
Therefore, based on the information provided by McCormick, their Regular Fajita Seasoning is gluten-free and safe for consumption by those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What Is Gluten And Why Is It A Concern For Some People?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives dough its elasticity and helps it rise during baking. While gluten does not pose a problem for most people, it can be a concern for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed, causing damage to the lining of the intestine and preventing the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, is a non-celiac condition where individuals experience similar symptoms to celiac disease when consuming gluten, but without the intestinal damage. Symptoms of gluten sensitivity can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and fatigue.
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to avoid consuming any gluten-containing products. This includes checking labels for ingredients that may contain gluten or cross-contamination during processing. While McCormick has stated that their Regular Fajita Seasoning does not contain any wheat ingredients and is safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, individuals should always double-check the label and ingredient list before consuming any product to ensure it is safe for their specific dietary needs.
Understanding McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning
McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning is a blend of various spices and other ingredients that are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. The seasoning mix contains chili pepper, garlic, onions, paprika, cumin, oregano, and natural spices (including red bell pepper). The addition of sugar helps to balance out the flavors and the tomato powder (dehydrated tomatoes, maltodextrin, and citric acid) gives the seasoning a tangy taste.
It’s important to note that the label also lists enriched wheat flour as an ingredient. However, this ingredient is listed separately from the natural spices category and is not included in the gluten-free claims made by McCormick. This means that the Regular Fajita Seasoning may not be suitable for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
To use McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning in your recipes, simply sprinkle it over your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or shrimp) and vegetables (such as bell peppers and onions) before cooking. You can also mix the seasoning with oil and lime juice to create a marinade for your fajitas.
Ingredients In McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning
McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning is a blend of various spices and ingredients that give it its unique flavor. The main ingredients include chili pepper, sugar, garlic, onions, paprika, tomato powder (dehydrated tomatoes, maltodextrin, and citric acid), cumin, oregano, and natural spices (including red bell pepper and enriched wheat flour [wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid]).
Chili pepper is a common spice used in Mexican cuisine that adds heat and flavor to dishes. Sugar is added to balance out the spiciness of the chili pepper and give the seasoning a slightly sweet taste. Garlic and onions are also commonly used in Mexican cooking and add depth of flavor to the seasoning.
Paprika is a mild spice that adds color and subtle flavor to the seasoning. Tomato powder is made by dehydrating tomatoes and adding maltodextrin and citric acid to prevent clumping. It gives the seasoning a slightly tangy taste.
Cumin is a staple spice in Mexican cuisine that adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes. Oregano is another commonly used spice in Mexican cooking that adds a slightly bitter taste to the seasoning. Natural spices like red bell pepper are also included in the blend to enhance the flavor profile.
Lastly, enriched wheat flour is included as an ingredient in McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning. However, it’s important to note that it’s listed separately from the natural spices category and therefore can be avoided by those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Tips For Making Gluten-Free Fajitas At Home
Making gluten-free fajitas at home is easy and delicious. Here are some tips to help you create a flavorful and safe meal:
1. Use gluten-free ingredients: When preparing your fajitas, make sure to use gluten-free ingredients such as gluten-free tortillas, meats, and vegetables. Check the labels of any packaged ingredients to ensure they are free from gluten.
2. Make your own seasoning: While McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning is gluten-free, some pre-made seasoning blends may contain wheat flour as a thickener. To be safe, consider making your own seasoning blend using gluten-free spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add lime juice for flavor: Lime juice adds a tangy flavor to fajitas and can help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Squeeze fresh lime juice over your cooked fajitas or add it to your marinade for extra flavor.
4. Experiment with different meats and vegetables: Fajitas can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. Try using shrimp, mushrooms, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
5. Serve with gluten-free sides: When serving your fajitas, make sure to include gluten-free sides such as guacamole, salsa, or rice. Avoid serving anything that contains gluten such as flour tortillas or wheat-based sauces.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and safe gluten-free fajita meal at home.
Conclusion: Enjoy Gluten-Free Fajitas With McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning
If you’re looking to make gluten-free fajitas at home, McCormick’s Regular Fajita Seasoning is a great option. Simply mix one package of seasoning with one pound of meat, whether it be steak, chicken, or shrimp. You can also add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers and onions for a complete meal.
For those who are on a keto or paleo diet, this seasoning mix is also suitable as it does not contain any grains or dairy. And if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option, try using this seasoning mix to make fajita-style burgers or sheet pan chicken fajitas.
