Enchilada sauce is essentially the Mexican version of marinara, it goes with everything and leaves your taste buds satisfied. Enchilada sauce offers a velvety texture that pairs well with fresh corn tortillas rolled with marinated meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Yes, Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce is considered gluten-free. Although some enchilada sauces contain wheat or malt for thickening, Old El Paso Enchilada sauce does not contain wheat or gluten. However, it’s not certified gluten-free. The best healthier gluten-free alternatives to Old Paso include Siete Red & Green Enchilada Sauce, Frontera Enchilada Sauce, and Fody Foods Low FODMAP Enchilada Sauce.
Although Old Paso Enchilada Sauce is gluten-free, it contains various additives and ingredients that should be consumed sparingly. In this article, we look at the ingredients and nutritional content of Old Paso Enchilada sauce. We also explore other gluten-free alternatives and provide healthier sauces and frozen enchilada options with our favorite Mexican sauce. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What is Enchilada Sauce?
Enchilada sauce is Mexican tomato sauce flavored with chili pepper, garlic, onion and oregano. Some enchilada sauces are thickened with flour, however Old Paso Enchilada Sauce is thickened with corn starch.
Is Enchilada Sauce Healthy?
While enchilada sauce is low in calories it contains almost 290 mg of sodium per serving. According to the American Heart Association, the body requires less than 500 mg of sodium per day. Typically enchilada sauce is served with enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and tacos meaning you will most likely consume a high amount of sodium in one meal.
Enchilada Sauce Nutritional Information
Old El Paso Medium Red Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste)
- Modified Corn Starch
- Contains 2% or less of:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Chili Pepper
- Soybean Oil
- Vinegar
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
- Citric Acid
- Onion Powder
- Red Pepper
- Color Added
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 20 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 290 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 1 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Old El Paso Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste)
- Modified Corn Starch
- Contains 2% or less of:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Chili Pepper
- Soybean Oil
- Vinegar
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
- Citric Acid
- Onion Powder
- Red Pepper
- Color Added
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 20 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 290 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 1 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Old El Paso Enchilada Green Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Green Chile Pepper Puree
- Green Chiles
- Modified Corn Starch
- Soybean Oil
- Contains 2% or less of:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Citric Acid
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Vinegar
- Spice
- Onion Powder
- Natural Flavor
- Garlic Powder
- Artificial Color
- Acetic Acid
- Calcium Chloride
- Yeast Extract
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 25 Calories
- 1.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 270 mg Sodium
- 3 g Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 1 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Other Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce Alternatives
Market Pantry Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Modified Food Starch
- Contains less than 2%:
- Citric Acid
- Dried Red Chile Peppers
- Garlic Powder
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
- Monosoidum
- Glutamate
- Natural Flavor
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Soybean Oil
- Spices
- Sugar
- Yeast Extract
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 25 Calories
- 1 g Total Fat
- 330 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Las Palmas Original Style Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dried Red Chile Peppers
- Salt
- Cottonseed Oil
- Cider Vinegar
- Fumaric Acid
- Garlic Powder
- Spice
- Olive Oil
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 15 Calories
- 0.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 370 mg Sodium
- 3 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
- .3 g Iron
Las Palmas Medium Red Chile Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Dried Red Chile Peppers
- Salt, Cottonseed Oil
- Cider Vinegar
- Fumaric Acid
- Garlic Powder
- Spice
- Olive Oil
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 15 Calories
- 0.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 370 mg Sodium
- 3 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
- .3 g Iron
Las Palmas Mild Green Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Green Chile Peppers
- Modified Corn Starch
- Soybean Oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Citric Acid
- Maltodextrin
- Yeast Extract
- Distilled Vinegar
- Onion Powder
- Spices
- Garlic Powder
- Torula Yeast
- Caramelized Sugar
- Spice Extractive
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 15 Calories
- 0.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 370 mg Sodium
- 3 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
- .3 g Iron
Hatch Red Medium Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Water
- Organic Tomato Paste
- Organic Spices
- Salt
- Organic Cane Sugar
- Organic Corn Starch
- Organic Baker’s Yeast
- Citric Acid
- Organic Flavor
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 60g):
- 20 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 350 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Sugars
- 1 g Protein
- 1 mg g Iron
Healthier Alternatives to Old Paso Enchilada Sauce
Old Paso Enchilada Sauce uses various additives that are not so health-friendly. Luckily, there are many products that offer enchilada sauces with fewer chemicals and additives. Don’t worry you can still enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes!
Siete Red Enchilada Sauce
Siete makes delicious traditional Mexican grain-free, gluten-free and non-GMO products like sauces, hot sauces, and tortillas. This traditional enchilada sauce is gluten-free, Paleo, Vegan, and made in the USA.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Chile Powder
- Avocado Oil
- Sea Salt, Dates
- Chia Seed
- Flaxseed
- Porcini Powder
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Cumin
- Black Pepper
- Oregano Powder
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 55g):
- 35 Calories
- 1 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 200 mg Sodium
- 5 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 3 g Total Sugars
- 1 g Protein
- 3 mg Calcium
- 44 mg Potassium
Siete Green Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Tomatillos
- Green Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Water
- Jalapeños
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Avocado Oil
- Dates
- Sea Salt
- Chia Seed
- Flaxseed
- Black Pepper
- Turmeric
Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ cup, 55g):
- 25 Calories
- 1.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 290 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Total Sugars
- 0 g Protein
- 18 mg Calcium
- 40 mg Potassium
Fody Foods Low FODMAP Green Enchilada Sauce
Fody Foods Low FODMAP Enchilada Sauce is made with real ingredients. It is gluten-free, vegan, and made with no onion or garlic. Good for the gut!
Ingredients:
- Tomatillos
- Water
- Anaheim Peppers
- Distilled Vinegar
- Avocado Oil
- Arrowroot Powder
- Organic Cumin
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- Organic Black Pepper
- Organic Cilantro
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 tbsp, 30g):
- 15 Calories
- 1 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 180 mg Sodium
- 0 g Total Carbohydrate
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Total Sugars
- 0 g Added Sugars
- 0 g Protein
- 10 g
Frontera Red Chile Enchilada Sauce
Frontera offers non-GMO, gluten-free, preservative-free, and vegan enchilada sauces that will be the perfect company for burritos or enchiladas.
Ingredients:
- Tomato (fresh tomato, roasted fresh tomato, tomato puree, calcium chloride, and citric acid)
- Water
- New Mexico Chile Pepper
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Red Bell Pepper
- Salt
- Onion
- Garlic
- Evaporated Cane Juice
- Spices
- Xanthan Gum
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 tbsp, 30g):
- 10 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 210 mg Sodium
- 2 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 1 g Total Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Frontera Green Chile Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- Tomatillos
- Water
- Poblano Chiles
- Onion
- Heavy Cream
- Lime Juice from Concentrate
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Salt
- Serrano Peppers
- Evaporated Cane Juice
- Xanthan Gum
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 tbsp, 30g):
- 10 Calories
- 0.5 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 190 mg Sodium
- 2 g Total Carbohydrate
- 1 g Dietary Fiber
- 1 g Total Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Healthy Prepared Frozen Enchilada Meals
For quick and healthy options with enchilada sauce, check out some of these brands that use gluten-free and real ingredients.
Cali’flour Chicken Enchilada Bake
Cali-flour products are always keto friendly, gluten-free, and made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Tomatillos (Tomatillos, Citric Acid)
- Cauliflower Crust (Cauliflower, Mozzarella [Whole Milk, Enzymes, Cheese Cultures, Salt]
- Egg Whites)
- Water
- Fully Cooked Chicken White Meat Raised without added Antibiotics (White Chicken Meat, Water, Potato Starch, Salt)
- Cooked Black Beans
- Green Chiles
- Monterey Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
- Onions
- Contains 2% or less of:
- Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto)
- Arrowroot
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Green Onions
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Spices
- Garlic
- Lime Juice Concentrate
- Dried Ancho Chiles
- Sweet Smoked Paprika
Nutrition Facts (Per 1 serving, 255g):
- 290 Calories
- 16 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- .60 mg Cholesterol
- 440 mg Sodium
- 17 g Total Carbohydrate
- 5 g Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Total Sugars
- 21 g Protein
- 350 mg Calcium
- 600 mg Potassium
Real Good Chicken Mini Enchiladas
Real Good makes gluten-free, low carb, and low sugar frozen prepared meals with real ingredients. These mini enchiladas are low carb and keto friendly, making your next dinner fast, easy, and healthy!
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Chicken Tortilla (chicken breast, parmesan, cheese, less than 2% of water, salt, sunflower oil, natural flavor)
- Tomatillo Sauce (tomatillo, jalapeno, onion, salt, cilantro, xanthan gum, citric acid, garlic powder, soup base {salt, chicken fat, sunflower oil, onion, celery seed, spice})
- Monterey Jack Cheese
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 enchiladas, 133g):
- 190 Calories
- 9 g Total Fat
- 0 g Trans Fat
- 75 mg Cholesterol
- 630 mg Sodium
- 4 g Total Carbohydrate
- 2 g Dietary Fiber
- 2g Total Sugars
- 20 g Protein
- 156 mg Calcium
- 470 mg Potassium
Final Thoughts
Enchilada sauce can be a healthy option when it uses real and fresh ingredients. However, we must be cautious when we buy prepared canned food as they have a lot of unnecessary additives and preservatives. Check out this gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly enchilada sauce recipe here if you want to make your own!
Related Questions
Is enchilada sauce vegan?
Yes, enchilada sauce is dairy-free and vegan.
Is enchilada sauce keto?
Store bought enchilada sauce typically has added sugars, preservatives, and sodium making it not so keto-friendly.