Pronounced ta-HEEN, this zesty seasoning is a popular spice-mix that boasts the flavors of spicy chilis and tangy limes. It is often used to season meat dishes, beans, vegetables, and can even be sprinkled on fruits like mango, watermelon, or pineapple. This uniquely flavored seasoning hit U.S. markets in 1993 and has been steadily gaining in popularity ever since.
Yes, Tajín seasoning is gluten-free according to the ingredients list. Per the company website, Tajín seasonings meet FDA regulations for gluten-free products, yet their product is not certified gluten-free. This could pose an issue for gluten-free individuals as the seasoning blend could be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing ingredients during the manufacturing process. The best gluten-free alternative is Lane’s Chili Lime Rub.
This Mexican-inspired seasoning seems to be a convenient option for amplifying a wide variety of dishes, but how does it fit into a healthy, gluten-free diet? In this article we will review Tajín seasoning and its gluten status, some of its history, along with its nutrient profile and some alternative product options. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What is Tajín?
Tajín is a well-known Mexican condiment company that offers a variety of Mexican-inspired seasonings and sauces. Their most popular seasoning is made using dried chili peppers, dehydrated lime juice, and sea salt. It combines saltiness, sourness, and the spice of chilis with a touch of sweetness for a flavor that many consider to be irresistible. The Tajín line of other products include a low sodium version of their classic seasoning, a habanero seasoning blend, mild hot sauce, and a fruit chamoy hot sauce.
Tajín Company History
Tajín began in Mexico in late 1985. It all started with its signature Tajín Clásico seasoning blend. From humble beginnings in small-town Mexico, this condiment company quickly grew in popularity and earned its way into U.S. markets in the early 1990s. In the early 2000s, the company expanded its exports to other areas of the world like Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their products can now be found in over 30 different countries.
What is Required for a Product to be Considered Gluten-Free?
In order for a manufacturer to label their spices and sauces as “gluten-free”, they must meet certain criteria set out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Per the FDAs gluten-free labeling guidelines, a product cannot contain any gluten-containing ingredients and must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten in order to label themselves as gluten-free. Some research evidence has suggested that most individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can tolerate trace amounts (less than 20ppm) without having adverse reactions. This is the basis upon which the FDA allows a product to be labeled gluten-free.
Why aren’t there many ‘certified gluten-free’ seasoning products?
In many instances, manufacturing equipment may be shared in the processing and packaging of different spices and sauces. Because of this, many manufacturers may be hesitant to label their product as gluten free for fear of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients that have also been processed on or near that equipment. This could be why we don’t see many spices or sauces proudly displaying a gluten-free label, despite the fact that their products don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
How to Avoid Gluten in Spices and Sauces
As just discussed, you’ll be hard pressed to find many “certified gluten free” spices. To avoid ingesting gluten from seemingly harmless spices, seasoning blends, and sauces, it is best to always carefully review the food label. Steer clear of any products with disclosures such as “May Contain Wheat” or “Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat”.
How can I use Tajin?
Some easy ways to use Tajín include the following:
- Season grilled corn on the cob
- Use as a popcorn topper
- Sprinkle on fresh pineapple or mango for a spicy sweet treat
- Season cooked vegetables like broccoli or potatoes
- Add to avocado toast for a tangy flavor boost
- Rim cocktail glasses to bring out the flavor of all your drinks
Tajín Products and Gluten Status
All Tajín products are said to be gluten free and free from the top 8 allergens such as: milk, seafood, soy, wheat, egg, and nuts. However, none of their products display a gluten-free label. This could lead consumers to think their products are not gluten free, despite their use of gluten-friendly ingredients. It is ultimately the consumers decision as to what they can tolerate in regards to the risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Tajín Clásico
This seasoning blend is the most popular product of the Tajín line of seasonings and sauces. It provides a salty-sweet-spice that will level up any dish. It does provide a decently high amount of sodium, but otherwise has zero calories and no real nutritive value.
Ingredients:
- Mild chili peppers
- Lime
- Sea salt
- Silicon dioxide (anti-caking)
Nutritional Information (per ¼ teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tajín Clásico Low Sodium
This product provides the same great flavor as it’s Tajín Clásico counterpart, but has 37% less sodium.
Ingredients:
- Mild chili peppers
- Lime
- Sea salt
- Silicon dioxide (anti-caking)
Nutritional Information (per ¼ teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tajín Mild Hot Sauce
This serves as your basic, not too spicy, just enough heat, hot sauce. It is labeled gluten free, Kosher, sugar free, and has no artificial colors or flavors added.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Chili Peppers
- Salt
- Dehydrated Lime Juice
- Xanthan Gum
- 0.1% Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tajín Fruit Chamoy Hot Sauce
This hot sauce offers a spicy bite with a uniquely sweet undertone coming from the chamoy flavoring that is used. Chamoy is a popular condiment in Mexico that is made from dehydrated fruits, like apricots, chili powder, salt, sugar, and citrus juice.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Chili Peppers
- Salt
- Dehydrated Lime Juice
- Xanthan Gum
- Chamoy flavor
- 0.1% Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tajín Habanero Seasoning
This is the same great blend of ingredients as the original and low sodium option, but instead of mild chili peppers, habanero chili peppers are used. Tajín Habanero seasoning is for the chili lime lover who wants an additional punch of heat.
Ingredients:
- Habanero chili peppers
- Lime
- Sea salt
- Silicon dioxide (anti-caking)
Nutritional Information (per ¼ teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Are Tajín Products Healthy?
Tajín products are notorious for using primarily natural ingredients and refraining from added sugars, oils, artificial colors and preservatives. The majority of their products provide zero calories and therefore do not offer much nutritive value to the consumer. Their hot sauces do provide some potassium and calcium, at 10.4mg and 2.1mg, respectively. Most seasonings and sauces are relatively high in sodium, and that is the case with Tajín products as well. It is important to read nutrition labels and rely on serving size suggestions to avoid overconsumption of sodium.
Alternative Options
Lane’s Chili Lime Rub/Seasoning
While this particular seasoning blend provides a similar flavor to Tajín Clásico, the key difference is that Lane’s proudly labels their product ‘gluten-free’.
Ingredients:
- Lime Sugar
- White Sugar
- Salt
- Chili Powder
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Cayenne
- Marjoram
Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 6
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Tia Lupita Hot Sauce
We love this hot sauce for several reasons. It has only 7 ingredients and uses no binders or preservatives. It is a low sodium option that has no added sugar, is gluten-free and non-GMO. It provides plenty of spice without any of the nonsense.
Ingredients:
- Red Jalapeños
- Water
- Organic Distilled Vinegar
- Salt
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Black Pepper
- Cumin
Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Siete Traditional Hot Sauce
This hot sauce not only has amazing flavor, but it is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, making this product a very safe choice for those following a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, this product is low sodium, dairy-free, soy-free, and includes nutrient boosting ingredients like flax seeds, chia, and golden beets.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Jalapeño Pepper
- Golden Beets
- Puya Pepper
- Sea Salt
- Flax Seeds
- Garlic
- Chia Seeds
- Black Pepper
- Oregano
- Orange Peel
Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Main Takeaways
This unique blend of salty-sweet-spice is a staple ingredient in countless households across the world. Tajin has steadily grown in popularity for the past 30+ years and offer a variety of spice blends and sauces that many can’t seem to get enough of. Tajín claims that their products meet the FDA guidelines for being gluten-free, yet they do not have a certified gluten free label displayed on any of their spices or sauces. The company also states on their website that their products “do not contain any of the 8 main allergens such as: milk, seafood, soy, wheat, egg, and nuts.” All signs point to this product line being gluten-free, but if you’re a stickler for that ‘certified gluten free’ label, Tajin may not be for you. Several alternative options that are labeled ‘gluten-free’ are available.
Related Questions
Is Tajin Spicy?
Tajín has been described as more flavorful than hot. It is slightly spicy, but is considered to be on the lower end of the heat scale.
Is Tajin Vegan?
Yes, Tajin does not use any animal-derived ingredients and it is therefore a vegan product.