Homemade Taco Seasoning vs Store Bought

When we first started our healthy living journey over 10 years ago, one of the biggest changes we made was learning how to read food ingredient labels and make healthier swaps. With so many resources online, it became easier to find simple ways to support our family’s health, without adding stress to our daily routine.

If you're just starting out, the best advice I can give is this: take it one step at a time. Choose one area to focus on and make small, manageable changes. Over time, those small shifts turn into lasting habits.

Even now, I’m still learning, this journey is always evolving. Learning how to read ingredients does take time, but once you understand what to look for, it becomes second nature. What once felt overwhelming quickly becomes part of your everyday routine. 

One of the first changes we made was swapping out store-bought taco seasoning. In our home, taco seasoning is a weekly staple, we used brands like Old El Paso and Tone’s for years. But once we started paying attention to ingredient labels, we realized there were additives we didn’t feel great about.

Like many processed foods, taco seasoning packets often contain hidden ingredients that aren’t always obvious at first glance. After some trial and error in the kitchen, we created our own homemade taco seasoning, and not only did it taste better, it was more affordable too.

You might remember when “No MSG Added” became a big marketing trend. Brands like Ortega promoted this heavily, but here’s something many people don’t realize: products can still contain ingredients like “yeast extract,” which naturally includes free glutamic acid, he same key component found in MSG.

This means companies can still enhance flavor while labeling their products as “No MSG Added,” which can be confusing for consumers trying to make informed choices.

Making simple swaps like this is one of the easiest ways to start your journey toward cleaner eating. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional. 

What Are “Natural Flavors”? The Truth Behind Misleading Food Labels

So what are natural flavors? It’s one of the most misleading terms you’ll find on food ingredient labels.

According to the FDA, food companies are allowed to use the term “natural flavors” for additives that originally come from natural sources like plants or animals. Sounds harmless… but here’s where things get a little tricky.

Natural flavors are rarely just a simple, pure ingredient. In many cases, the actual flavoring compound makes up only a small portion of what’s used. The remaining 80–90% can include solvents, preservatives, and processing agents used to stabilize or carry the flavor.

So while the source may start as “natural,” the final product can still include heavily processed components.

The reality? It’s often more cost-effective for companies to use natural flavor blends rather than real, whole ingredients. These blends are designed to enhance taste and mimic real food flavors, while keeping production costs low.

At the end of the day, it often comes down to profit. Using whole, recognizable ingredients is typically more expensive than using flavor additives.

Another ingredient you may notice on labels, like in taco seasoning packets from places like Taco Bell, is malic acid. This ingredient is commonly used as a flavor enhancer and preservative, giving foods a tangy or tart taste.

While malic acid does naturally occur in fruits like apples, the version used in processed foods is typically manufactured at scale. Like many food additives, it’s created to improve shelf life and consistency in mass-produced products.

Is Maltodextrin Bad? Hidden Ingredients in Processed Foods You Should Know

Another common ingredient you’ll find in processed foods is maltodextrin. This highly processed starch is often used as a sweetener, thickener, filler, and preservative in packaged products.

Maltodextrin is quickly absorbed by the body and has a high glycemic impact, which can contribute to spikes in blood sugar levels. Some research also suggests it may influence gut bacteria, making it an ingredient many families choose to limit when focusing on cleaner eating.

When you start comparing store-bought seasoning packets to homemade versions, it becomes pretty clear which option gives you more control over what you're putting into your body. Choosing simple, recognizable ingredients can support overall wellness, not just your waistline, but your body as a whole, especially for growing kids.

Why Choose Organic Spices? A Simple Upgrade for Cleaner Eating

One of the easiest swaps you can make is upgrading your spice cabinet.

Whenever possible, we choose organic spices and slowly replace them over time. A simple approach is adding one or two organic spices to your cart each time you shop, especially at wholesale clubs. It keeps things budget-friendly while still moving toward cleaner ingredients.

While organic spices can cost a bit more upfront, many families choose them to avoid synthetic additives, artificial colors, and preservatives that are sometimes found in conventional spice blends.

By definition, organic spices:

• Cannot contain genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs)
• Do not include artificial colors or synthetic preservatives
• Are produced under stricter agricultural and processing standards

Small Changes, Big Impact

At the end of the day, progress matters more than perfection.

Even if you’re not fully switching everything overnight, using the spices and seasonings you already have at home is still a step in the right direction, especially compared to heavily processed, pre-packaged mixes.

Making gradual swaps, like choosing organic spices or creating your own seasoning blends, is one of the simplest ways to support a cleaner, more intentional lifestyle for you and your family.