Most people are surprised to learn that taco seasoning often contains ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, and corn flour that make it unsuitable for a keto diet. The solution? Make your own! This Keto Taco Seasoning takes just minutes to make and is the perfect solution for Taco Tuesday!

Close up photo of Keto Taco Seasoning in a jar on a white background.

Mexican food - or at least the Americanized versions of it- has long been my favorite.

You may have guessed that from this Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps, Keto Enchilada Sauce, Low Carb Taco Salad, and Zucchini Enchiladas.

When I first went keto, one thing that surprised me was that many pre-made spice mixes had ingredients that weren't keto-friendly. Some have sugar, soy, and gluten.

As much as I resisted adding one more thing to my to-do list, I have found that making my own blends is a super-easy solution. It takes just a few minutes, has loads of flavor, and is well worth the effort.

If you have old enough kids to handle the task, it is one of those easy things to delegate since it isn't particularly fussy and is an excellent way to teach fractions.

Ingredients

Chili Powder: Make your own using a chili powder seasoning recipe, or use a pre-made blend.
Ground Cumin: Freshly ground cumin seeds will add even more flavor.
Garlic Powder: Use fresh garlic powder, ideally no more than six months old. In my experience, it loses its flavor more quickly than other seasonings.
Salt: Use fine sea salt or kosher salt.
Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano is great if you have it.
Onion Powder: Like garlic powder, make sure it is fresh.
Smoked Paprika: Sweet paprika can be used but smoked it prefered.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best.
Cayenne Pepper: Omit if you don't like heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Carbs in Taco Seasoning? What About Sugar?

Yes! You would be surprised at how many carbs are in many commercially available brands. One that I checked out had 18 grams of carbs per packet.

Most brands contain sugar. If you are looking for a keto-friendly option, make sure you read the label.

How Much Taco Seasoning Do I Add Per Pound of Meat?

I recommend adding around two tablespoons for each pound of meat you are cooking. You can adjust up or down from there to suit your preferences.

Just keep in mind that this is not free of carbs, so if you are tracking closely, you should consider the additional carbs in your macros.

Tips & Tricks

Thicken It: Most taco seasoning mixes have a thickener, which is why the recipes recommend you adding water to them to make a sauce. If you would like, you can add one-fourth teaspoon of xanthan gum to this recipe.
Sweeten It: Likewise, since sugar is a common component of taco seasoning, feel free to add one tablespoon of your favorite powdered sweetener.
Kick Up the Heat: Play with heat and adjust them to suit your preferences.
Beyond Tacos: Sprinkle it on chicken, roasted veggies, or even scrambled eggs to add a lot of flavor without a lot of effort.
Go Double: Double the recipe to always have some on hand for quick meals.
Marinades: Combine with olive oil and lime juice to create an easy marinade for meats.
Make a Dip: Mix into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy taco dip.

Overhead photo of a small jar of keto taco seasoning surrounded by lime and tomato.

Storage

Store in a sealed container in the pantry for up to six months.