Condiments
Cholula Taco Seasoning
1 oz
Score
- Ultra-processed
- High in salt
- Contains added sugars
Why it scores 47
Cholula Taco Seasoning scores 47 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 20 points Sugar: An added sugar. Strong
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 9 points Salt 18.9 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better seasoning mixes and rubs
-
Original Taco Seasoning Mix Mccormick · 8.5 oz/240 g Not ultra-processed · No added sugars Score 79 out of 100 , 32 points higher -
Mild Taco Seasoning Blend Bettergoods Not ultra-processed · No added sugars Score 79 out of 100 , 32 points higher -
Mexican taco truck seasoning Mccormick · 4.27 oz/121 g Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 90 out of 100 , 43 points higher -
Organic Taco Seasoning Whole Foods Market Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 92 out of 100 , 45 points higher -
Birria Taco Seasoning The Texas Original · 1 oz/28.3 g Less salt · No added sugars Score 78 out of 100 , 31 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Cholula Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- Sugar minus 20 points
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Sugars 4.7 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Saturated fat 2.9 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Salt 18.9 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Energy 333 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
- Fiber 17.8 g / 100 g plus 4 points
100 − 53.5 = 46.5 → 47
Can’t score above 79. Contains sugar, an ingredient of high concern. [1][2][3]
Can’t score above 79. High in salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [8]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 333 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44.4 g |
| Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Added sugars | 1.6 g |
| Fiber | 17.8 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 18.9 g |
Serving: 1 serving (4.5 g)
Ingredients
- SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA)
- SALT
- WHITE CORN FLOUR
- GARLIC POWDER
- ONION
- SUGAR (high concern)
- ARBOL PEPPER
- CITRIC ACID
- VINEGAR SOLIDS
- PIQUIN PEPPER & NATURAL FLAVOR (SESAME)
Label text, as published
SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA), SALT, WHITE CORN FLOUR, GARLIC POWDER, ONION, SUGAR, ARBOL PEPPER, CITRIC ACID, VINEGAR SOLIDS, PIQUIN PEPPER & NATURAL FLAVOR (SESAME).
Allergens and diets
Contains: Sesame
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children
“In both adults and children, WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Added and free sugars should be as low as possible
“Sugar consumption is a known cause of dental caries.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
-
“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
-
“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org