Old El Paso taco shells are a staple ingredient in making tacos at home. With their crunchy corn texture and ability to hold taco fillings, these pre-made taco shells provide an easy way to enjoy tacos without having to make homemade tortillas. Though simple and convenient to use, some consumers may wonder what ingredients go into Old El Paso taco shells to give them their distinctive flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in Old El Paso taco shells are:
- Corn
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Calcium propionate
- Guar gum
- Citric acid
Corn is the primary ingredient that gives Old El Paso taco shells their crunchy texture. Corn is dried and ground into a flour that can be molded into the taco shape. Water is added to the corn flour to help bind and shape the dough.
Vegetable oil is added to provide some flavor and flexibility to the shells. Oils like canola, sunflower, corn, or soybean oil may be used.
Salt is added for flavor. Calcium propionate helps keep the shells fresh by preventing mold and bacterial growth. Guar gum and citric acid are added to help improve the shelf life and maintain the stability of the taco shell texture.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1-shell (30g) serving of Old El Paso taco shells:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 6% |
| Total Fat | 3.5g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 230mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | |
| Protein | 2g | |
| Calcium | 50mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 70mg | 2% |
As you can see, the main nutrients provided by Old El Paso taco shells are carbohydrates and a small amount of protein and fiber. There are 110 calories in one taco shell, or 6% of the daily calorie needs for most adults.
The shells are low in fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. They provide a good boost of dietary fiber and iron as well.
Allergy Information
Old El Paso taco shells are gluten-free as they are made from corn flour rather than wheat flour. They are suitable for people following a gluten-free diet.
The shells are made in a facility that also processes wheat ingredients. People with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should exercise caution in consuming these shells due to potential cross-contamination.
Old El Paso taco shells contain corn, vegetable oil, and calcium propionate. People with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid consuming the taco shells.
Ingredients List
Here is the full list of ingredients in Old El Paso taco shells:
- Stone Ground Corn
- Water
- Vegetable Oil (Contains One Or More of the Following: Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Palm Oil)
- Contains 2% or Less of: Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid
- Salt
- Calcium Propionate (Preservative)
- Sugar
- Guar Gum
- Citric Acid
- Potassium Chloride
- Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Yeast
- SOY LECITHIN
- WHEAT STARCH
As you can see, the main ingredients are corn, water, and vegetable oil. Salt, calcium propionate, guar gum, and citric acid are also present in significant amounts.
The shells also contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals like niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid to enrich the corn flour.
Soy lecithin and wheat starch are present in very small amounts, likely less than 2% of the total ingredients.
Where to Buy Old El Paso Taco Shells
Old El Paso taco shells are widely available at most major grocery stores in the United States. Here are some of the main retailers that carry Old El Paso taco shells:
Grocery Stores
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- HEB
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- WinCo Foods
- Harris Teeter
- Giant Eagle
You can find Old El Paso taco shells in the Mexican food aisle at most grocery retailers. They come in boxes containing 6-24 taco shells depending on the package size.
Online
If you prefer ordering online, Old El Paso taco shells can also be purchased through websites like:
- Amazon.com
- Walmart.com
- Target.com
- Instacart.com
- FreshDirect.com
- Peapod.com
- Jet.com
- Boxed.com
Online stores allow you to buy the taco shells in bulk for convenient home delivery. Make sure to look for any applicable shipping costs during checkout.
Other Stores
Some additional stores that may carry Old El Paso taco shells include:
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Dollar Tree
- 99 Cents Only Store
- Aldi
- Save-A-Lot
- Lidl
- Restaurant Supply Stores
Check the Hispanic/Mexican food section at your local dollar stores, discount grocery stores, and restaurant supply retailers. Stock and pricing may vary compared to major supermarkets.
How to Store Old El Paso Taco Shells
To maintain freshness and prevent your Old El Paso taco shells from getting stale or soggy, follow these storage tips:
- Keep the taco shells in their original packaging or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place like the pantry or cupboard. Avoid humid areas like near the stove.
- Don’t refrigerate or freeze the taco shells. This can cause them to lose their crunchy texture.
- Fold and clip the opened bag tightly if not storing in an airtight container.
- Try to use within 2-3 months for best freshness and texture.
- Inspect for signs of staleness like softening or mold before eating.
With proper dry storage, unopened packages of Old El Paso taco shells can last 6-9 months past the “best by” date on the package. Once opened, try to use within a couple months.
Storing the taco shells properly will help prevent them from getting soggy before you are ready to enjoy them!
How Are Old El Paso Taco Shells Made?
Have you ever wondered how Old El Paso transforms simple corn flour into those perfectly u-shaped crunchy taco shells? Here is an overview of how Old El Paso taco shells are made:
Ingredients Mixing
The process starts by measuring and mixing together the dry ingredients like corn flour, salt, sugar, leavening agents, vitamins, and minerals. The wet ingredients like water and oil are then added to form the dough.
Shell Molding
The dough is fed into specialized taco shell molding machines. These machines press the dough into the iconic u-shaped taco shell form.
Baking
The molded taco shells are then baked at high heat. This causes the moisture in the dough to turn to steam, which makes the shells expand and become crisp. Baking gives the shells their signature crunch and golden color.
Cooling and Drying
After baking, the taco shells are cooled down and dried to their final moisture level and crispness. Additional oil may be sprayed or misted onto the shells during drying for extra crunch and flavor.
Packaging
The finished baked taco shells are inspected for quality and broken shells are removed. The intact shells are stacked in pairs and packaged into boxes, bags, or other retail packaging.
Distribution
The packaged taco shells are shipped out via truck or rail to grocery stores, warehouses, and retail locations across the country! Then they are ready for consumers to purchase and enjoy Old El Paso taco night.
Common Uses for Old El Paso Taco Shells
Old El Paso taco shells are extremely versatile. Here are some of the most popular ways people use these classic taco shells:
Tacos
Obviously, taco shells are most commonly used to make tacos! You can fill them with classic taco meat, shredded chicken, fish, beans, or anything else you love in a taco. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, guacamole, etc.
Taco Salads
Break the taco shells into crisp pieces and use them as the base for tasty taco salads topped with taco-seasoned ground beef or chicken, beans, cheese, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, olives, and more.
Appetizers
For party finger foods, stuff Old El Paso taco shells with taco fillings, cream cheese, or other dips and toppings to make appetizer bite-size tacos.
Nachos
Crush or cut Old El Paso taco shells into chips and use them as the base for nachos. Top with melted cheese, taco meat, beans, salsa, and all your other favorite nacho toppings.
Shell Tacos
Get creative by stuffing hard taco shells with non-traditional fillings like tuna salad, egg salad, or chicken salad for a fun, portable meal.
Baking Dishes
Line a baking dish with taco shells, fill with ingredients like taco meat, beans, and cheese to make a taco casserole or lasagna.
Taco Night Recipes with Old El Paso Taco Shells
Old El Paso taco shells are designed to make taco night easy and fun. Here are some great taco recipes that use Old El Paso taco shells:
Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet Old El Paso taco seasoning
– 8 Old El Paso taco shells
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Sour cream
Cook ground beef with the taco seasoning as directed. Fill the taco shells with the seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients:
– 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8 Old El Paso taco shells
– Pico de gallo
– Shredded cabbage
– Avocado slices
Coat shrimp in olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Grill or broil 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Fill shells with shrimp, pico de gallo, cabbage, and avocado.
Chicken Fajita Tacos
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 bell peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
– 8 Old El Paso taco shells
– Queso fresco crumbles
– Lime wedges
Cook chicken and veggies with fajita seasoning. Fill taco shells with fajita mix, queso fresco, and lime juice.
Storing Leftover Tacos
Got leftover tacos using Old El Paso taco shells? Here are some tips for storing them safely:
– Let tacos cool completely before storing.
– Separate the shells from wet fillings like lettuce, cheese, salsa if needed.
– Place shells and fillings separately in airtight containers.
– Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
– Reheat fillings gently before serving again.
– Avoid microwaving shells or they may soften. Reheat in oven.
– Consider freezing beef or bean fillings for longer storage.
– Freeze leftover shells if needed. Thaw before reheating.
Properly storing leftovers prevents soggy shells and dangerous bacteria growth. Follow these tips to enjoy Old El Paso tacos again later!
Troubleshooting Common Taco Problems
Having issues getting those perfect tacos when using Old El Paso taco shells? Here are some common taco troubles and how to fix them:
Soggy or Soft Shells
– Don’t overfill shells
– Drain wet ingredients like lettuce
– Keep in dry storage, avoid humidity
– Microwaving makes shells soggy – reheat carefully
Broken Shells
– Handle gently when filling
– Consider using tortillas if breaking often
– Cut shells into pieces for tacos salads or nachos
Fillings Falling Out
– Don’t overstuff shells
– Use firmer fillings like shredded cheese
– Fold ends inward for more support
– Go easy on loose wet ingredients
Bland Flavor
– Use generous seasonings in fillings
– Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream
– Add spice/acid like jalapenos, lime juice
– Use more flavorful fillings like grilled veggies
With some simple adjustments, you can troubleshoot common taco troubles and enjoy mealtime success!
Conclusion
Old El Paso has been making quick and convenient taco shells for over 80 years using a simple mix of corn flour, water, oil, and spices. The iconic crunchy u-shaped shells hold taco fillings perfectly and can also be used creatively in recipes beyond classic tacos. While they provide an easy taco night solution, it’s still important to store leftovers properly and troubleshoot any cooking issues that arise for taco enjoyment. With flavorful fillings and creative toppings, Old El Paso taco shells will continue satisfying taco lovers for years to come.