Ortega taco seasoning is made by B&G Foods, an American food company based in Parsippany, New Jersey. B&G Foods acquired the Ortega brand in 1997 and continues to manufacture and market Ortega Mexican food products including taco shells, taco kits, peppers, and of course, taco seasoning.
History of Ortega
The Ortega chili pepper and food company was founded in 1897 by Emilio Ortega in San Bernardino, California. Ortega started out selling tacos made with his wife’s recipe from a street cart before opening a small taco shop. As his business grew, Ortega began selling chili powder and taco shells made from his original recipes under the Ortega brand name.
In the 1940s, Ortega expanded intoselling canned chilies, peppers, taco sauce, and other Mexican foods. By the 1960s, Ortega had become one of the leading Mexican food brands in the United States. In 1972, the company was acquired by Pet Inc., which later became part of ConAgra Foods.
In 1997, ConAgra sold the Ortega brand and assets to B&G Foods. Under B&G Foods, Ortega continued to grow through new product introductions and expanded distribution. Today, Ortega offers a full line of Mexican foods including taco shells, taco kits, peppers, salsas, seasonings, and taco sauces.
Ortega’s Taco Seasoning Products
Ortega sells a variety of taco seasoning mixes and kits for making home-cooked tacos. Here are some of Ortega’s most popular taco seasoning products:
- Original Taco Seasoning Mix – The classic Ortega seasoning blend sold in 1 oz packets.
- Low Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix – A reduced sodium version of the original.
- Taco Dinner Kit – Contains taco seasoning mix, taco shells, and taco sauce.
- Taco Kit Refill – Refill packets of taco seasoning and sauce.
- Fiesta Taco Seasoning – Features southwest spices and flavors.
- Taco Shells and Taco Seasoning Pack – Shells and seasoning mix combo pack.
In addition to packets and kits, Ortega also sells larger containers of taco seasoning for restaurant use or bulk preperation. Overall, Ortega’s taco seasoning lineup aims to capture the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine in convenient mixes and kits.
Ortega Taco Seasoning Ingredients
Ortega taco seasoning contains a blend of spices, salts, vegetables, and natural flavors. Here are some of the main ingredients found in Ortega’s Original Taco Seasoning Mix:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Salt | Provides salty flavor |
| Chili pepper | Adds heat |
| Paprika | Provides color and flavor |
| Sugar | Balances flavor profile |
| Garlic powder | Contributes aroma |
| Onion powder | Adds onion taste |
| Spices | Blend of flavors |
| Natural flavors | Enhances taste |
The complete blend of seasonings gives Ortega taco seasoning its signature Mexican taco taste. The proportions of each ingredient are carefully balanced by Ortega’s food technologists.
How Ortega Taco Seasoning Is Made
Ortega taco seasoning is made through a multi-step manufacturing process:
- Procurement: Raw ingredients including spices, vegetables, and flavorings are sourced from approved suppliers.
- Blending: The ingredients are blended together in large batches based on the proprietary formula.
- Quality checks: Samples from each batch are tested to ensure correct flavor, color, aroma, etc.
- Packaging: The seasoning blend is packed into retail packs or bulk containers.
- Distribution: Finished products are shipped to grocery stores, restaurants, and other customers.
Ortega has dedicated manufacturing facilities to handle the large-scale production and packaging of its various taco seasonings. Automated systems allow for efficient blending and filling of millions of seasoning packs each year.
Strict quality control procedures are followed throughout the manufacturing process. All ingredients and finished products are rigorously tested to match Ortega’s specifications for appearance, taste, and food safety.
Taco Seasoning Production
Here are some key facts about Ortega’s taco seasoning manufacturing:
- Made at B&G Foods plants in the U.S.
- Annual production capacity of over 20 million units.
- Computerized blending equipment for accuracy.
- Automated filling lines for high-speed packing.
- Metal detection and other safety checks.
- Extensive sanitation procedures.
By investing in state-of-the-art production technology and facilities, Ortega can efficiently mass produce its taco seasonings while maintaining strict standards for quality and food safety.
Where to Buy Ortega Taco Seasoning
Ortega taco seasoning is widely available at major grocery stores across the United States. Here are some of the main retailers that carry Ortega taco seasoning products:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- Target
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- HEB
- Meijer
- Food Lion
- Dollar General
Ortega seasoning can typically be found in the Mexican food aisle or the spice/seasoning section. Many stores sell Ortega products together in special display racks.
In addition to grocery stores, Ortega taco seasoning is available from online retailers like Amazon.com. Food service operators can order Ortega products for restaurants and other food businesses through specialty distributors like Sysco.
Consumers can also purchase Ortega taco seasoning directly from the company’s online store at Ortega.com. Buying online gives access to hard-to-find and special release products.
Taco Seasoning Retail Availability
Key facts about buying Ortega taco seasoning:
- Carried at over 50,000 supermarkets nationwide.
- Top-selling taco seasoning brand at retail.
- Merchandised on dedicated displays.
- Promoted through digital coupons and weekly ads.
- Available year-round with seasonal offerings.
- Online store for direct purchases.
With its retail ubiquity and promotional campaigns, Ortega aims to make its taco seasoning readily available to home cooks across the U.S.
Ortega Taco Seasoning Nutrition Facts
Ortega taco seasoning is designed to add bold Mexican flavor rather than significant calories or nutrients. The nutrition facts for a standard 1-ounce packet of Ortega Original Taco Seasoning are:
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz Packet |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
| Total Carbs | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
As the table shows, a single serving of taco seasoning is very low in calories, fat, carbs, and protein. The main nutritional factor is the sodium content. A packet contains 21% of the recommended daily sodium intake.
To reduce sodium, Ortega offers a Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning that contains 25% less sodium per serving. People on low-sodium diets can use this option or adjust spice levels to their dietary needs.
Taco Seasoning Nutrition Highlights
- Low in calories and fat
- Contains 590 mg sodium per packet
- Provides some dietary fiber
- Very little protein or nutrients
- Lower sodium variety available
- Can adjust serving size to meet sodium needs
Overall, Ortega taco seasoning can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation and balanced with other less salty foods.
Ortega vs. Other Taco Seasoning Brands
Ortega is one of the leading taco seasoning brands in the U.S. Here’s how Ortega compares to some other popular retail taco seasoning options:
| Brand | Flavor Profile | Sodium Per Ounce | Format Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortega | Bold, medium heat | 590 mg | Packets, canisters, kits |
| Old El Paso | Mild, everyday | 750 mg | Packets, kits |
| McCormick | Mildly spicy | 300 mg | Bottles, packets |
| Badia | Authentic, very spicy | 460 mg | Shakers, packets |
| Mrs. Dash | Low sodium | 160 mg | Shakers |
As the leading brand, Ortega offers an appealing balance of craveable Mexican flavor, versatility, and wide availability for home cooks. Individual tastes and dietary needs will determine the best brand for each consumer.
How Ortega Compares
- #1 grocery brand in taco seasoning
- Delivers authentic yet mainstream taste
- Moderate sodium and heat levels
- Range of products and formats
- Effective marketing and distribution
- Preferred brand for many consumers
Ortega’s combination of flavor, variety, availability, and brand recognition makes it a go-to choice for taco night for millions of households.
Conclusion
For over 120 years, Ortega has been synonymous with Mexican flavor. Today, Ortega taco seasoning continues to be a kitchen staple in homes across America. With its signature blend of spices, convenient packets and kits, and effective marketing, Ortega has secured its place as the leading retail taco seasoning brand.
While multiple brands compete in the market, Ortega maintains its advantage through delivering the authentic, craveable Mexican flavors that consumers expect. By continually innovating and improving its product offerings, Ortega seeks to retain its number one position and help make tacos a favorite mealtime option.