Are Delimex Chicken Taquitos Gluten-Free? The Confusing Truth Revealed

Have you ever stood in the frozen food aisle, staring at those tempting Delimex taquitos and wondering if they’re safe for your gluten-free diet? You’re not alone! As someone who’s been navigating the gluten-free landscape for years, I’ve investigated this popular frozen snack to get you the straight facts.

The question of whether Delimex chicken taquitos are gluten-free has a surprisingly complicated answer. Let’s dive into what I’ve discovered about these popular frozen snacks and whether they deserve a spot in your gluten-free shopping cart.

The Confusing Labeling Situation

Here’s where things get weird. Delimex taquitos (both chicken and beef varieties) seem to have inconsistent gluten-free labeling depending on where you buy them:

• Costco packages: Often clearly labeled “gluten-free” on the front packaging
• Regular grocery stores: The same products typically DON’T have the gluten-free label

I noticed this discrepancy myself when comparing packages from different stores. The ingredients appear virtually identical yet the gluten-free claim only appears on certain packages. What gives?

What’s Actually in Delimex Chicken Taquitos?

Let’s examine the ingredients list for Delimex White Chicken Taquitos:

• Tortilla (corn masa flour, water, salt)
• Cooked chicken filling (white meat chicken, water, soy flour, seasoning [salt, dehydrated garlic, spices])
• Corn oil
• Gelatin
• Modified corn starch
• Salt
• Vinegar
• Chicken base (chicken meat including natural chicken juices, salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, fructose, chicken fat, autolyzed yeast, dry chicken broth, dextrose, modified corn starch, onion powder, natural flavors, spices including turmeric)
• Modified corn starch
• Corn masa flour
• Soybean oil

At first glance, I don’t see any obvious gluten-containing ingredients The “contains” statement on the package only lists soy as an allergen, not wheat However, we all know that gluten can hide in ingredients like “natural flavors” and “spices,” which aren’t always fully disclosed.

What Delimex Says About Gluten

When inquiries were sent to Delimex (owned by Kraft Heinz), their customer service response was somewhat vague:

“Gluten content can almost always be determined from the label, and the most accurate information can be found by checking the ingredient list on our packages. Kraft Heinz products list all sources of gluten, including gluten-containing grains (wheat, wheatberries, durum, barley, rye, graham, oats, triticale, spelt, kamut, emmer, farro) and other ingredients. Kraft Heinz makes every effort to disclose all sources of gluten, but unless specifically labeled as such, does not guarantee that its products are gluten-free.“

This response isn’t particularly reassuring for those of us with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity, is it? They’re essentially saying “check the label” without confirming if the product is definitively gluten-free or not.

Testing for Hidden Gluten

Here’s where things get interesting! Independent testing of Delimex taquitos (the ones NOT labeled gluten-free from regular grocery stores) using a Nima Sensor showed:

• One test detected NO gluten (testing both the corn tortilla and filling)
• However, another tester reported that the beef taquitos DID contain gluten when tested

These contradictory results make it even harder to provide a definitive answer about the gluten-free status of these products.

Why the Labeling Discrepancy?

There are a few possible explanations for why some Delimex taquitos are labeled gluten-free and others aren’t:

1. Different manufacturing facilities: Products destined for Costco might be made in dedicated gluten-free facilities
2. Formula changes: The company may have changed its recipe but older packaging is still in circulation
3. Labeling policy changes: Delimex/Kraft Heinz may have become more cautious about making gluten-free claims

According to the Target website information, Delimex taquitos may contain wheat. This might be because Delimex also makes flour tortilla taquitos in the same facility, creating cross-contamination risks.

What About the Beef Taquitos?

The Delimex Beef Corn Taquitos have a similar situation. Their ingredients include:

• Tortilla (Corn Masa Flour [Corn Masa Flour, Lime], Water, Salt)
• Cooked Beef (Beef, Beef Broth, Salt)
• Water, Soybean Oil
• Corn Masa Flour (Corn Masa Flour, Lime)
• Various additives and flavorings

Like the chicken variety, they contain no obvious gluten ingredients, but the same labeling inconsistencies exist.

Should You Eat Delimex Taquitos on a Gluten-Free Diet?

So, should you risk eating Delimex taquitos if you’re gluten-free? Here’s my honest opinion:

For Those with Celiac Disease:

I wouldn’t recommend it. The inconsistent labeling and mixed test results suggest there might be cross-contamination risks. The fact that the Target website indicates they may contain wheat is concerning.

For Those with Mild Gluten Sensitivity:

You might be able to tolerate them, but proceed with caution and pay attention to how your body responds.

Safer Alternatives:

• Make your own taquitos: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and your choice of fillings
• Look for brands that are certified gluten-free: Some specialty brands make taquitos that are certified gluten-free and produced in dedicated facilities

My Personal Experience

I’ve tried the Delimex taquitos from Costco (the ones labeled gluten-free) and didn’t have any reaction. However, I’ve avoided the ones from regular grocery stores due to the labeling inconsistency. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so what works for me might not work for you!

Bottom Line: Proceed with Caution

Until Delimex clarifies their gluten-free status consistently across all their packaging and retail outlets, I’d recommend caution, especially for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

The safest approach is always to make your own taquitos at home. That way, you have complete control over the ingredients and preparation methods. Plus, homemade taquitos taste way better anyway!

DIY Gluten-Free Taquitos Recipe

If you’re craving taquitos but don’t want to risk the Delimex ones, here’s a quick and easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 certified gluten-free corn tortillas
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheese (check for gluten-free certification)
• 1/4 cup gluten-free taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable
2. Mix chicken with taco seasoning
3. Place a small amount of chicken and cheese on each tortilla
4. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed
5. Brush with olive oil
6. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or air-fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy

Serving Suggestion:

Serve with gluten-free salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!

So, are Delimex chicken taquitos gluten-free? The frustrating answer is: it depends. While they don’t appear to contain gluten ingredients, the inconsistent labeling and mixed test results make them a questionable choice for those with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity.

Until Delimex provides clearer information about their gluten-free status, I’d recommend either:

1. Sticking to the Costco versions that are explicitly labeled gluten-free (though even these carry some risk)
2. Making your own delicious gluten-free taquitos at home
3. Finding a certified gluten-free alternative from a specialty brand

Have you tried Delimex taquitos on your gluten-free diet? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of September 2025. Product formulations and manufacturing processes may change over time, so always check current product packaging and contact manufacturers directly if you have serious gluten concerns.

No, Trader Joe’s chicken taquitos are not gluten-free, as they contain ingredients that may be cross-contaminated with gluten. While the main components like corn tortillas are gluten-free, other ingredients like spices and marinades could contain hidden gluten, and the product is not explicitly labeled as gluten-free by Trader Joe’s.