Is Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice Gluten Free?

No, Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice is not gluten free. According to product information from the manufacturer, it contains wheat which is a source of gluten.
Is Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice Gluten Free?

Health Benefits

  • Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities
  • Contains essential minerals like phosphorus for bone health
  • Provides small amounts of protein for muscle maintenance
  • Contains vitamin B vitamins that support metabolism
  • Cheese content provides calcium for bone and dental health
  • Contains lycopene from tomato ingredients, which has antioxidant properties
  • Provides dietary fiber that supports digestive health
  • Contains iron which helps transport oxygen throughout the body
  • Provides small amounts of zinc for immune function support
  • Contains selenium which acts as an antioxidant in the body
  • Offers a convenient, portion-controlled meal option
  • Can be paired with vegetables or protein for a more balanced meal

Who Should Avoid

  • Individuals with sodium restrictions (contains ~670 mg sodium per serving)
  • People with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
  • Those with corn allergies (likely contains corn products)
  • People following low-carbohydrate diets
  • Individuals with MSG sensitivity
  • Those with allergies to artificial colors or preservatives
  • People with FODMAP sensitivities (may contain high FODMAP ingredients)
  • Individuals on calorie-restricted diets
  • Those with certain spice allergies or sensitivities
  • People with IBS who react to certain flavor enhancers
  • Individuals monitoring saturated fat intake
  • Those with specific vegetable oil sensitivities

Gluten Free Alternatives

  • Cauliflower Rice - Made from grated cauliflower. Low carb, high in nutrients, and naturally gluten free with a similar texture to traditional rice.
  • Quinoa - A complete protein grain that is naturally gluten free. High in fiber, minerals, and provides a nutty flavor similar to rice.
  • Brown Rice - Whole grain rice that is naturally gluten free. Contains more nutrients and fiber than white rice, with a slightly chewy texture.
  • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice - Prepared with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Provides a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile while remaining gluten free.
  • Zucchini Rice - Made from spiralized or grated zucchini. Low calorie, low carb alternative that can be seasoned with Mexican spices for a similar taste experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice be consumed safely with celiac disease?

No, Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice contains wheat and is not gluten-free, making it unsafe for people with celiac disease.

Does the seasoning packet contain any hidden sources of gluten?

Most seasoning packets contain hydrolyzed wheat protein, modified food starch, or maltodextrin which can contain gluten. Always check the ingredients list or contact the manufacturer to confirm if it’s gluten-free.

Is there a possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing?

Yes, cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing if proper safety protocols and hygiene practices aren’t followed. Equipment, surfaces, raw materials, and workers can all be potential sources of cross-contamination.

Are the cheese ingredients derived from sources that might contain gluten fillers?

Most pure cheese ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but some processed cheese products may contain gluten-containing additives or fillers. Always check labels or contact manufacturers to confirm gluten-free status.

Is there wheat-based maltodextrin or modified food starch in the rice mix?

No wheat-based ingredients are listed in the rice mix. The maltodextrin and modified food starch are derived from corn.
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Dr. Anne Verstegen

Dr. Anne Verstegen specializes in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public health research and management, she focuses on addressing health concerns through dietary approaches, gut health optimization, and stress reduction strategies. As Glutenfreeda's professional editor, she reviews all content to ensure accuracy, safety, and alignment with current nutritional science.

We Try Our Best

We understand how important it is to have trustworthy information when managing a gluten-free lifestyle, which is why we carefully source all our content from respected health and nutrition experts. You can find these trusted references listed below: 

  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  2. Coeliac UK

  3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

  4. Mayo Clinic

  5. World Health Organization (WHO)

  6. Celiac Disease Foundation

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