Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning

Spice Up Your Taco Night With This Budget-Friendly Seasoning

Tacos are a versatile and easy weeknight dinner staple in many households. While you can buy packet taco seasoning from the grocery store, often these contain a lot of sodium, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Enter Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning, an affordable bulk seasoning blend exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club.

As a budget-conscious mom, I’m always looking for ways to save money in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. I discovered Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning a few months ago and have incorporated it into my weekly meal planning ever since!

In this ultimate guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning including its ingredients, cost, availability, and how it compares to other popular brands. You’ll also find tips on how to use this versatile seasoning in all kinds of delicious recipes from tacos to chili and more. Let’s get started!

What Exactly is In Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning?

The ingredients list for Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning is relatively short compared to many other pre-made seasoning packets which is a good sign:

• Salt
• Chili pepper
• Paprika
• Sugar
• Spices
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Citric acid
• Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent)

It contains no artificial flavors, MSG or preservatives. The blend relies on common spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano to create the signature taco taste.

I’m happy to see that this seasoning does not contain any added sugar. The only sugar comes from the small amounts naturally found in the spices used in the blend. This makes it a nice option for low carb or keto diets.

While Wellsley Farms doesn’t disclose the exact amount of sodium, a 1⁄4 cup serving contains 380mg. That’s moderate compared to other taco seasonings which can have 700mg or more per serving.

Gluten-Free and Vegetarian-Friendly

Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning is gluten-free certified making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. All ingredients are vegetarian and vegan-friendly as well.

Whether you follow a specialized diet or not, it’s reassuring to know this seasoning avoids common allergens and restricted ingredients. The fewer additives, the better in my opinion!

Where to Buy and Price

The only place to purchase Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning is at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores. It comes in a big 28 oz. container priced at just $5.99 which is an amazing value compared to similar quality seasonings.

For reference, a 1.25 oz. packet of McCormick Taco Seasoning costs $0.99 which makes the Wellsley Farms over 3x less expensive per ounce!

Buying in bulk saves money and reduces plastic waste from individual seasoning packets. A win-win in my book!

BJ’s often runs promotions where you can get 10-20% off your entire purchase which makes this seasoning an even better bargain. Sign up for their email list to get notified of deals and coupons.

How Much Heat and Spice?

If you like just a touch of heat without an intensely spicy kick, Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning hits the right balance. According to the reviews, it provides a moderate level of heat from the blend of chili, cayenne and paprika.

Those who enjoy very spicy food may want to add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne powder. For milder tastes, the seasoning has enough flavor without being overly hot.

As someone who doesn’t personally enjoy a lot of spice, I find this seasoning blends warmth and flavor perfectly especially when used as directed. Always taste your dish and adjust to your preferred level!

Sodium Content

Consuming less sodium is important for heart health, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning has 380mg sodium per 1⁄4 cup which is reasonable for this type of blend. It contains less sodium compared to Old El Paso (730mg) and McCormick (540mg) based on the same serving size.

To further reduce sodium, I suggest starting with 3⁄4 of the recommended amount of seasoning and adjusting to taste from there. Adding extra herbs and spices like cilantro, cumin or oregano boosts flavor while allowing you to use less salt-heavy seasonings.

Use in Vegan, Vegetarian and Clean Eating Recipes

With no animal-based ingredients, Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. Simply use it to flavor beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, seitan or your favorite plant-based protein source.

Even though I’m not fully vegan or vegetarian, I like to incorporate more meatless meals into my diet. This seasoning allows me to easily give dishes like veggie tacos, nachos, chili, etc. a flavor punch without needing to use actual ground meat.

Clean eating fans will also appreciate that this seasoning is free from artificial and processed ingredients. The short, recognizable ingredient list meets the standards of an unprocessed, whole food diet.

How to Use in Ground Beef Tacos

Making tacos with seasoned ground beef is probably the most common way to enjoy Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning. Here are my tips for using it to make the perfect beef tacos:

• Use 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef. For more mild flavor, start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste.
• Mix the seasoning into browned, drained ground beef then simmer for 5-10 minutes to really let the flavors develop.
• Add a splash of water while simmering to help absorb flavors and prevent drying out.
• Season to taste with extra salt, pepper, cumin etc. if desired. Everyone’s tastes differ!
• Allow to cool slightly before assembling tacos so the meat doesn’t make the tortillas soggy.

That’s all it takes to make quick, budget-friendly seasoned taco meat ready for piling onto tortillas or taco salads!

Enhance Chili, Burritos, Quesadillas and More

While tacos are an obvious choice, don’t limit Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning to just one type of recipe. This versatile blend works fantastically in:

• Chili – Makes boring basic chili tasty and robust.
• Burritos or Enchiladas – Adds big flavor to bean or veggie fillings.
• Quesadillas – Perks up cheese or meat fillings.
• Nachos – Spruce up basic chips and melty cheese.
• Taco Salads or Bowls – Boost flavor of meat or beans on salad.
• Fajitas – Excellent on steak, chicken or shrimp.

The options are endless for taking dishes from blah to ¡wow! with a dose of this seasoning. A little goes a long way so start with less and add more if needed.

Keto and Low Carb Friendly

Sticking to a keto or low carb diet? This seasoning can help flavor up your recipes. With no added sugar and just 2g net carbs per 1⁄4 cup serving, it fits into a keto meal plan.

Spice up approved proteins like chicken, beef or pork with Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning or add to veggie sides like riced cauliflower. There are many keto options beyond just taco shells!

Adapting recipes to be keto-friendly can mean losing some flavor so seasonings like this become even more useful. I rely on this taco blend to add lots of taste to otherwise bland low carb meals.

How To Store and Maintain Freshness

Like any dried spice, it’s best to store Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and moisture. An airtight container in the pantry or spice cabinet works perfectly.

Unopened jars have a shelf life of about 2 years. Once opened, try to use within 6 months for maximum freshness and flavor.

Exposure to air, light and humidity reduces potency over time. Use a clean, dry spoon each time to scoop out only the amount needed to help preserve the rest.

If stored properly, the seasoning should maintain its signature flavor and color rather than fading. To test, do a smell and taste check – discard if the aroma or taste seems very weak.

Flavor and Heat Comparison

So how does Wellsley Farms seasoning compare to popular name brands like McCormick and Old El Paso? Here’s a brief overview:

• McCormick – Has the most sodium (540mg per 1⁄4 cup). Provides mild heat and the most one-note “generic taco taste”.
• Old El Paso – Highest amount of sugar and fillers. Lots of MSG. Offers the mildest, least “spicy” flavor.
• Wellsley Farms – Less sodium than McCormick, no MSG or fillers. Cleaner taste with more nuanced flavor and medium spiciness.

While it comes down to personal preference, I find Wellsley Farms has the most balanced, authentic flavor profile without anything weird or artificial tasting. It’s significantly cheaper than the other two brands while tasting fresher and more robust.

Ideal for Special Diets

We’ve covered that Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning works great in vegetarian, vegan, clean eating, low carb and keto diets. Here are a few more diet considerations:

• Gluten-free: Certified gluten-free, safe for those with celiac disease.
• Paleo and Whole30: Contains no grains, legumes, sugars. Good choice for Paleo and Whole30 diets.
• Low sodium: Less sodium compared to leading brands of taco seasoning.
• Kid-friendly: Most kids love tacos! This mild seasoning blend appeals to young taste buds.

No matter your dietary needs, you can likely enjoy Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning. It has wide appeal thanks to its simplicity and lack of additives. Flavor your favorite foods without worry.

Tips for Reducing Sodium

To slash sodium even further, there are a few easy tricks:

• Use 3⁄4 of the recommended amount of seasoning first, then adjust to taste.
• Boost flavor with extras like fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic and chili powder so you can use less seasoning.
• Choose unsaltedversions of complementary ingredients like tortilla chips, condiments, etc.
• Use a salt alternative like Mrs. Dash or salt-free herb blends.
• Skip the salt entirely – the seasoning blend alone may provide enough flavor for your preferences.

With these sodium-slashing methods, you can enjoy big taste without going overboard on the salt content. Moderation and personalization are key!

Does Wellsley Farms Have Packet Options?

Currently Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning is only available in the large 28 oz. container. Unlike many brands, they don’t offer single serve packets.

This encourages home cooks to buy the bulk size which has a much lower cost per ounce compared to packets. Plus it cuts down on disposable packaging waste.

If you really want individual seasoning packets for grab-and-go convenience, it’s easy to make your own:

• Use small snack size ziploc bags
• Measure 2-3 tbsp of seasoning into each bag
• Seal bags and label for easy identification

Customizing your own packets allows you to portion out just what you need per meal. This removes the guesswork of one-size-fits-all commercial packets.

Where to Find Helpful Reviews

Since Wellsley Farms is exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club, you’ll only find reviews on the BJ’s website.

At the time of writing, it scores 4 out of 5 stars based on 30+ reviews. Many praise the value, flavor, and lack of MSG and excessive sodium. Popular comments include:

• “This is so flavorful without tasting salty or artificial. I bought 4 jars to stock up!”
• “Way better than the packets of seasoning from the grocery store. Love using this in tacos, burritos and on taco salad.”
• “Fantastic deal for the price. This will last me an entire year. Great spicy flavor.”

The few critical reviews seem to be from those who prefer a milder, less spicy seasoning. Or who expected it to taste exactly like popular name brands.

Overall, buyers agree this is an affordable seasoning blend with quality ingredients and authentic flavor. The BJ’s reviews give helpful insight into real customers’ experiences.

Tips for Making This Seasoning Work For You

• To reduce sodium, use 3⁄4 of the recommended amount then adjust to your taste.
• For less heat, add spices like cumin, oregano or cilantro versus more seasoning blend.
• Combine with lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving for a flavor and freshness boost.
• Use in dry rubs for tacos, fajitas, chili or taco salads rather than mixing into meat while cooking for maximum spice and texture.
• For the best value, look for sales, coupons and club member exclusive discounts at BJ’s. Stock up when it’s on special.
• Store airtight in a cool, dry spot and use within 6 months once opened for optimal flavor potency.

With a few easy tricks, you can customize Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning to suit your palate and diet. A flavorful seasoning blend doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

The Verdict on Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning

At just $5.99 for a 28 oz. jar, it’s hard to beat this budget find in terms of value and cost per ounce. I love keeping a jar in my pantry to quickly add bold, Tex-Mex flavor to weeknight dinners.

Wellsley Farms delivers an authentic, additive-free taco taste with less sodium compared to leading brands. It’s versatile enough to use in everything from classic tacos to nachos, chili and more.

Finding high quality, inexpensive spices can be a challenge. This seasoning blend exceeds my expectations, especially considering the price. I always recommend it to fellow home cooks looking for an easy way to punch up flavor without breaking the bank.

So skip the packets and single serve sizes. Head to BJ’s to stock up on Wellsley Farms Taco Seasoning instead! Your taste buds and wallet will thank you.