# El Monterey Taquitos Beef > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** El Monterey - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 20 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/el-monterey-taquitos-beef-20-oz - **Slug:** `el-monterey-taquitos-beef-20-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains numerous industrial ingredients and additives (modified starches, flavor systems, emulsifiers, maltodextrin, processed cheeses, and flavor blends) and is a ready-to-heat frozen product, fitting the ultraprocessed NOVA 4 category. ## Review El Monterey Taquitos Beef is a frozen, ready-to-heat appetizer or snack you’d find in the supermarket’s frozen foods aisle—typically shelved with other frozen Mexican meals, taquitos, chimichangas, and party appetizers. Packaged in a colorful retail box, it sits near breakfast burritos and family-style frozen dinners and is frequently displayed on sale during game-day and party promotions. The product is positioned as an affordable, family-friendly convenience food: El Monterey leans into fiesta imagery and kid-appeal, calling out quick heat-and-serve convenience and pairing suggestions like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and ranch. Labeling emphasizes convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor rather than health claims; there are no organic or natural certifications and the box uses playful, party-forward language that targets busy parents, hosts, and value-focused shoppers. On-pack callouts and imagery may create a mild “kid friendly” or party-food halo, but ingredient lists show multiple processed components (modified starches, flavor blends, emulsifiers, and preservatives). Sensory notes: the taquitos crisp on the outside with a crunchy fried-like shell and a warm, savory filling of shredded steak and melty cheddar-style cheeses; textures contrast between a slightly chewy tortilla and a soft, saucy interior. Typical use ritual is microwave for speed, oven or air fryer for extra crispness, and dipping into condiments while socializing. Nutrition per serving is modest-calorie (about 210 kcal) with notable sodium (about 290 mg) and minimal sugars (1 g). Processing context: a highly processed frozen convenience product formulated for shelf stability, uniform texture, and fast reheating. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3.0 - **Servings per container:** 7 - **Calories:** 210 - **Total fat:** 10g (13% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 290mg (13% DV) - **Total carbs:** 26g (9% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 8g ## Ingredients Enriched Wheat Flour: Enriched Wheat Flour (Enriched with Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Vegetable Oil: (Soybean, Canola and/or Corn Oil), Cooked Beef Steak: Cooked Beef Steak (with Broth, Salt), Cheeses: Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Color), Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese Blend (Water, Palm Oil, Natural Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Rennet Casein, Modified Food Starch, Sodium Phosphates, Salt, Lactic Acid, Natural Flavor, Annatto Color), Onion, Contains 2% Or Less: Beans, Tomato Paste (Tomatoes), Soy Protein Concentrate And/Or Soy Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Chipotle Puree (Water, Vinegar, Chipotle Jalapenos, Tomato Paste, Dried Red Chili Peppers, Flavor, Salt, Spices), Chili Paste (Chili Peppers, Salt, Dried Onion, Yeast Extract, Spices Including Paprika, Citric Acid, Dried Garlic, Beef Extract, Extractives Of Paprika, Natural Flavor), Green & Red Bell Pepper, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Cheddar Flavor (Corn Syrup Solids, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Salt, Yeast Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Natural Flavors, Annatto [Color]), Beef Flavor (Maltodextrin, Salt, Beef Stock, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Beef Extract, Rendered Beef Fat), Garlic (With Citric Acid), Flavor, Spices, Grilled Type Beef Flavor (Contains Beef Broth, Salt, Smoke Flavor, Grill Flavor From Vegetable Oil), Sugar, Dough Conditioners (Yeast, Wheat Gluten, Sugar, Guar Gum, Modified Food Starch). ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Modified Food Starch** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Annatto Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, back-to-school - **Vibes:** convenient, indulgent, nostalgic, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the El Monterey Taquitos Beef healthy? Health is a bit of a slippery concept, isn’t it? The Taquitos pack 210 calories and 8 grams of protein per serving, which is decent for a snack. However, they do contain some processed ingredients and sodium, so if you're looking for a super clean diet, they might not fit the bill. But hey, everything in moderation, right? ### Are El Monterey Taquitos Beef vegan? Nope, these taquitos are not vegan. They contain cooked beef steak and various dairy ingredients like cheddar cheese and a pasteurized cheese blend. So, if you’re plant-based, you might want to look for a different snack option! ### Are El Monterey Taquitos Beef gluten-free? Unfortunately, these taquitos are not gluten-free. They contain enriched wheat flour, which is a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If gluten is off your menu, you might want to explore some gluten-free taquito options instead. ### Do El Monterey Taquitos Beef contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain seed oils, specifically soybean, canola, and/or corn oil. Seed oils often get a bad rap, but they’re commonly used in processed foods for their stability and cost-effectiveness. Just remember, moderation is key! ### Do El Monterey Taquitos Beef contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners in these taquitos. They keep it pretty straightforward with no added sugars, which is a nice touch for those keeping an eye on sugar intake. So, you can enjoy them without worrying about hidden sweeteners! ### Are El Monterey Taquitos Beef high in sugar? Not at all! Each serving contains only 1 gram of sugar, so they’re definitely low in that department. If you’re craving something savory rather than sweet, these taquitos should hit the spot without sending your sugar levels soaring. ### What are healthier alternatives to El Monterey Taquitos Beef? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider options like homemade taquitos filled with beans and veggies or baked versions made with whole grain tortillas. You could also try air-fried veggie or chicken taquitos for a lighter twist. They might take a bit more prep time, but your taste buds (and body!) will thank you. ### Can kids eat El Monterey Taquitos Beef? Absolutely! These taquitos can be a fun treat for kids, especially if they enjoy the flavors of beef and cheese. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, as they can be a bit salty for little ones. Pair them with some fresh veggies or a side salad to balance things out! ### Are El Monterey Taquitos Beef good for weight loss? In moderation, they can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you’re looking for a quick snack. With 210 calories per serving, they’re not overly heavy, but they’re not exactly a high-fiber option either. It might be best to enjoy them occasionally rather than as a staple! ### Are El Monterey Taquitos Beef ultra-processed? Yes, these taquitos fall into the ultra-processed category. They contain a variety of ingredients that have been modified for flavor, texture, and shelf life, which is common in many frozen foods. 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