# El Monterey Taquitos Chicken > 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-chicken-20-oz - **Slug:** `el-monterey-taquitos-chicken-20-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product contains industrial formulations and additives (modified starches, dough conditioners, soy protein concentrate, flavorings, preservatives) and arrives as a ready-to-heat frozen snack, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed food). ## Review El Monterey Taquitos Chicken is a staple of the frozen aisle, typically shelved with other ready-to-heat Mexican-style snacks and convenience entrées — think frozen burritos, chimichangas and snack rolls. Packaged in a colorful cardboard box with a photograph of golden, crispy taquitos and a microwave/oven instructions panel, it reads as an easy, family-friendly option. Shoppers reach for it on busy weeknights, last-minute game days, or when packing a quick after-school snack for kids; it also shows up in pantry-and-freezer runs for storm prep or dorm-room kitchens. The El Monterey brand positions itself as accessible, value-focused and culturally resonant — invoking Tex-Mex flavors and comfort food familiarity for families, young professionals and college students who want indulgent convenience without a lot of prep. Labeling leans into appetizing imagery and convenience cues (“ready to heat,” “made with chicken”); it’s rarely organic or certified ‘natural,’ and it doesn’t sit in the specialty health-food section. The ingredient list reveals multiple processing aids — modified starches, dough conditioners, texturized soy ingredients and added salts — so in plain terms this is a highly processed frozen convenience product. Sensory-wise the eating experience is all about contrast: a flaky, slightly greasy tortilla shell that crisps up in an oven or air fryer, yielding a hot, savory filling of seasoned shredded chicken, melty Monterey Jack and tomato-tinged sauce with occasional jalapeño hits. Rituals around it are communal and casual: reheating for a TV night, dipping in salsa or sour cream, passing a plate down at a party. The packaging and portion size underscore convenience and shareability rather than artisanal craft. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3 - **Servings per container:** 6 - **Calories:** 220 - **Total fat:** 11g (14% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 280mg (12% DV) - **Total carbs:** 26g (9% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 7g ## Ingredients Enriched Wheat Flour: Enriched Wheat Flour (Enriched with Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Cooked Chicken: Cooked Chicken (Chicken, Water, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Sodium Phosphate), Vegetable Oil: (Soybean, Canola and/or Corn Oil), Tomato, (with Tomato Juice, Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid), Monterey Jack Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Calcium Chloride, Salt, Enzymes), Contains 2% or Less: Beans, Soy Protein Concentrate and/or Textured Soy Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Dehydrated Onion, Salt, Jalapeno Puree (Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Acetic Acid, Calcium Chloride), Tomato Paste (Tomatoes), Chili Pepper, Flavor, Spices, 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 ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, back-to-school - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, indulgent, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Chicken Taquito healthy? The Chicken Taquito can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you're looking for a quick meal or snack. It has a decent amount of protein at 7 grams per serving, but it also has 280 mg of sodium, so it's best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you're watching your salt intake. ### Are Chicken Taquitos vegan? Nope, these Chicken Taquitos are not vegan. They contain cooked chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, which are definitely not plant-based ingredients. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you might want to check out some veggie-filled taquitos instead! ### Are Chicken Taquitos gluten-free? Unfortunately, these Chicken Taquitos are not gluten-free, as they contain enriched wheat flour. If you're avoiding gluten, you might want to explore other brands that offer gluten-free options or make your own at home using gluten-free tortillas. ### Do Chicken Taquitos contain seed oils? Yes, these Taquitos do contain seed oils, specifically soybean and canola oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to concerns about processing and omega-6 fatty acid content, they're generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. ### Do Chicken Taquitos have artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in these Chicken Taquitos! The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, so you can enjoy them without worrying about any sneaky sweeteners. ### Are Chicken Taquitos high in sugar? Not at all! These Taquitos are low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving. So if you're looking for a savory snack without the sugar overload, these could be a good choice. ### What are healthier alternatives to Chicken Taquitos? If you're seeking healthier alternatives, consider making homemade taquitos using whole grain tortillas and filling them with lean proteins and lots of veggies. You could also try baked versions instead of fried ones for a lighter option! ### Can kids eat Chicken Taquitos? Absolutely! Chicken Taquitos can be a fun and tasty option for kids, especially for a quick lunch or snack. Just keep an eye on portion sizes and pair them with some fresh veggies or fruit for a balanced meal. ### Are Chicken Taquitos good for weight loss? They can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation, thanks to their relatively low calorie count of 220 per serving. Just remember to balance them out with plenty of whole foods throughout the day to keep things on track! ### Are Chicken Taquitos ultra-processed? Yes, these Chicken Taquitos are considered ultra-processed due to the number of ingredients and the processing methods involved. 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