# Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce, Mild > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Old El Paso - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 19 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-enchilada-sauce-mild-19-oz - **Slug:** `old-el-paso-enchilada-sauce-mild-19-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains modified starch, hydrolyzed corn protein, added oils, 'natural flavor' and color extracts—formulations and additives characteristic of ultra-processed foods designed for consistency, long shelf life, and convenience. ## Review Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce, Mild (19 oz) is a familiar, shelf-stable pantry staple tucked into the Mexican/International aisle of supermarkets, often displayed alongside taco kits, tortillas, salsas and other jarred or canned Mexican-style sauces. It reads as an approachable, family-friendly shortcut for weeknight dinners: a smooth, pourable tomato-chile sauce with a mild heat that lets the tomato and savory notes lead. The brand sits squarely in mainstream Americanized Mexican cuisine—Old El Paso is marketed as convenient, family-oriented and budget-friendly, aimed at busy parents and home cooks who want flavorful results with minimal effort. Packaging and labels typically emphasize serving ideas and ease-of-use rather than organic or artisanal credentials; you may spot subtle health-adjacent language like “natural flavors” or ingredient callouts, but there’s no organic certification and the brand leans into nostalgic, crowd-pleasing comfort food imagery rather than health claims. In sensory terms the sauce is glossy, slightly thickened (thanks to modified starch), easy to spoon or pour over tortillas, casseroles or baked enchiladas, with a mild chili warmth, tomato-forward tang and a balanced, slightly sweet background. The ritual is quick: spoon, spread, roll and bake, or simmer with cheese and fillings for a speedy family meal. From a processing perspective it’s a prepared, shelf-stable product containing industrial ingredients and flavor systems created for consistency and long shelf life. In American grocery culture this jar is a go-to for home cooks seeking reliable, time-saving Mexican-inspired sauces for crowds, potlucks and midweek dinners. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.25 cup - **Servings per container:** 9 - **Calories:** 20 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 290mg (13% DV) - **Total carbs:** 4g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Water, Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Modified Corn Starch, Contains 2% or Less of: Sugar, Salt, Chile Pepper, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Spice, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Color (Black Carrot and Paprika Extract). ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Black Carrot** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Paprika Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weeknight-dinner, game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is the enchilada sauce healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! With only 20 calories per serving and low sugar content, it can fit into a balanced diet. Just keep in mind that it's not a protein powerhouse, so pairing it with something hearty, like beans or chicken, can make for a more complete meal. ### Is the enchilada sauce vegan? Nope, this enchilada sauce isn't vegan. It contains hydrolyzed corn protein, which is derived from corn but is not considered vegan-friendly due to the processing involved. If you're looking for a plant-based option, you'll want to check out sauces specifically labeled as vegan. ### Is the enchilada sauce gluten-free? Absolutely! This enchilada sauce is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So, go ahead and slather it on your favorite tacos without worry! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this sauce does contain soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, in moderation, they’re generally safe and help with texture and flavor in sauces like this one. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in this enchilada sauce. Instead, it gets a touch of sweetness from sugar, but it's minimal — just 1 gram per serving. So, you can enjoy that slight sweetness without the guilt of added sweeteners! ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! With only 1 gram of sugar per serving, this sauce is definitely low in sugar. It's a nice option for those watching their sugar intake, especially compared to some other sauces that can be loaded with sweeteners. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making your own enchilada sauce with fresh tomatoes, spices, and herbs. There are also brands out there that focus on organic or no-salt-added options if you want something a bit cleaner. Just remember, homemade can be a fun project, but this sauce is super convenient for a quick meal! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! This enchilada sauce is mild, making it kid-friendly and perfect for family taco nights. Just be sure to check for any allergies, especially if they’re sensitive to soy or spices. ### Is it good for weight loss? In moderation, yes! With only 20 calories per serving, it can add flavor without packing on the calories. Just remember, weight loss is all about the bigger picture — so pair it with nutritious foods to keep your meals balanced. ### Is it ultra-processed? While it’s certainly processed, I wouldn’t classify this enchilada sauce as ultra-processed. It contains some recognizable ingredients and doesn’t have a long list of preservatives or artificial additives. It's a convenient option for a quick meal, but as always, a little homemade freshness is hard to beat! ## Related products - [Ortega Refried Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-refried-beans-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-refried-beans-16-oz - [Rummo Rigatoni](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/rummo-rigatoni-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/rummo-rigatoni-12-oz - [Goya Yellow Rice Mix Multipack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-yellow-rice-mix-multipack-21-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-yellow-rice-mix-multipack-21-oz - [Goya Mexican Rice, Chicken Flavor](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-mexican-rice-chicken-flavor-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-mexican-rice-chicken-flavor-7-oz - [Ortega Fajita Seasoning Packet 12 ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-fajita-seasoning-packet-12-ct-1-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-fajita-seasoning-packet-12-ct-1-oz - [Old El Paso Dinner Kit, Crunchy Taco](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-dinner-kit-crunchy-taco-880-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/old-el-paso-dinner-kit-crunchy-taco-880-oz - [Goya Spanish Capers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-spanish-capers-225-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-spanish-capers-225-oz - [Ortega Original Mild Salsa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ortega-original-mild-salsa-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ortega-original-mild-salsa-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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