Once upon a time a great little Canadian company called Epicure made a "meal solution" called Taco Seasoning Mix. This proved to be an extremely popular product, largely because it was a much healthier alternative to grocery-store versions made by Old El Paso and Taco Bell.
The taco filling was flavourful and saucy and not too spicy, which no doubt suited the palates of most Canadians at the time.
Then, perhaps in response to American demand for a spicier profile, Epicure introduced a new Taco Seasoning that was sold in a 55g jar. This was a blend to be used as an ingredient in other recipes, not a meal solution that produced a taco filling.
As this image illustrates, there were significant differences in the ingredients of the two products. (Note the presence of corn starch in the meal solution, necessary to thicken the sauce for the filling.)
Fast forward to 2026, post-bankruptcy, and the new Epicure (or Epicure 2.0 was we affectionately call it) brought Taco Seasoning to market in its first wave of relaunched products.
This led to some confusion, however, because the relaunched product was available in a resealable pouch. Indeed, all of the 2026 products are available in pouches only. So, was this a replacement for the Taco Seasoning in the packet, or the Taco Seasoning in the jar?
Quick answer: this is not a meal solution and is new packaging for the spicier Taco Seasoning previously available in the jar.
I still offer some of the milder, "legacy" Taco Seasoning meal solution in My Epicurean Kitchen, while supplies last. You can also buy the relaunched Taco Seasoning in my shop and direct from Epicure.
And, finally, there is a Taco Seasoning blended by A Spice Affair that I also make available in My Epicurean Kitchen which appeals to those who prefer their Tex-Mex on the spicier side.
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