Whole30 offers a pretty extensive list of what is — and isn’t — allowed if you’re following the diet. That said, it doesn’t cover literally every type and brand of food out there (that would be pretty impossible).
One of those foods that doesn’t have a definitive “yes” or “no” for Whole30 is Tajín Classico seasoning. But wonder no more: Tajín is widely considered to be Whole30 approved.
What’s In Tajín?
The ingredients list in Tajín shows that it’s made with chili peppers, sea salt, dehydrated lime juice, and silicon dioxide. Its nutritional information label reads zero except for sodium — you’ll get about 140 mg of that per 1/4-teaspoon serving.
The silicon dioxide is what trips people up when they’re on Whole30. It’s not technically on the list of banned foods, but it’s also not a real food.
Silicon dioxide is a chemical compound that is made of silicon and oxygen, and it is also known as silica. It’s natural — more than 65% of the earth’s crust is made of silica. It is used in food as a thickener, an anticaking agent, and a stabilizer.
Most Whole30 diet experts agree that silicon dioxide is fine on the diet because it’s also found naturally in several foods, including:
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Oats
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
- Brown rice
- Leafy green vegetables
If you’d rather avoid the substance as much as possible, skip the Tajín seasoning blend sold on grocery store shelves and go back to basics by using lime zest, chili powder, and garlic salt in its place.
What Does Tajín Taste Like?
Tajín has a unique flavor that is difficult to describe. It is salty and tangy, with a slightly sweet and spicy kick. The lime juice gives it a tartness, while the dried chili peppers add a touch of heat.
Overall, it is an incredibly flavorful seasoning that can be used on various foods.
How Do I Use Tajín?
Tajín can be used in several ways. It is commonly used as a seasoning on Whole30 to add a bit of taste and flavor depth to the strict elimination diet.
The tangy flavor Tajín Clásico Seasoning can also be used as dry spice rubs or mixed into sauces and dips. Basically, if you can think of it, Tajín can probably be used as a seasoning for it.
The Bottom Line
Tajín is fine to eat on the Whole30 diet.
The one questionable ingredient — silicon dioxide — might seem like it’s not allowed, but there is no official guidance against eating it, and it’s already found naturally in many plants.
If you want to avoid it to be safe, simply create your own spice blends using chili powder, garlic salt, sea salt, and onion powder, along with some fresh lime zest, to your foods instead of Tajín.
