We are aware of allergies and sensitivities and will always declare the following ingredients on our label in the ingredient statement - they will never be hidden under the notations of "spices" or "natural flavors":

Wheat
Milk & Milk Products
Peanuts
Tree Nuts
Egg
Soy
Shellfish
Sesame (for products made beginning January 2023)
Fish
Yellow Dye #5 (Tartrazine)
Monosodium Glutamate or MSG
Sulfites over 10 ppm
Gluten containing grains - including barley, rye, oats, spelt, triticale, and kamut

If no ingredient statement appears on the product label, then the products is as it appears in the product name (e.g. black pepper). This labeling policy is compliant with US or Canadian food labeling laws, as appropriate.

If any product has a Gluten Free claim, the product and the manufacturing line has been validated Gluten Free.

Our facilities have allergen, sanitation, and hygiene programs in place. Our employees follow good manufacturing practices and are trained in the importance of correct labeling and the necessity of performing thorough equipment clean-up and change over procedures to minimize cross-contact of ingredients.

It is important that you read the ingredient statement on your package at the time of purchase to ensure accurate, up-to-date information, as product formulas may change. While we list all ingredients on our packaging in accordance with regulatory guidelines, some ingredients may be included under broader terms like “spices” or “natural flavors”. If you have concerns about any ingredients, we encourage you to contact us directly so we can look into it for you.

If no “Ingredients” or “Contains” statement appears on the product label, then the product is as it appears in the product name (e.g. Chile Quebrado).

El Guapo® is the leading Hispanic bagged herbs, spices and seasoning brand in the U.S. and has been providing families with authentic ingredients for over 30 years. Born in Los Angeles, the mecca of Mexican American cuisine, we are passionate about food and understand flavor is deeply rooted in our heritage. Our goal is to share our love with family and loved ones by delivering the most authentic ingredients to help you recreate the flavors of “home.”

Food gives us a sense of identity: a connection to our past, present, and future. We understand the importance of keeping traditions alive with the familiar flavors you grew up with. Whether it’s your abuela’s infamous pozole or mom’s mole poblano, there’s pride in sharing the love for our culture with family and friends through food. We’re here to help you recreate the same flavors of those cherished dishes that connect us back to our roots. Food is made con amor and it all starts with the best, high-quality ingredients you can trust."

El Guapo® Chile pods may say "Must be cooked for food safety" in order to comply with the “RTE standard” (Ready-to-Eat). Some of the pods that we offer may be untreated to eliminate food storage insects and therefore we have to put this on the label. 

Dried peppers are often leathery or brittle in texture, giving them an unwanted crunchy texture in cooked meals. To avoid this, rehydrate the peppers using a bowl of boiled water. Boil the water and allow the peppers to sit in the water for around 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the dried chili peppers are reconstituted, they will have a soft, limp texture.

Check out our recipes for inspiration, where we feature a variety of traditional Mexican dishes. While it depends on the specific recipe, we recommend the following steps to get the most flavor in your dish:

Roasting [optional]: pre-heat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, place cleaned chili pods onto a cookie sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool.

Clean: Remove stems and shake out the seeds if you want less heat. Rinse chile pods. TIP: WEAR GLOVES for this step or wash hands thoroughly after touching the seeds/inside of the peppers as it contains capsaicin oil. (Capsaicin - is an active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It is a chemical irritant producing a sensation of burning when it comes into contact with skin.)

Re-Hydrate: Place cleaned chile pods in a large pot and cover with enough water. Bring water to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 10-20 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside to cool down. Follow the recipe!

The way El Guapo® Chile pods are used (to make salsa for example), it is normal to boil the pods before you place them in the blender to make your salsa. Once rehydrated, the peppers are now great to use in stir fry, pasta, sauces, and salsas

El Guapo® offers a wide range of high-quality bagged herbs, spices and seasonings that are traditionally used in Hispanic cooking: ranging from dried chili peppers, corn husks and spices.

• Chile Pods: includes staples like Guajillo, Arbol, Pasilla Ancho, California, New Mexico
• Spices & Herbs: Oregano, Bay Leaf, Whole/Ground Cinnamon, Cumin, Cloves, Ground Chili Peppers, Crushed Red Pepper, Garlic
• Other: Corn Husks, Whole/Ground Dried Shrimp, Piloncillo (Sugar), Sesame Seeds, Hibiscus

Thanks for your interest in our products! While we don’t mail out coupons, samples or promotional items related to our brands, we do offer special deals with local stores where there will be more sale prices for everyone. Please check with your local grocery stores to take advantage of special deals when they are offered. You may also find digital coupons from some of our products occasionally offered online, along with the many mobile coupon apps that are now available. 

Due to the large volume of inquiries we receive, we ask that all donation or sponsorship requests be submitted in writing. For submission guidelines and information, please visit: www.mccormickcorporation.com/en/responsibility/charitable-donations

All requests for donations or sponsorships must be on your organization’s letterhead and include:

•Name of event
•Date of event
•Approximate number of participants
•Cause that will benefit from a donation
•Type of donation/sponsorship requested

Thank you for your interest in our products. As a practice, we do not accept ideas or suggestions relating to new products, flavors, packaging, marketing, or recipes as we have departments devoted to product and marketing innovation. While we appreciate feedback on our products, if you still choose to submit an idea or suggestion, you understand and agree that our Website Terms of Use and/or Note about Unsolicited Submissions applies to such submissions. Thank you for being a fan!

We are glad to help you find your favorite product! While many items can be ordered directly from us, we can help find a retailer in your area that carries what you are looking for. Find the product on our website and click the “Find A Retailer” box to access online retailers as well as stores near you that carry the product.

We do suggest contacting the store prior to making a special trip to ensure it is still in stock. If your local store doesn’t show up on our locator, we advise you to speak with your store manager about availability as they may be able to order it for you.

If you are still unable to locate the product you are looking for, check our Discontinued Product List to ensure it is still being manufactured, or Contact Us directly for assistance.

While El Guapo products are not currently available directly from us, we can help find a retailer in your area that carries what you are looking for. Find the product on our website and click the “Find A Retailer” box to access online retailers as well as stores near you that carry the product.