Are Corn Tortillas Plant Based?

Tortillas are an interesting and filling treat option for foodies. However, looking at the list of ingredients, it is natural to wonder whether they fit into your plant-based diet. Omitting them completely from your life is hard because they are everywhere, wraps, burritos, chips and a lot more. 

So, are corn tortillas plant based? Yes, most corn tortillas available in the market these days are plant based. Most brands use simple, plant-based ingredients to make tortillas. Corn tortillas from high-quality brands tend to be plant based and minimally processed. However, it is a good idea to check the ingredients list of the product.

Are Corn Tortillas Plant Based?

Let us discuss what corn tortillas are made up of so that you can find out whether you should include them in your plant-based diet. 

Why Are Corn Tortillas Plant Based?

As the main ingredient in corn tortillas, hominy flour, comes from corn kernels, it is easy to say that corn tortillas are mainly plant based. No animal product is generally used in making tortillas. 

Talking about the additives, most high-quality manufacturers use vegan-friendly products. The only fat seen on labels of commercially available tortillas is vegetable oils which are again plant-based. And there is no use of added sugar, oil or butter in most products.

What Are The Main Ingredients In Corn Tortillas?

Corn tortillas mainly contain maize flour in different varieties. You can find tortillas in blue, black, white and yellow colours made using different types of dough. Other ingredients used in tortillas include water, salt, vegetable oil and enzymes. 

Most companies use plant-based, high-quality ingredients and additives though it is advisable to check the ingredients before consumption. Some low-quality brands can use ingredients that make corn tortillas far from being healthy. 

Corn Tortilla Nutrition

Tortillas are high in starch as they are made up of corn. Corn tortillas are high in nutrition and harder in texture as compared to flour tortillas and are lower in fat and calories and higher in fibre content than those made from white flour. 

Nutritional value can vary based on the brand and type of tortilla you choose and whether you make them from scratch. When you purchase commercially sold products, look at the ingredients list to find out how nutritious they are. 

Though corn tortillas contain minimum fat, some brands add saturated and hydrogenated fats made from animal products as well. Depending on the type and size of tortillas you eat, they can provide a moderate amount of calories and protein, iron, b-vitamins and fibre. Corn tortillas are, in fact, a part of the gluten-free diet. 

Here is the nutritional information for one regular corn tortilla as provided by the USDA.

  • Calories – 45
  • Fat – 0.5 
  • Carbohydrates – 9
  • Fiber – 1
  • Protein – 1

The tortilla discussed here is about 19g in weight and the content of protein, carbohydrates and fat are given in grams. 

Conclusion

So, if you are following a plant-based diet, you can make corn tortillas a part of your snacks and meals but make sure you confirm the ingredients and nutritional value before consuming commercially purchased products. 

Leave a Comment