Are Taco Shells Plant Based?

If you are a fan of Mexican food, you must have enjoyed tacos with your favorite filling of crunchy veggies, beans, spices and sauces. Now that you have switched to a plant-based diet, it is natural to wonder whether you can still treat yourself to this delight. Let us try to understand if taco shells fit a plant-based diet. 

So, are taco shells plant based? Yes, taco shells are plant based. The hard tortillas used in taco recipes are generally made out of maize flour or wheat flour which are both plant-based ingredients. However, some readymade taco shells may contain eggs, lard and other animal products, making them inappropriate for a plant-based diet.

Read on to learn more about what goes into taco shells so that you can find out whether you should eat them on a plant based diet. 

Why Taco Shells are Plant Based?

Most taco shells are baked using plant based ingredients like wheat flour, corn flour, vegetable oil, and salt. High-quality brands keep the products minimal with the use of a few ingredients. As these flours and oils are wholesome foods, taco shells produced this way are plant-based. 

There are, however, some products that contain animal-derived components or dairy. This is why it is important to pay close attention to the label to make sure the taco shells you buy are plant based. 

What Are The Main Ingredients in Taco Shells?

The basic ingredients in taco shells are wheat flour, corn flour, vegetable oil and salt. The choice of flour varies depending on what type of taco shells you buy. A type of rising agent is generally used during the process, which are often plant-based for high-quality products. 

Sometimes, animal-based enzymes and stabilizers are used in the production to achieve desired texture and taste. One of the most commonly found ingredients coming from animal sources is lard used as a fat in taco shells. Some other animal-based ingredients include whey, butter, glycerin and more. 

Taco Shells Nutrition

Taco shells made from wholesome ingredients are one of the best additions to any diet for their nutritional benefits. They generally contain corn flour which is more nutritious as compared to plain flour. These shells have fewer calories, less fat and more fiber and help you stay fuller for longer without compromising on your diet goals. 

Here are the nutrition facts for 100 grams of baked taco shells. 

• Calories: 476
• Carbs: 63g
• Protein: 6.4g
• Fiber: 6.7g
• Sugar: 1.5g

Taco shells are also rich in calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin D. Nutritional values will vary depending on the type of ingredients used and the brand you choose. Always pay attention to the product label to see where the fats are sourced from. 

Conclusion

So, taco shells are a great addition to a plant-based diet as they are low in calories and deliver a good proportion of daily protein, iron, fiber and B-vitamin requirements. Whole grains, when used to make these products, help improve your blood sugar control and keep you satiated for longer. You can combine plant-based taco shells and filling to get a healthy snack option that aligns with your dietary limits.