Differences Between Corn vs. Flour Tortillas (2024)

Most people prefer corn or flour tortillas based on taste. But do you know the nutritional differences between corn and flour tortillas?

Pre-Columbian civilizations, like the Aztecs, used corn extensively in their diets. And corn tortillas are much more popular in modern Mexican cuisine. Flour tortillas didn’t exist until Spaniards brought wheat flour to the Americas. In the U.S., both versions are popular.

A Side By Side Comparison

One 100-gram serving of corn tortilla includes:

  • Total calories: 159
  • Protein: 4.55 grams
  • Total fats: 2.27 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 43.18 grams
  • Fiber: 4.5 grams
  • Sugars: 2.27 grams
  • Calcium: 45 milligrams
  • Iron: 3.27 milligrams
  • Sodium: 136 milligrams
  • Vitamin C: 2.7 milligrams
  • Vitamin A: 227 International Units
  • Fats, total saturated: 1.14 grams
  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams‌

A hundred grams of flour tortilla has:

  • ‌Total calories: 304
  • Protein: 8.93 grams
  • Total fat: 8.04 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 48.21 grams
  • Fiber: 1.8 grams
  • Sugars: 0 grams
  • Calcium: 179 milligrams
  • Iron: 0.64 milligrams
  • Sodium: 732 milligrams
  • Vitamin C: 0 milligrams
  • Vitamin A: 0 International Units
  • Fats, total saturated: 1.79 grams
  • Fats, total mono-unsaturated: 2.68 grams
  • Fats, polyunsaturated: 1.79 grams
  • Trans fats: 0 grams
  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

Pros and Cons of Corn Tortillas

When it comes to nutrition, corn tortillas have the advantage of being made from whole grains, with fewer calories, sodium, and carbs but more fiber than flour tortillas. They’re also gluten-free.

As for cooking and eating, some people complain that corn tortillas break easily. That’s why they’re used to make tacos instead of burritos. Taste is a personal choice, but some people don’t like the texture of corn tortillas, especially store-bought ones, which can be dry.

The two most common types of corn tortillas are white and yellow corn tortillas. As their name suggests, the main difference is their color, based on whether they’re made with yellow or white corn kernels. Yellow corn tortillas have beta carotene, which gives them a slight edge over white. But, blue corn tortillas seem to be the healthiest choice of all.

Pros and Cons of Flour Tortillas

One thing stands out in the nutrition lists above: White flour tortillas have almost twice the calories and fat as corn tortillas. Those extra calories and fat, combined with a lack of fiber, mean that they should be eaten in moderation, or they might increase the risk of health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or some cancers.

On the plus side, flour tortillas have more iron and calcium than corn tortillas. They’re also fluffier and hold up better under lots of toppings. But that durable texture and softness come from gluten.

If you don’t tolerate gluten well or if you have celiac disease, you may want to stick to corn tortillas or choose one of the gluten-free flour tortillas.

If you don’t like the taste of corn tortillas, whole-wheat tortillas are a healthier choice than plain flour ones. Read the label to make sure whole wheat is the first ingredient. If a package of vegetable tortillas catches your eye, again check the label carefully. Some of these, like cauliflower tortillas, are generally healthy. But others like spinach tortillas are often made with refined flour and aren’t as healthy as you might think.

Effects of Corn and Flour Tortillas on Your Health

As with any food item, there’s a big difference between handmade and mass-produced tortillas, regardless of whether they are made of wheat or corn. In general, mass-produced tortillas include preservatives. One way to be sure you know what’s in your tortillas is by making them yourself.

Also, think about portion size: Corn tortillas may have fewer calories, but they’re usually smaller than their flour counterparts. Having two or three corn tortillas instead of one flour tortilla probably won’t be better for you.

Differences Between Corn vs. Flour Tortillas (2024)

FAQs

Differences Between Corn vs. Flour Tortillas? ›

When it comes to nutrition, corn tortillas have the advantage of being made from whole grains, with fewer calories, sodium, and carbs but more fiber than flour tortillas. They're also gluten-free. As for cooking and eating, some people complain that corn tortillas break easily.

What is the difference between corn and flour tortillas? ›

Made from whole grain, corn tortillas have more fiber and other vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6 and iron. White flour tortillas may contain double the calories and fat in comparison to corn tortillas, so caution should be advised when consuming them.

What is the point of corn tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas tend to have more fiber and nutrients but less fat and calories than flour ones, and they're safe for those with gluten-related conditions. But flour tortillas may be better for denser fillings. Frequently featured in Mexican dishes, tortillas are a great main ingredient to consider.

Does a corn tortilla have more carbs than a flour tortilla? ›

"Corn tortillas do contain fewer carbs than flour tortillas, but this difference is very slight," Arrindell points out. For instance, one of the more popular brands of tortillas you can buy at the store contains: 47 grams of carbohydrates per serving of corn tortillas (2 tortillas)

Do Mexicans use flour or corn tortillas more? ›

NOT TRUE! While corn tortillas, which date back to pre-Hispanic culture, are common throughout Mexico, in northern states such as Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila, flour tortillas have ruled since the 16th century Spanish invasion.

Which is better for keto corn or flour tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas are low carb, but they are not zero carbs. That's important if you're on a keto or no-carb diet, where you're carefully monitoring your net carbs intake. They are a fantastic low-carb alternative to flour tortillas and can help you out in a low-carb diet or a weight loss diet.

What is healthier corn tortillas or bread? ›

Research has found that tortillas have a high nutritional value, even higher than bread. The process to turn kernels into flour increases its nutritional content, as calcium and potassium are added to water used to soak them before grinding them.

Should I use corn or flour tortillas for quesadillas? ›

Traditionally in Mexico quesadillas are made with corn tortillas, not wheat flour tortillas, and a melty, white cheese. Here in the states though, because of how close we are to the Sonoran area of northern Mexico, quesadillas are more often made with flour tortillas.

Are street tacos corn or flour tortillas? ›

Street tacos are a Mexican dish that is made up of a corn tortilla filled with meat and topped with salsa, cilantro and onions. They are typically served on the street or in restaurants.

Why do Mexicans use two corn tortillas? ›

But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side. Other reasons include preventing a tortilla from breaking, or if you have a particularly moist filling, & others do it because corn tortillas are delicious – can't argue with that!

Do corn tortillas spike your blood sugar? ›

Corn tortillas and wheat tortillas score lower on the glycemic index than flour tortillas, which means they are less likely to spike your blood sugar levels. However, like flour tortillas, these options likely also contain additives to preserve the food for longer, as well as bleaching agents.

What is the healthiest wrap to eat? ›

For most people, corn is the healthiest tortilla. They're naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But even within corn tortillas, there can be differences. My personal favorite was the Mi Rancho Organic Corn Tortilla due to its strong corn flavor and high nutrient density.

What is the difference between yellow and white corn tortillas? ›

Yellow corn tortillas have a stronger corn flavor, whereas white tortillas have an almost oaky, nutty flavor when toasted. I personally like white tortillas for tacos and enchiladas, and use yellow ones for fried tortillas and corn chips when I want that corn taste to really come through.

How to tell the difference between corn and flour tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas are found all over Mexico and Central America while flour tortillas are generally only found in the northern part of Mexico and the USA, where they are a popular part of Tex-Mex cuisine. Corn tortillas are yellow in color and tend to be smaller than flour tortillas, which are much whiter in color.

Are fajitas made with corn or flour tortillas? ›

Flour tortillas are often softer and vary in size. The flour tortilla tends to be larger than corn tortillas. Due to flour tortilla's soft, fluffy, and more flexible texture, they are best used for fajitas, tacos, and burritos.

Why don't they make large corn tortillas? ›

Also, corn tortillas are usually smaller than flour tortillas. The primary reason behind this is that when you prepare a larger corn tortilla, it is at a greater risk of falling apart. So, in order to keep them sturdy enough to withhold a variety of traditional fillings, they need to stay on the more compact side.

Do street tacos use corn or flour tortillas? ›

Use corn or flour tortillas, whichever you like best. I like to make fresh homemade tortillas They're easy to make and taste so much better! Typically, carne asada street tacos, or at least the ones I've devoured in Baja and SoCal come with just the steak, some cilantro, a little diced onion and lime.

Are Mexican restaurant tortilla chips corn or flour? ›

– Chips: Who doesn't love good chips and salsa? Tortillas chips are primarily made using corn and are a staple in Mexican food diets. – Taquitos: If you have ordered taquitos off the menu, you know that they will be served using corn tortillas.

Do you fry corn or flour tortillas? ›

We usually reserve the corn tortillas for things like these fried tacos. They're perfect for frying and they turn out so light and crispy, just begging you to eat one. more. taco.

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