For the most part, corn tortillas do not contain gluten. However, you cannot be too careful. It’s good to check again, especially if you’re not getting homemade corn tortillas.
Tortillas are common staples in homes and restaurants where they eat and serve a lot of Mexican meals.
Eating tortillas comes with choosing between corn or flour tortillas. This decision is influenced by personal preferences and dietary needs.
This article talks about corn tortilla and if it is a good choice for a gluten-free diet. It also has a brief but detailed comparison of corn tortillas and flour tortillas to help influence your choice.
What are corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are unleavened flatbreads made with maize flour, salt, and water.
The different colors of corn kernels produce similar colors of corn flour and tortillas. For instance, white and yellow corn kernels produce white and yellow corn tortillas, respectively.
The most common use of corn tortillas is as chips for side dishes, tacos, tortilla soup, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas, and nachos.
Do corn tortillas have gluten?
No, they don’t.
Corn tortillas are made from corn flour which is not gluten flour. However, some restaurants and corn tortillas or flour brands may contain gluten due to cross-contamination.
If the processing facility does not produce corn flour or tortilla exclusively, the tortilla may contain gluten. Always look for gluten-free corn tortilla brands.
When you visit restaurants to eat tacos, let the waiter know about your gluten sensitivity. Also, ask the waiter to prepare your corn tortillas separately to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
Are corn tortillas healthy?
Yes, they are.
According to the USDA, one corn tortilla contains:
- 52 calories
- 11g carbs
- 1.5g dietary fiber
- 0.2g sugar
- 1.4g protein
- 0.7g fat
- 0mg cholesterol
- 10.8mg sodium
- 44.6mg potassium
- Vitamins and minerals
Corn tortillas are healthy. They do not contain too many calories and cholesterol, which can lead to excessive weight gain. It makes them a good choice for weight management.
Additionally, they are rich in fiber which is necessary for proper bowel movement and digestion.
Are corn tortillas healthier than flour tortillas?
Yes, they are.
Corn tortillas are healthier than flour tortillas because they contain fewer calories, fewer carbs, and less fat & sodium. Moreover, corn tortillas contain more fiber than flour alternatives, which is good for you.
In addition, eating corn tortillas is a better choice for people following a restrictive diet like a gluten-free diet.
Also, corn tortillas and flour tortillas are used differently. You can use the flour alternative for tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and burritos. However, corn tortillas are good for only tacos, tortilla chips, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
FAQs
Does Taco Bell corn tortilla have gluten?
No, it does not.
Taco Bell offers gluten-free tacos made with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Does Mission corn tortilla have gluten?
No, it does not.
Mission corn tortillas are gluten-free. Mission Foods produce corn tortillas with corn masa flour to cater to the needs of people with gluten intolerance.
Does Chipotle corn tortilla have gluten?
No, it does not.
The corn tortillas at Chipotle are largely gluten-free because corn is not a gluten grain.
However, the restaurant lets you know that there is a risk of cross-contamination because the tortillas are handled alongside flour tortillas, which may contain gluten.
Conclusion
Corn tortillas are gluten-free. This is because corn flour is not made from gluten grains. However, when buying corn flour or corn tortilla from the stores, ensure you’re buying gluten-free brands if you are gluten intolerant.
With gluten intolerance, you’re better safe than sorry. The best maintenance for gluten intolerance is staying away from foods that contain gluten.
Thanks for reading.
Read all about the nutritional value of your everyday staples on Millenora.
