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.

Which has more carbs corn or flour tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas are considered whole grain, whereas flour tortillas are made from white flour. Corn tortillas have 19.6g of carbs per 100g, compared to flour tortillas at 22.2g.

Is corn or flour tortillas better for burritos? ›

When a burrito craving strikes, flour tortillas are the way to go. They're flexible and don't tear or crack easily, even when loaded up with Tex-Mex goodness. We also love a flour tortilla for quesadillas! They offer a soft and pliable texture that toasts up nicely on a griddle or in a skillet.

What is the difference between hard corn tortillas and soft corn tortillas? ›

What makes a taco shell different from a corn tortilla? The most obvious difference is the consistency of a “hard” shell vs a “soft” shell (basically a regular corn tortilla). In its purest form, a hard taco shell is basically a fried corn tortilla that has been folded to make it easy to hold the ingredients of a taco.

What is the difference between corn flour and corn masa? ›

Unlike corn flour and cornmeal, masa is made from corn that has been treated with slaked lime. The process is called nixtamalization and that is what contributes to the distinctive flavour. Maseca is a popular brand of masa harina although some recipes simply call for maseca.

Why are there 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!

Are corn tortillas healthier than flour for diabetics? ›

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.

Are corn tortillas a bad carb? ›

Corn tortillas are a surprisingly great carb for weight loss because they are naturally portion-sized, are a great source of whole grains and provide you with filling fiber. Corn tortillas are the perfect example of why weight loss doesn't mean having to eat less food, comments Bouvier.

Which tortillas are best for diabetics? ›

People with diabetes can safely enjoy carbohydrate foods, with some modifications to portions and timing. What is important for diabetes management is to choose a tortilla that's a good source of fiber. This includes classic corn tortillas and whole wheat tortillas.

Do Mexicans prefer flour or corn tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas are seen as more authentic to Mexican dishes, corn has been a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking for thousands of years. Wheat, on the other hand, has only been around since the Spanish brought the crop with them when they arrived in the Americas.

Do street tacos use 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.

Do enchiladas taste better with corn or flour tortillas? ›

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key part of the enchilada experience, compared to flour tortillas, which are more like a blank slate.

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

Corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, on top of having a different appearance. While flour tortillas are usually white, a typical corn tortilla is closer to a yellowish color. Also, corn tortillas are usually smaller than flour tortillas.

Which tortillas are healthiest corn or flour? ›

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.

Why don't they make large corn tortillas? ›

Dear Gabacho: Flour tortillas can get bigger because of their gluten, of which corn tortillas have next to none. Because of that, corn tortillas have a maximum size they can reach before disintegrating like the U.S. border.

Do Mexicans prefer corn or flour tortilla? ›

Corn tortillas are seen as more authentic to Mexican dishes, corn has been a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking for thousands of years. Wheat, on the other hand, has only been around since the Spanish brought the crop with them when they arrived in the Americas.

Can you substitute corn tortillas for flour? ›

Corn tortillas are a healthier alternative to flour tortillas. They provide more whole grains and have built-in portion control because they're typically smaller. They're also gluten-free and thus suitable for people who cannot tolerate gluten.

Which is better, flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas? ›

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key part of the enchilada experience, compared to flour tortillas, which are more like a blank slate.

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.

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