Corn, Flour, or Whole Wheat: Which Type of Tortilla Is Healthier? - Consumer Reports (2024)

FAQs

Corn, Flour, or Whole Wheat: Which Type of Tortilla Is Healthier? - Consumer Reports? ›

For most people, corn is the healthiest tortilla. They're naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

If your dish requires a flour tortilla, opt for a whole wheat variety. This will pack an extra bit of nutrients such as fiber and important minerals. 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.

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.

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.

White flour tortillas may contain double the calories and fat in comparison to corn tortillas, so caution should be advised when consuming them. This combination of higher calorie and fat content without enough fiber could potentially contribute to health risks such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

Magnesium. Corn tortillas are much higher in magnesium than flour tortillas. Magnesium keeps your heart rhythm steady, supports strong bones, and also helps keep blood pressure normal.

Consider a side of black beans, too, since they are high in soluble fiber and can help lower cholesterol. The Cleveland Clinic recommends choosing corn tortillas over white flour tortillas, since corn tortillas are significantly lower in calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar compared with flour tortillas.

A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll.

Corn tortillas have all the ingredients for a healthy weight-loss recipe. They are whole-grain, packed with fiber, come portion-sized right out of the package, and pair perfectly with protein and veggies for a balanced meal, like in these Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa or the Best Veggie Enchiladas you'll ever make.

Opt for whole grain

Taylor recommends choosing 100% whole-grain products whenever available. “Spinach wraps may look and sound healthier,” she notes, “but they contain only trace amounts of spinach and are typically made with refined grains — meaning no calorie or carb savings. And no added fiber.”

What tortillas don't cause inflammation? ›

Corn Tortillas

Switching to corn tortillas is an easy way to reduce inflammation, since they trigger less of a glycemic response because they're lower in calories and carbs and higher in fiber than flour tortillas. They also tend to be much more filling.

Whole-Wheat Tortillas

These tortillas have more fiber than white flour ones but have a similar mouthfeel. Still, they are similar to flour tortillas in sodium and processed ingredients. Choosing a smaller-sized whole-wheat (or flour) tortilla can keep sodium and calories in check.

Both chips have little to offer when it comes to protein and fiber—so that's a draw. But fats make things interesting: While tortilla chips have less saturated fat than potato chips, they also have almost 10 times the trans fat.

For most people, corn is the healthiest tortilla. They're naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Bananas are a delicious, nutritious and affordable food for everyone, including those with diabetes. Eating this healthy fruit can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and improve heart health.

Corn is a great source of potassium, which is said to help lower blood pressure, and it's a better source of antioxidants than wheat, rice or oats. It's especially high in carotenoids, the antioxidants that help keep your eyes healthy. And naturally, corn is high in fibre.

Whole-Wheat Tortillas

These tortillas have more fiber than white flour ones but have a similar mouthfeel. Still, they are similar to flour tortillas in sodium and processed ingredients. Choosing a smaller-sized whole-wheat (or flour) tortilla can keep sodium and calories in check.

Corn tortillas have all the ingredients for a healthy weight-loss recipe. They are whole-grain, packed with fiber, come portion-sized right out of the package, and pair perfectly with protein and veggies for a balanced meal, like in these Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa or the Best Veggie Enchiladas you'll ever make.

That makes each tortilla equal in calories and carbohydrate to two or two-and-a-half slices of bread. For a healthy meal, have one whole-wheat wrap or tortilla filled with plenty of vegetables and some beans or chicken for protein. Then, if you're still hungry, add an extra salad or raw vegetables on the side.