Whole Wheat Tortillas - Spend Smart Eat Smart (2024)

FAQs

How healthy are whole wheat tortillas? ›

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.

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.

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.

For corn tortillas (most tortillas are corn tortillas), say the fore-blessing she'hakol (after blessing: borei nefashot). For wheat tortillas, say the fore-blessing borei minei mezonot (after-blessing: al ha'michya).

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.”

Instead of flour tortillas made from enriched flour (a refined grain), look for whole grain options (corn or whole wheat). Just as with bread, whole-grain tortillas provide more fiber and a more complete package of nutrients and health-protecting plant compounds.

Whole-Grain Wraps and Tortillas Look for wraps that are 100 percent whole-wheat, whole-corn, whole-rice, or lower-carb (many contain non-GMO ingredients), or try a lower-carb, high-fiber tortilla: “It may have half the carbohydrates and twice the fiber of a typical slice of bread,” Weiner says.

Pick corn tortillas over flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more natural and less processed, making them a good source of fiber and magnesium (great for maintaining healthy muscles), not to mention they are significantly lower in calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar compared to flour tortillas.

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.

In Northern Mexico and much of the United States, "tortillas" mean wheat-flour tortillas. They are the foundation of Mexican border cooking. Their popularity was driven by the low cost of inferior grades of wheat flour provided to border markets and by their ability to keep and ship well.

What is a good substitute for wheat tortillas? ›

The less-exciting version states the original tradition emerged in 1989 when students would remove the lids from their fountain sodas and throw them onto the field, according to Viva the Matadors, a Red Raider fan site. Quickly after, fans' drinks were no longer supplied with lids, so instead, they tossed tortillas.

On average, a wheat flour tortilla has 237 calories and a corn tortilla 218 calories, both referred to 100 grams of product. They have 50 g carbs and 45 g carbs respectively.

Market Pantry 8-inch Whole Wheat Tortilla (1 tortilla) contains 24g total carbs, 21g net carbs, 2g fat, 4g protein, and 120 calories.

Whole-Grain Wraps and Tortillas Look for wraps that are 100 percent whole-wheat, whole-corn, whole-rice, or lower-carb (many contain non-GMO ingredients), or try a lower-carb, high-fiber tortilla: “It may have half the carbohydrates and twice the fiber of a typical slice of bread,” Weiner says.

These whole-wheat tortilla chips are an easy, healthier alternative to store-bought chips. They're a good source of whole grains and are lower in total fat (because of less oil and they're not fried).