Vegan Corn Tortillas: What You Need To Know

Corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are used to make tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. They are typically made from cornflour and water and fried in vegetable oil, making them vegan-friendly. However, it is important to check the ingredients list as some restaurants and manufacturers may use lard or animal-derived enzymes in their corn tortilla recipes.

Corn tortillas are usually vegan

However, this was not always the case. Before the 1990s, lard (saturated animal fat) was often used to fry corn tortillas, making them non-vegan. Eventually, due to health concerns, the use of lard was limited and then replaced by vegetable oils.

Today, corn tortillas from most manufacturers are vegan, but it is still worth checking the ingredients list, especially when eating out. Lard is still sometimes used in corn tortillas, particularly in authentic Mexican restaurants.

Another ingredient some vegans may wish to avoid is white sugar, which is often bleached and filtered through animal bone char.

Some corn tortillas also contain palm oil, which many vegans avoid due to the environmental impact of its production.

Animal-derived enzymes, glycerin, monoglyceride, and diglyceride are also used in the production process of most tortillas. However, some companies use plant-based enzymes instead.

Overall, corn tortillas are usually vegan, but it is always worth checking the ingredients if you are unsure.

Lard was previously used to fry corn tortillas

Corn tortillas are traditionally made without fat and are vegan. However, lard was previously used to fry corn tortillas, and some people continue to do so today.

Lard is rendered animal fat, usually from a pig, and is a traditional cooking fat. While corn tortillas don't usually contain lard, some people add it for richness and flavour or fry the tortillas in lard.

Lard can enhance the flavour of corn tortillas and give them a creamier texture. It can also make the tortilla dough softer and more pliable, and less sensitive to drying out.

However, lard is not suitable for vegans as it is an animal product. For a vegan-friendly alternative, vegetable oil or shortening can be used instead of lard.

Vegetable oils are now used instead of lard

Corn tortillas are generally considered vegan-friendly. They are made from cornflour and water and fried in vegetable oil. However, it is important to scrutinize the ingredients list, as some corn tortillas may contain non-vegan additives.

Vegetable oils are now predominantly used to fry corn tortillas, replacing the traditional use of lard, a saturated animal fat. This shift away from lard is largely due to health concerns and has made corn tortillas more accessible to vegans.

Lard, derived from hog fat, was once commonly used to fry tortillas, but this practice has become less prevalent. While it may still be used in certain restaurants or homemade recipes, most commercially available corn tortillas are now fried in vegetable oils.

The use of vegetable oils ensures that corn tortillas remain free of obvious animal products. This shift towards vegetable oils has expanded the vegan options available, as most tortilla manufacturers have made this change.

However, it is important to remain cautious, especially in authentic Mexican eateries, as lard may still be used in some cases. Additionally, other non-vegan ingredients, such as animal-sourced vitamin D, mono- and diglycerides, and glycerin, may be present in some tortilla brands.

Therefore, while the majority of corn tortillas are now fried in vegetable oils, it is always advisable for vegans to carefully review the ingredients and, when in doubt, contact the manufacturer or restaurant to confirm the absence of animal products.

Corn tortillas are healthier than flour tortillas

Corn tortillas are vegan, and they are also healthier than flour tortillas.

Corn tortillas are made from corn, or maize, which is the original recipe base, as it was a readily-available Mexican grain. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Corn tortillas are also a good source of fibre and magnesium. Fibre is important for digestion and heart health, while magnesium plays a vital role in keeping your heart rhythm steady, supporting strong bones, and helping to keep blood pressure normal.

Corn tortillas are also a healthier option because they are lower in fat and calories than flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are usually made with lard or shortening, which is why they tend to have a softer and sturdier texture.

Corn tortillas are also a healthier alternative because they are smaller, usually measuring about 6 inches in diameter, whereas flour tortillas are larger, usually 8-10 inches. This means corn tortillas have built-in portion control.

If you are making a dish with denser fillings, flour tortillas may be a better option as they are sturdier. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, corn tortillas are the way to go. They deliver fibre, whole grains, and other nutrients, while also being gluten-free and suitable for people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.

Corn tortillas are more flavourful than flour tortillas

Corn tortillas are allowed on a vegan diet, as they are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. They are made with just two ingredients: masa harina (a specialty corn flour) and salt.

Secondly, corn tortillas have a more authentic flavour. Corn tortillas have been around for much longer than flour tortillas, and corn is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Corn tortillas are also smaller and more compact than flour tortillas, which helps them stay sturdy enough to hold various traditional fillings.

Thirdly, corn tortillas are healthier and more nutritious than flour tortillas. They are a good source of fibre, vitamin B3, and calcium. They are also lower in carbs and higher in whole grains, which makes them more nutritious. Corn tortillas are also gluten-free, making them a more celiac-friendly option.

Finally, corn tortillas have a unique cooking process that enhances their flavour. They are traditionally cooked on a dry pan, which gives them beautiful char marks. The process of cooking corn tortillas also involves achieving a "tortilla puff", which indicates that the centre is properly cooked.

Frequently asked questions