Keto Tortillas: Weight Loss Friend Or Foe?

Corn tortillas are considered a healthier alternative to flour tortillas as they are gluten-free and have fewer carbs. However, they are not suitable for a keto diet as they are made from corn flour, a high-carb vegetable.

For those on a keto diet, there are several low-carb tortilla options available in stores or online, such as almond flour tortillas, coconut flour tortillas, and pork rind tortillas.

It is also possible to make keto tortillas at home using recipes that include ingredients such as almond flour, lupin flour, and xanthan gum. These tortillas are high in fiber, low in carbs, and can be frozen for later use.

Corn tortillas are not keto-friendly but can be consumed in small quantities

Corn tortillas are not keto-friendly as they are made from corn flour, a high-carb flour that contains 79 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. However, there are low-carb tortillas available in the market that are made from ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, and olive oil. These tortillas typically have 3 to 8 grams of net carbs per serving.

It is important to note that a low-carb tortilla may not necessarily be low in calories. Some low-carb tortillas are made with high-fat ingredients, which can result in high calories and potential weight loss sabotage.

For those who enjoy making their own tortillas, there are recipes available for keto corn tortillas that use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to achieve a corn-like taste and texture. These recipes typically include other ingredients such as whole psyllium husk, olive oil or avocado oil, and spices like turmeric and garlic powder.

When making keto corn tortillas from scratch, it is crucial to use ultra-fine almond flour with a golden color and a thin texture. Regular almond meal will not work as it is coarse, dark in color, and does not absorb liquids properly. Additionally, coconut flour cannot be replaced with more almond flour; a separate recipe for 100% almond flour tortillas is available.

The process of making keto corn tortillas involves mixing the dry ingredients, adding liquids, kneading the dough, and letting it rest. The dough is then divided into balls, pressed or rolled out, and cooked on a hot griddle or pan for a short time to avoid drying out and cracking.

While corn tortillas may not be inherently keto-friendly, there are options available for those who wish to include tortillas in their keto diet. These include both store-bought low-carb tortillas and homemade keto corn tortilla recipes. However, it is important to be mindful of the calorie content and serving sizes to ensure they align with one's weight loss goals.

Flour tortillas are higher in carbs than corn tortillas

One source states that a popular brand of tortillas contains 47 grams of carbohydrates per serving of corn tortillas (2 tortillas) and 49 grams of carbohydrates per serving of flour tortillas (1 tortilla). This is a very slight difference.

Another source gives the following nutritional information for 100 grams of corn tortilla:

• Total fats: 2.27 grams
• Carbohydrate: 43.18 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

In comparison, here is the nutritional information for 100 grams of flour tortilla:

• Total calories: 304
• Total fat: 8.04 grams
• Carbohydrate: 48.21 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
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

This shows that flour tortillas have almost twice the calories and fat as corn tortillas. However, flour tortillas have more iron and calcium than corn tortillas. They are also fluffier and hold up better under lots of toppings.

If you are looking for low-carb tortillas, there are many options available. For example, La Tortilla Factory sells a line of low-carb tortillas that range from 45 to 100 calories and 3 to 10 grams of net carbs. Maria and Ricardo's Almond Flour Keto Tortillas provide 6.5 grams of carbs or 4 net carbs per tortilla. Mission sells a cauliflower tortilla that is naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with 14 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber per tortilla.

Keto-friendly tortillas are made from almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower

Almond flour tortillas are a popular choice for those following a keto diet. They are typically gluten-free and can be made with eggs and psyllium husk. One serving (one tortilla) provides only about 3 grams of net carbs.

Coconut flour tortillas are another option for keto dieters. These tortillas are made with coconut flour and are a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which support ketosis. One serving (one tortilla) provides about 6 grams of net carbs.

Cauliflower tortillas are also a good choice for those following a keto diet. Cauliflower is one of the best low-carb veggies, and when combined with eggs, garlic powder, and cheese, it makes a delicious and nutritious tortilla. One serving (one tortilla) provides only 1 gram of net carbs.

In addition to these options, there are also pork rind tortillas and oopsie bread (cloud bread) tortillas, which are made with simple ingredients such as egg whites, cream cheese, and cream of tartar. These tortillas provide less than 1 gram of net carbs per serving.

Keto-friendly tortillas are a great way to enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes while sticking to your keto diet. With these low-carb options, you don't have to miss out on the taste and convenience of tortillas.

Keto tortillas are available in stores or can be made at home

Keto tortillas are available in many stores, including Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Amazon. They can also be purchased online from Hero.co and MrTortilla.com.

Some of the keto tortillas available in stores include:

• La Tortilla Factory Low Carb Tortillas
• Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Flour Tortillas
• Mr. Tortilla Low Carb Keto Soft Taco Shells
• La Banderita Carb Counter Flour Tortillas
• Guerrero Zero Carb Tortillas
• Ole Xtreme Wellness High Fiber Carb Lean Tortillas
• Kroger Low Carb Flour Tortillas

Keto tortillas can also be made at home. A basic recipe for flour tortillas includes flour, lard, baking powder, salt, and water. However, some people may prefer to use alternative ingredients such as almond flour or cauliflower to create a lower-carb option.

Keto tortillas can be used in recipes like enchiladas, tacos, and tostadas

Keto Tortillas for Weight Loss?

Keto tortillas are a great substitute for those looking to cut down on carbs and lose weight. Traditional tortillas are made from corn or flour, which are high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet. However, keto tortillas are made from alternative ingredients, such as almond flour, coconut flour, or psyllium husk, which have a much lower carb count.

Using Keto Tortillas in Recipes:

Keto tortillas are versatile and can be used in various recipes, including enchiladas, tacos, and tostadas.

Enchiladas:

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that typically consists of a tortilla wrapped around a filling, such as chicken or beef, and covered in a sauce. To make keto-friendly enchiladas, simply use keto tortillas and a low-carb sauce. You can fill your enchiladas with chicken or beef, and add ingredients like cauliflower rice, black beans, jalapenos, or cheese.

Tacos:

Tacos are another Mexican dish that is well-suited to keto tortillas. You can fill your tacos with protein, such as chicken or beef, and add toppings like salsa, avocado, and cheese.

Tostadas:

Tostadas are typically made with corn tortillas that are fried to a crispy texture. To make keto tostadas, use keto-friendly tortillas and fry them until crispy. You can then add your favourite toppings, such as meat, cheese, salsa, lettuce, or guacamole.

Tips for Using Keto Tortillas:

When using keto tortillas in recipes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you're making the tortillas yourself, it's important to use the right type of flour, such as almond flour, and avoid using corn or wheat flour. Secondly, when cooking keto tortillas, it's best to cook them in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Finally, keto tortillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions