Commercial flour tortillas
Commercial flour tortillas are soft, thin, unleavened flatbreads made primarily from refined wheat flour, water, fat, and salt. They are a staple food in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, serving as the essential wrapper for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Their pliable texture and mild flavor make them a versatile base for countless dishes.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
A typical flour tortilla is a high-carbohydrate food, providing quick energy, with a moderate amount of fat from added shortenings or oils. It offers small amounts of iron and B vitamins (often from enrichment), but is generally low in fiber and protein compared to whole-grain alternatives. A single medium-sized tortilla contains roughly 150-200 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 27 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Potassium | 50 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Selenium | 8 mcg |
Per 1 medium tortilla (about 45 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The modern flour tortilla is a product of culinary evolution, blending Indigenous Mexican flatbread traditions with wheat introduced by Spanish colonists. Its soft, foldable nature is key to the handheld eating style central to Mexican street food culture, making it a perfect edible wrapper.
