Tortilla, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Tortilla, NFS (Not Further Specified) is a soft, unleavened flatbread made primarily from wheat or corn flour, serving as a staple in many cuisines. Its texture ranges from pliable and chewy to slightly crisp when toasted, with a mild, neutral flavor that acts as a perfect canvas for fillings. Nutritionally, it provides a solid source of carbohydrates for energy, along with a modest amount of protein and fiber.
💚 Why it's loved
People love tortillas for their incredible versatility and cultural significance, as they can be wrapped, folded, or layered to hold virtually any filling. Their mild flavor and soft texture make them a comforting and familiar staple in Mexican, Tex-Mex, and many other global cuisines.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some individuals may find tortillas, especially refined flour versions, can cause blood sugar spikes due to their high carbohydrate content. To counteract this, pair them with protein (like beans or meat) and healthy fats (like avocado or cheese) to slow digestion, and consider choosing whole-grain or corn tortillas for more fiber.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick and convenient source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Offers a moderate amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
- Versatile base for both savory and sweet dishes.
- Generally low in fat, making it a lighter option compared to some breads.
- Can be a source of protein, especially when made with enriched flour or corn.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'tortilla' comes from the Spanish word 'torta', meaning 'cake' or 'round bread', and was first used by the Spanish to describe the flatbread they encountered in Mexico.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 38.9 g |
| Energy | 262 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 47.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 114 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 47.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 260 mg |
| Potassium, K | 156 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 372 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.92 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.30 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 3.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.14 mg |
| Folate, total | 50.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 40.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 77.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 10.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 6.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.6 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.60 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is the difference between flour and corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas are made with wheat flour and are typically softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas are made from corn masa and have a more distinct, earthy flavor and a slightly firmer texture.
How should I store tortillas to keep them fresh?
Store tortillas in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or plastic bag. For longer storage, you can freeze them and thaw as needed.
Can tortillas be part of a healthy diet?
Yes, especially when made with whole grains and paired with nutrient-rich fillings like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to create a balanced meal.