Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas: Which Option Is Healthier?
HuffPost
Culinary traditions aside, registered dietitians share how to decide between them if you're thinking strictly about nutrition.
Walking the aisles of the grocery store can seem like one internal debate after another — especially if your goal is to fill your cart with the healthiest options possible. Oat milk or soy? Peanut butter or almond butter? Full-fat or reduced-fat cheese?
Picking up a pack of tortillas presents yet another nutritional conundrum. At virtually every grocery store, you’re bound to see both corn tortillas and flour tortillas.
Of course, deciding which variety to get isn’t just about nutrition. “Choosing between corn and flour tortillas can also be a matter of cultural preference and connection heritage associated with corn-based culinary traditions, as well as flavor preferences,” said culinary registered dietitian Marisa Moore. “Corn itself holds a special place in various cultures and is a staple in Mexican cuisine.”
Registered dietitian Patricia Bannan wholeheartedly agreed, emphasizing the importance of flavor. “Taste preferences should always be accounted for, as enjoying food is a key part of healthy eating,” she said.
But if you’re trying to choose between corn or flour tortillas simply based on nutrition, here’s what to know about each kind.