Are you looking for a light and delicious meal option? Flour tortillas are a great choice, as they are packed with flavor and nutrition. But how many calories are in a flour tortilla?
In this article, we’ll explore the caloric content of a typical flour tortilla, as well as its other nutritional benefits. Read on to learn more!
A standard 6-inch flour tortilla may vary slightly depending on the type of flour used, as well as the other ingredients included in the recipe.
How Many Calories Will You Find In A Flour Tortilla?
The calorie count of white flour tortillas is significantly higher than that of their corn counterparts, with a single wrap containing around 90 calories.
However, this depends on the size of the tortilla because a smaller tortilla will be lower in calories and a larger tortilla at around 8 inches will be 144 calories.
Flour tortillas are usually made from wheat flour enriched with vitamins and mineral salts like iron and B vitamins, as well as a baking powder to make them flat.
Though not particularly nutritionally beneficial on their own (particularly compared to whole wheat versions), they make a delicious accompaniment to many meals – offering taste, texture, and convenience.
What About Fat Content?
Fat is an important part of a balanced diet and provides energy, maintains healthy skin and hair, transports vitamins and minerals around the body, and more.
But when it comes to types of fat, there are essential differences in the amount of saturated and unsaturated fat each food type contains.
Flour tortillas are higher in saturated fat than their corn counterparts as well, with 2 grams being present on average for every serving – that’s five times higher than the saturated fat found in the corn!
What About Fiber Content?
Fiber is an important part of a balanced diet and can be found in many foods. Eating plenty of fiber can help to support digestion, keep you feeling full for longer, and provide other health benefits.
Many types of flour contain fiber, with whole grain flour containing around 10% of your daily value.
What About Sugar Content?
Sugar is found in many foods, both obvious and hidden. This includes items like candy and baked goods, but surprisingly it’s also found in classic foods such as tortilla burritos.
To accurately gauge the amount of sugar in a burrito, you should begin by examining the ingredients list to determine which components contain it.
Generally speaking, flour and corn are both low-sugar ingredients. One cup (120 grams) of all-purpose white flour contains 2.6 grams of sugar, while one cup (172 grams) of cooked yellow corn has only 0.8 grams of sugar for comparison.
What Are The Nutritional Facts About Flour Tortillas?
Flour tortillas are a staple in many cuisine dishes, and are especially popular for making burritos, fajitas, and enchiladas. They can be purchased from most stores and have varying nutritional information.
Generally considered the “unhealthiest” of the 3 main types of tortillas, white flour tortillas tend to be higher in calories, carbs, and fat due to their addition of preservatives.
The standard nutritional information of a medium 8-inch white flour tortilla is 144 calories per serving. Aside from the high caloric content, these tortillas also contain high amounts of carbohydrates at 22 grams per serving.
Are Flour Tortillas Typically Considered Healthy As A Part Of A Balanced Diet?
Tortillas can have a variety of health benefits depending on the type being consumed. Corn and whole wheat tortillas are generally the healthiest options as they are lower in fat, carbs, and calories while being higher in dietary fiber.
These options can be used to make healthy meals that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and vitamins needed for daily functioning.
Additionally, many store-bought tortillas come with added vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
However, one key factor to consider when determining how “healthy” a particular tortilla is whether it is a small 8 inch taco-style tortilla or large 12 inch burrito-style tortilla.
The larger size will contain more calories due to the additional ingredients needed for the larger meal servings – although not necessarily adding any extra nutrition value to the dish itself.
What Are The Benefits Of Flour Tortillas?
Flour tortillas come with convenient advantages that many people appreciate. They tend to be fluffier than corn tortillas and are better equipped for heavier toppings.
They also contain more iron and calcium, making them slightly healthier in that regard. But their nutrition pales in comparison to the alternative.
White flour tortillas contain almost twice the calories and fat of corn tortillas, making them a less health-conscious option for those who watch their diet carefully.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Flour Tortillas?
Furthermore, gluten content is something to consider when choosing between flour or corn tortillas, as flour tortillas have much higher levels of gluten.
For those who have sensitivities to it or suffer from celiac disease, sticking to corn tortillas as an alternative would be the best course of action – unless you choose a gluten-free flour alternative specifically designed for this purpose.
Overall, Are They A Healthy Tortilla Choice?
In conclusion, pros and cons must be considered when deciding if you want to enjoy tortillas – whatever you choose, it’s important to pay special attention to your nutrition needs in order to maintain healthy eating habits for both short and long-term success.
Flour tortillas offer up a huge splurge on your daily caloric allowance – which can be bypassed by opting for a slightly slimmer pick of corn tortillas instead.
Final Thoughts
In summary, a medium 8-inch white flour tortilla contains 144 calories per serving. They can be used to make both healthy and unhealthy meals, depending on the ingredients added to them.
However, they contain more calories and fat than corn tortillas and have higher levels of gluten – making them less suitable for people with sensitivities or those who suffer from celiac disease.
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