Calories In Corn Tortilla Vs Flour Tortilla
You may think that calories are calories, but there is more to it than that. The type of calories you eat can determine the effect they have on your body weight. For example, calories in corn tortilla may be different depending on what type of flour is used in the tortilla’s recipe. This article will compare the calories found in corn and flour tortillas so you know which one offers a better ratio for weight control.
The difference between corn and flour tortillas
The difference between corn and flour tortillas is that corn tortillas are made with cornmeal, while flour tortillas are made with wheat flour. Corn tortillas are generally lower in calories than flour tortillas, but they also have a more dense texture. Flour tortillas are lighter and airier.
In calories, it’s a different story. If you’re looking at calories only, flour tortillas tend to have more calories than corn tortillas do. A 100-gram serving of corn tortilla has around 160 calories while the same portion size of flour tortilla has about 260 calories.
A large flour tortilla has about 235 calories, while a corn tortilla of the same size only has 120 calories.
Calories in Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a popular choice for those looking to watch their calories. They are lower in calories than flour tortillas and have a more dense texture. A 100-gram serving of corn tortilla has around 160 calories, while the same portion size of flour tortilla has about 260 calories.
Calories in Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are lighter and airier than corn tortillas, which makes them appealing to some. A large flour tortilla has about 235 calories, while a corn tortilla of the same size only has 120 calories.
If you’re looking for calories, calories alone suggest that corn tortillas are a better choice than flour tortillas. You may feel different after eating corn or a flour tortilla, however.
While calories in flour and corn tortillas are a bit different, the nutritional value is about the same. That means if you’re going to eat a tortilla, you might as well go for whichever type fits your tastes best. At the end of the day, calories alone don’t determine if a food is healthy or not. It’s always best to look at calories in tortillas along with their nutritional value and how you intend on using them so that your choice will be beneficial to you both health-wise and weight loss-wise.
Buying and Storing Tortillas
Both corn and flour tortillas can be bought fresh or frozen at most grocery stores. When buying either type of tortilla, look for packages that are free of holes, tears, or dents.
Once you open the package of tortillas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Storing them this way will help them stay fresh longer. Each day, use your oldest tortilla first.
Expiration dates are on the packages. If you buy frozen tortillas, plan on using them within 30 days.
Making the healthiest choice at mealtime
If calories are your main concern when deciding between corn or flour tortillas, it is best to plan out your meals in advance. This way, you can make sure that you will not end up eating more calories than you should for that meal. Using a healthier type of tortilla adds more calories to your dish. You can also use shredded lettuce instead of tortillas for a lower calorie wrapping alternative.
How to make your own tortillas
Making your own tortillas is a great way to control the ingredients that are used. You can also make them gluten-free if you need to. Here’s how to make corn tortillas:
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of masa harina
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Combine the masa harina, water and salt in a medium bowl and mix until the dough is smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add more masa harina until it’s easy to work with.
- Divide the dough into 12 balls.
- Roll each ball out on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin.
- Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat and place the rolled tortillas in the pan as you go. Cook each side for 30 seconds or until they start to puff up like little pillows. Repeat with remaining dough balls, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
- Store your homemade tortilla in an airtight container.
Making your own Flour Tortillas
Making your own flour tortillas is also fairly easy and requires the same type of dough as corn tortillas. You will need:
- 1 ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (or other gluten free mix)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening
- ¾ cup of warm milk
- Combine the flour, salt and shortening in a medium bowl.
- Add the milk and mix until a dough forms that is smooth but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into 12 balls and roll out on a floured surface with a rolling pin.
- Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat and place the rolled tortillas in the pan as you go. Cook each side for 30 seconds or until they start to puff up like little pillows. Repeat with remaining dough balls, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
- Store your homemade tortilla in an airtight container.
Once you get the hang of making homemade tortillas, you can make a big batch and freeze them for later. If calories are your main concern when deciding between corn or flour tortillas, it is best to plan out your meals in advance. This way, you can make sure that you will not end up eating more calories than you should for that meal. Using a healthier type of tortilla adds more calories to your dish. You can also use shredded lettuce instead of tortillas for a lower calorie wrapping alternative.
Final Thoughts
Tortillas are a staple in the American diet. From tacos to burritos, tortillas can be used for both savory and sweet dishes alike. But calories can add up quickly if you’re not careful about which type of tortilla you eat! In this article, we’ve covered all your questions about calories in corn vs flour tortillas so that you’ll know what’s best for your weight loss goals. Whether it’s calories or taste preferences that have prompted these questions, this article will help answer some of them while also providing recipes on how to make your own homemade versions from scratch with either whole wheat or gluten-free ingredients!