A Guide to Which Flour Tortillas are Vegan for a Plant-Based Diet

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While many traditional flour tortilla recipes used animal-based fats like lard, the vast majority of modern commercial brands have switched to vegetable-based oils, making it easier to find which flour tortillas are vegan. However, it's still essential for individuals on a plant-based diet to carefully check ingredient labels for potential hidden animal products.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which ingredients make flour tortillas non-vegan, details how to properly check product labels, and identifies several popular vegan-friendly brands available in stores. It also provides a comparison and a recipe for homemade tortillas.

Key Points

Check Labels for Lard: The most common traditional non-vegan ingredient in flour tortillas is lard; modern brands mostly use vegetable oil, but always double-check the ingredient list.
Identify Hidden Ingredients: Watch for other animal-derived additives like whey, certain emulsifiers (monoglycerides, diglycerides), and enzymes that aren't specified as plant-based.
Look for Vegan Certifications: The most foolproof way to identify a vegan tortilla is to look for official vegan or Kosher Pareve (dairy-free) symbols on the packaging.
Research Reputable Brands: Many popular brands like Whole Foods 365, Siete, and La Tortilla Factory offer reliable vegan flour tortilla options.
Make Your Own for Certainty: For 100% control over ingredients, making homemade vegan flour tortillas with simple pantry staples is an easy and delicious alternative.

Understanding What Makes a Tortilla Non-Vegan

For many years, traditional flour tortillas were not considered vegan because they often contained lard, which is pork fat. This ingredient was prized for creating a rich, soft, and flavorful tortilla. However, due to a combination of health concerns and consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, most large-scale manufacturers have transitioned away from using animal fats. While this shift is great news for vegans, it doesn't mean every flour tortilla on the market is automatically safe. Some traditional recipes, especially from smaller or artisan bakeries, may still use lard. For store-bought options, it's the less obvious additives that can cause confusion.

Key Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For

When examining a nutrition label, a few specific ingredients can signal that a product is not vegan. Awareness of these items is key to making informed choices.

Lard: The most traditional animal fat used in some flour tortilla recipes.
Whey: A dairy-based product derived from milk, sometimes added for texture.
Glycerin, Monoglycerides, and Diglycerides: These are emulsifiers that can be plant- or animal-derived. If the label does not specify 'vegetable glycerin' or similar, it's safest to assume it might be animal-derived.
Animal-Derived Enzymes: Some dough conditioners and enzymes are sourced from animals. Unless specified as plant-based, they are a potential red flag.
Sugar: A controversial ingredient for some vegans. White sugar can be processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve its white color. While the bone char itself is not in the finished product, it is an animal-derived processing aid. Opt for brands that use organic or unbleached sugar to avoid this.

How to Ensure Your Flour Tortillas are Vegan

Making sure your flour tortillas fit into your vegan diet involves a few simple steps. The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list thoroughly on the packaging.

Check for Certifications: Look for official vegan certification symbols, such as a 'V' in a circle, on the packaging. Products with these labels have been verified by a third party to contain no animal products.
Scrutinize the Ingredients: In the absence of a certification, read every ingredient carefully. Look for clear language like 'vegetable oil' or 'plant-based enzymes'. Be wary of generic terms that could indicate animal origins.
Research the Manufacturer: If you are unsure about an ingredient, a quick online search of the brand's website can often provide clarity. Many brands with large vegan followings explicitly state their vegan status or offer FAQs about their ingredients.
Look for Kosher Symbols: While not always a guarantee, a Kosher Pareve (dairy-free) symbol can be a strong indicator that the product does not contain dairy-based additives like whey.

Popular Brands Offering Vegan Flour Tortillas

Luckily, many well-known brands offer flour tortillas that are vegan-friendly, making them easy to find in most major grocery stores.

Whole Foods 365 Brand Tortillas: Many of the flour and whole wheat tortillas under the 365 brand are vegan and widely available.
Siete Grain-Free Tortillas: Known for their grain-free options made from alternative flours like cassava or almond, all Siete tortillas are vegan.
La Tortilla Factory: This brand offers several organic and whole wheat flour options that are explicitly vegan and often found in the refrigerated section.
Old El Paso Tortillas: A common grocery store brand, Old El Paso offers several flour tortillas that are free of animal products.
Mission Tortillas: One of the most common brands, Mission's website states their flour tortillas do not contain animal-derived ingredients. However, they use enzymes that some stricter vegans prefer to avoid due to potential animal origins.

A Comparison of Vegan Flour Tortillas

Here is a quick look at some popular vegan-friendly brands to help you decide based on your specific dietary preferences.


Brand	Flours Used	Animal-Derived Additives	Certifications	Key Features
Whole Foods 365	Enriched Wheat, Whole Wheat	None listed, uses vegetable oil	USDA Organic (on some varieties)	Accessible, affordable, and reliable vegan option.
Siete	Cassava, Almond, Chickpea, etc.	None listed	Certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo	Grain-free options for those with additional dietary needs.
La Tortilla Factory	Organic Wheat, Whole Wheat	None listed, uses organic vegetable oil	USDA Organic, Vegan	High-quality ingredients, often found in refrigerated section.
Mission	Wheat	None, but uses enzymes some vegans may question	None (explicitly vegan status on website)	Widely available and affordable, but requires personal judgment on enzyme use.
Old El Paso	Enriched Wheat	None listed	None (check label for specifics)	Standard grocery store find, good budget-friendly option.

DIY: Making Your Own Vegan Flour Tortillas

For those who prefer complete control over their ingredients or enjoy the freshness of homemade food, making your own vegan flour tortillas is a simple process. This eliminates any guesswork about hidden ingredients.

Simple Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well and add the oil and water.
2. Mix by hand until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.
3. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into equal pieces and roll them out thinly into circles.
5. Cook each tortilla in a hot, dry skillet for about a minute on each side, until lightly browned spots appear.
6. Keep cooked tortillas wrapped in a kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

With the modern food market offering numerous plant-based options, knowing which flour tortillas are vegan is more about vigilance than difficulty. By learning to identify key animal-derived ingredients and trusting brands that offer certified or transparently vegan products, you can confidently enjoy tortillas as part of a delicious and healthy plant-based diet. Whether you choose the convenience of a store-bought brand or the satisfaction of making your own, a little knowledge goes a long way. To explore the broader world of plant-based foods, sites like Vegan.com offer excellent resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary non-vegan ingredient historically used in flour tortillas is lard, which is pork fat. While most major commercial brands have switched to vegetable-based fats, some traditional or smaller-batch tortillas may still use lard.

Most corn tortillas are naturally vegan, as they are traditionally made from corn masa, water, and salt. However, it's wise to still check the label, as some manufacturers might add animal fats like lard or whey.

It is much less common for large commercial brands to use lard today, as they have largely shifted to more health-conscious vegetable oils. However, smaller specialty or traditional brands may still include it, so reading labels is always necessary.

The best way to tell is to read the ingredient list thoroughly. You can also look for vegan certification symbols on the packaging or visit the manufacturer's website for specific information on their products.

No, the terms 'natural' or 'organic' do not automatically mean a product is vegan. It is essential to read the full ingredients list, as some organic products might still contain animal-derived ingredients like butter or whey.

Besides lard and whey, other additives that can be animal-derived include certain enzymes, glycerin, monoglycerides, and diglycerides. Unless these are specified as 'vegetable' based, they should be treated with caution.

Yes, making your own vegan flour tortillas is a simple process using common ingredients like flour, vegetable oil, salt, and water. This guarantees full control over the final product's vegan status.