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Are Siete Cassava Tortillas Low in FODMAP?

3 min read

Approximately 10-15% of the global population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), often turning to low FODMAP diets for relief. Siete cassava tortillas are a popular grain-free choice, but are they low in FODMAPs?

Quick Summary

Siete cassava tortillas are generally not certified as low FODMAP due to coconut flour content and potential serving size issues. A comparison of ingredients reveals the complexities.

Key Points

  • Not Certified: Siete cassava tortillas are not certified low FODMAP, posing a risk for those on restricted diets.

  • Ingredient Concerns: They contain cassava flour (high in GOS in larger quantities) and coconut flour (a high FODMAP ingredient).

  • Portion Matters: Cassava flour is low FODMAP only in very small amounts (15g), making standard consumption risky.

  • Consider Alternatives: Certified low FODMAP corn tortillas or homemade options are safer for the elimination and reintroduction phases.

  • Check for Certifications: Always look for Monash University or FODMAP Friendly logos for guaranteed low FODMAP products.

In This Article

Siete Cassava Tortillas: Ingredients and FODMAP Considerations

Siete Family Foods offers grain-free alternatives, including their Cassava & Coconut tortillas, which contain cassava flour, water, coconut flour, coconut oil, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt. While this short ingredient list seems appealing for paleo or gluten-free diets, a low FODMAP assessment depends on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Cassava Flour and FODMAPs

Monash University, a leading authority on the low FODMAP diet, has tested cassava. Raw cassava root can be low FODMAP, but cassava flour presents different challenges. Monash specifies that cassava flour is low FODMAP only in 15 grams, or about 1 tablespoon. This restriction is because cassava contains galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), a type of FODMAP. When cassava is ground into flour, the FODMAP content becomes more concentrated. Consuming a full-sized tortilla can easily exceed the safe threshold.

Coconut Flour's Impact

Coconut flour is a high FODMAP ingredient because of its fructan content. Siete's recipe includes coconut flour, making it difficult to determine if the final product is low FODMAP, even with portion control of the cassava. The Spoonful app and others have flagged Siete's Cassava & Coconut tortillas as not low FODMAP.

Siete Cassava Tortillas vs. Low FODMAP Alternatives: A Comparison

The following table compares Siete cassava tortillas to certified low FODMAP options.

Feature Siete Cassava & Coconut Tortillas Certified Low FODMAP Corn Tortillas DIY Low FODMAP Tortillas (Corn or Rice)
FODMAP Status Not certified low FODMAP; potentially high FODMAP due to coconut flour and serving size. Certified low FODMAP by Monash in servings of 2-3 tortillas. Safe if made with tested ingredients and flours.
Key Ingredients Cassava flour, coconut flour, water, coconut oil. Corn, water, and lime. Brown rice flour, tapioca starch, water, oil, and salt.
Convenience Readily available, but requires portion control for those with IBS. Widely available, with clear guidelines. Requires more preparation time.
Risk of Symptoms Higher risk, especially during elimination or for sensitive individuals. Low risk if adhering to the certified serving size. Minimal risk with controlled ingredients and portions.

Practical Steps: Incorporating Siete Tortillas into Your Diet

If you want to include Siete cassava tortillas in your diet, consider these points:

  • Review the Label: Always examine the ingredients list. Siete makes various tortillas, including an Almond Flour variety, which is also a source of fructans and GOS. Evaluate each product separately.
  • Portion Control: Start with a small portion, such as a quarter of a tortilla, to assess tolerance. Remember that the presence of coconut flour adds complexity.
  • Look for Certification: Seek official Monash University or FODMAP Friendly certification logos. These ensure the product has been tested and confirmed to be low FODMAP at the recommended serving size. Siete does not have this certification for its cassava tortillas.
  • Test Tolerance: Everyone's FODMAP tolerance varies. Use a small piece of a Siete tortilla to test your tolerance to GOS and fructans during the reintroduction phase. Avoid this during the elimination phase.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Tortillas

Siete cassava tortillas are not officially low FODMAP or recommended during the elimination phase. This is mainly due to the cassava and coconut flour. For those on a low FODMAP diet, choose certified low FODMAP products, such as corn tortillas, or make your own using low FODMAP flours. Carefully check labels and control portion sizes to support digestive health and minimize IBS symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all Siete products are high in FODMAPs, but you must check the ingredients. For example, their almond flour tortillas are also unlikely to be low FODMAP due to the high fructan content of almond flour. Always read labels and use FODMAP resource apps.

It is not recommended to eat Siete cassava tortillas during the elimination phase. They contain high FODMAP ingredients like coconut flour.

Look for certification logos from Monash University or FODMAP Friendly. Official FODMAP apps also list certified products and allow you to scan ingredients.

The primary concerns are the coconut flour's fructans and the potential for exceeding the safe serving size of cassava flour (GOS).

Yes, plain corn tortillas made with corn, water, and lime are generally a safe and certified low FODMAP alternative. Monash University has certified 2-3 corn tortillas per meal as low FODMAP.

Siete Almond Flour Tortillas are not considered low FODMAP. Almond flour is high in GOS and fructans, and even certified low FODMAP amounts of almonds are very small. It's best to avoid them during the elimination phase.

Key ingredients like coconut flour and the portion size of cassava flour likely do not meet the low FODMAP criteria for certification.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.