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.