Are There Low Carb Corn Tortillas? Your Guide to Keto Alternatives

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

A single 6-inch corn tortilla contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates, making traditional corn tortillas unsuitable for strict low-carb diets. This often leads to the question, 'Are there low carb corn tortillas?' While no true corn tortilla is low-carb, innovative recipes and products offer satisfying alternatives with the right flavor profile.

Quick Summary

Traditional corn tortillas are not low-carb due to their high maize content. However, creative alternatives made from low-carb flours like almond or coconut can replicate the texture and flavor, providing a delicious keto-friendly substitute.

Key Points

High Carbs: Traditional corn tortillas are not low-carb due to high maize content; a 6-inch tortilla can have 15g+ of carbs.
Alternative Flours: Low-carb versions are made with alternative flours like almond, coconut, and lupin, often with binders like psyllium husk.
Homemade Control: Making your own tortillas gives you control over ingredients, allowing for very low net carbs per serving.
Store-Bought Options: Commercial low-carb tortillas exist, but check the ingredients; they are typically wheat-based, not corn, and use fiber to lower net carbs.
Versatile Substitutes: For naturally low-carb wraps, consider fresh alternatives like thin-sliced jicama, large lettuce leaves, or collard greens.
Authentic Flavoring: Achieve a 'corn-like' taste in homemade low-carb tortillas by adding a small amount of masa flour or corn extract.

Why Traditional Corn Tortillas are Not Low-Carb

To understand why low-carb corn tortillas are a myth, it's essential to look at what traditional corn tortillas are made of. The process begins with 'nixtamalization,' where maize (corn) kernels are soaked in an alkaline solution, then ground into masa, or corn dough. Since corn is naturally high in carbohydrates, so are the resulting tortillas. Small, standard corn tortillas typically contain anywhere from 10 to 20 grams of total carbohydrates each, depending on their size. For individuals on a ketogenic diet, which often limits total daily carb intake to 20-50 grams, even one traditional corn tortilla can consume a significant portion of their allowance.

Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: A Low-Carb Perspective

While some might assume corn tortillas are lower in carbs than flour tortillas, this isn't always the case, especially with larger tortillas. Traditional flour tortillas contain wheat and often lard, which increases their overall calorie and carb count. However, the issue for a low-carb diet isn't just about comparing the two; it's that neither traditional version fits the profile. For a truly low-carb option, you must move away from a corn or wheat base entirely.

Exploring Low-Carb "Corn-Flavored" Alternatives

Because a genuine, low-carb corn tortilla is not possible, the market has responded with alternatives that mimic the texture and, in some cases, the flavor of corn. These are often made from a combination of low-carb flours and binders.

Homemade Keto Tortillas

One of the best ways to control ingredients and carb count is by making your own. Many successful recipes use a blend of ingredients to create a pliable, low-carb dough:

Almond Flour: Ground from blanched almonds, almond flour is a low-carb, gluten-free base that gives tortillas a delicate texture.
Coconut Flour: A highly absorbent, high-fiber flour that works well when combined with other flours to improve texture.
Psyllium Husk: This ingredient is crucial for creating flexibility and preventing the tortillas from cracking.
Xanthan Gum: A thickener and stabilizer that provides elasticity, mimicking the effect of gluten.
Corn Extract: Some recipes add a touch of corn extract or masa flour for an authentic corn-like flavor.

Non-Grain Alternatives

For those who prefer a more natural, vegetable-based wrap, several options offer a low-carb solution:

Jicama Wraps: Sliced thinly, jicama root creates a crisp, refreshing, and naturally low-carb wrap.
Cheese Tortillas: Made by baking shredded cheese until a tortilla-like disc is formed, these are a quick, high-fat, zero-carb option.
Cauliflower Tortillas: By using riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese, you can form a savory, low-carb tortilla shell.

Comparison of Low-Carb Tortilla Options


Option	Primary Ingredients	Net Carbs (per serving)	Taste/Texture	Best for	Notes
Traditional Corn Tortilla	Nixtamalized Corn Flour	~9-17g	Distinct corn flavor, soft but can be brittle.	Traditional Mexican dishes, if your diet allows.	Not truly low-carb.
Homemade Keto Tortilla	Almond Flour, Psyllium Husk	~1-3g	Mild, nutty flavor; texture is soft and pliable.	Wraps, soft tacos, quesadillas.	Requires specific low-carb ingredients.
Store-Bought Low-Carb Tortilla	Modified Wheat Starch, Fiber	~0-5g	Neutral flavor, similar texture to flour tortillas.	Burritos, larger wraps.	Ingredients may vary; check for fillers.
Jicama Wraps	Jicama Root	Very low, high fiber	Mildly sweet and crunchy, like a water chestnut.	Fresh, crunchy tacos and salads.	Not pliable for soft wraps; requires a mandoline.

Where to Find Store-Bought Low-Carb Tortillas

For convenience, many brands offer low-carb tortillas at grocery stores. It's crucial to check the ingredients list, as these products are often based on modified wheat flour, added fiber, and resistant starch rather than corn. Popular options include Mission Carb Balance, La Banderita Carb Counter, and Mr. Tortilla. While these serve the purpose of a low-carb wrap, they do not replicate the specific flavor of corn.

Conclusion: The Path to Low-Carb Tacos

Ultimately, the quest for truly low-carb corn tortillas leads to a discovery of flavorful and healthy alternatives. Whether you opt for a homemade creation using almond and coconut flour, a quick store-bought option, or a fresh jicama wrap, you can still enjoy the spirit of Mexican cuisine without the high carbohydrate count. Embracing these substitutes allows for flexibility and variety in your low-carb diet, ensuring that taco night remains a delicious and satisfying event. For a popular homemade version, check out the keto tortilla recipe from Ketofocus.

Low-Carb Tortilla Alternatives: Finding Your Flavor

For those seeking a low-carb vessel for their favorite fillings, there's no need to settle for soggy lettuce wraps. Besides the mentioned recipes and store-bought items, you can explore other creative substitutes:

Lettuce Wraps: Large, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or iceberg offer a crisp, refreshing, and zero-carb shell for fillings.
Collard Green Wraps: Slightly more flexible than lettuce, blanched collard leaves can hold a variety of fillings and have a mild, earthy flavor.
Egg Wraps: Whisking and cooking eggs into a thin, crepe-like sheet creates a protein-rich, low-carb wrapper perfect for breakfast burritos.

Experimenting with different options helps you find the best low-carb tortilla solution for your taste and dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional corn tortillas are not considered low-carb. A typical 6-inch corn tortilla contains around 10-20 grams of total carbs, which can be too high for strict low-carb or keto diets.

Low-carb alternatives that mimic corn tortillas are made from low-carb ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and psyllium husk. Some recipes include a small amount of masa flour or corn extract to replicate the flavor.

Yes, many low-carb tortillas are suitable for a keto diet. Brands like Mission Carb Balance or Mr. Tortilla offer versions with very low net carbs, though it's important to read the nutrition label and check for ingredients that fit your dietary needs.

No, blue corn tortillas are not significantly lower in carbohydrates. They are still made from corn, and a single shell contains about 8 net carbs, making them unsuitable for a strict keto diet.

You can make low-carb tortillas at home using a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, and water. Simply mix the ingredients to form a pliable dough, press into a thin disc, and cook on a hot skillet.

Excellent non-flour alternatives include thinly sliced jicama rounds for a crunchy wrap, or sturdy lettuce leaves like butter or iceberg lettuce for a fresh, crisp texture.

No, store-bought low-carb tortillas vary by brand and ingredients. Most are wheat-based with added fiber and resistant starch, so they will not taste like corn. Always read the nutrition label to ensure the ingredients align with your dietary goals.