How many calories are in a big burrito tortilla?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count of a large flour tortilla can range from 200 to over 300 calories, depending on the exact size and brand. Knowing how many calories are in a big burrito tortilla is the first step toward making informed decisions about your meal.

Quick Summary

A large burrito tortilla typically contains between 200 and 300 calories, but factors like size, ingredients, and brand can alter this number significantly. Making an informed choice by checking nutritional labels is crucial for a balanced meal plan.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A large flour burrito tortilla typically contains 200-300 calories, with variation depending on size and brand.
Size Matters: A larger diameter directly increases the calorie count; an "extra grande" tortilla has more calories than a standard large one.
Flour vs. Corn: Flour tortillas are higher in calories than corn tortillas due to the inclusion of fats like shortening or lard.
Check Labels: For the most accurate information, check the nutritional label on the specific tortilla package, as brands and recipes differ.
Mind Your Fillings: The overall burrito calorie count is significantly affected by fillings; choose lean proteins and more vegetables to balance the meal.
Healthier Alternatives: Consider whole wheat, oat-based, or corn tortillas to reduce the calorie count of the wrap itself.

Understanding the Calorie Count in a Large Burrito Tortilla

While the search results confirm that a large burrito tortilla typically falls within the 200-300 calorie range, the precise number is not universal. The final calorie count is influenced by several factors, including the exact dimensions, ingredients, and even the cooking process.

Factors Influencing Tortilla Calories

Size and Diameter: A "large" or "big" burrito tortilla can vary in size. A standard 10-inch tortilla, for example, is different from an "extra grande" 12-inch version. Larger surface area and a heavier weight directly translate to more calories.
Ingredients and Preparation: The ingredients used are a major determinant. Flour tortillas are generally higher in calories than corn tortillas due to the use of shortening or lard. Homemade tortillas might differ based on the type of flour and fats used. Some brands also offer lower-calorie, whole wheat, or high-fiber versions.
Brand Variations: Different brands have slightly different recipes, which leads to variations in the calorie count. For example, a Mission Foods extra grande burrito tortilla can have around 300 calories, while another brand's large tortilla might be closer to 210 calories.
Deep-Frying: A chimichanga, which is a deep-fried burrito, will have a significantly higher calorie count. The deep-frying process adds a substantial amount of extra fat and calories, pushing the final number up dramatically.

How to Accurately Estimate Your Tortilla's Calories

If you are tracking your intake, relying on a generic average might be misleading. The most accurate way to find the calorie count is to check the nutritional information on the packaging. Here's a list of steps to follow:

Locate the Nutrition Facts label: This is usually on the back of the tortilla package.
Check the serving size: Ensure the serving size is for one tortilla, as some packages might list a smaller serving.
Note the calorie count: This will give you the exact number for that specific product.
Scan the ingredients: Review the ingredients list to see if it includes additives or different types of flour that might affect the nutritional profile.

Calorie Comparison: Flour vs. Corn vs. Whole Wheat Tortillas

To give you a better idea of your options, here is a comparison table showing the approximate calorie counts of different tortilla types and sizes. Note: Values are approximate and vary by brand.


Tortilla Type	Approximate Size (Diameter)	Approximate Calories	Macronutrient Breakdown (Approximate)
Corn Tortilla	4-6 inches	60-100	70% Carbs, 15% Fat, 15% Protein
Standard Flour Tortilla	8 inches	140-160	66% Carbs, 26% Fat, 9% Protein
Large Burrito Tortilla	10 inches	210-220	67% Carbs, 22% Fat, 11% Protein
Extra Grande Burrito Tortilla	12 inches+	290-300+	68% Carbs, 22% Fat, 10% Protein
Whole Wheat Tortilla	8-10 inches	180-200	Varies; often higher in fiber

Making Healthier Burrito Choices

While a large tortilla does contribute a significant number of calories, you can still enjoy a healthy burrito by focusing on the overall composition. Here are some tips:

Choose a smaller size: Opt for a medium or soft-taco-sized tortilla to cut down on carbs and calories.
Consider alternatives: Use whole wheat tortillas, which often contain more fiber and micronutrients, or try low-carb or homemade oat or quinoa-based options.
Load up on vegetables: Increase the volume and nutrients with vegetables like lettuce, onions, and bell peppers. This adds fiber and vitamins without a lot of extra calories.
Select lean protein: Choose lean meats like grilled chicken or fish, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, instead of fatty cuts of meat.
Be mindful of fillings: High-calorie additions like sour cream, extra cheese, and guacamole can increase the total calorie count exponentially. Use these sparingly or opt for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or a small serving of avocado.

Conclusion

Understanding the calorie content of your burrito tortilla is a key step in managing your overall dietary intake. A typical large burrito tortilla can contain 200-300 calories, but this is merely a starting point. By paying attention to the specific product, and making strategic choices about your fillings, you can create a delicious and satisfying burrito that aligns with your health goals. For those looking for the lowest calorie option, corn tortillas are generally the best choice, while extra-large flour tortillas will have the most. You can explore more nutritional information on various food items and compare options by visiting a reliable food database, such as the one at MyFoodDiary.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large flour tortilla can be part of a healthy diet, but its nutritional value depends on your overall meal. It is a source of carbohydrates and calories, and some brands offer options with added fiber and nutrients. Pairing it with lean protein and plenty of vegetables is key.

No, the calorie content can vary significantly based on the brand, size, and specific ingredients. Always check the nutrition facts on the package for the most accurate information for the product you are using.

Corn tortillas generally have fewer calories than flour tortillas. A small corn tortilla might have around 60-80 calories, whereas a comparably sized flour tortilla will have more due to the fats used in its preparation.

An 'extra grande' burrito tortilla is typically larger in diameter than a standard large burrito tortilla. This larger size means it will contain more calories, often upwards of 290-300 calories per tortilla.

Yes, making tortillas at home allows you to control the ingredients and reduce calories. Recipes for oat-based or quinoa-based tortillas, which can be gluten-free, are available as healthier alternatives.

Deep-frying a burrito, known as a chimichanga, can add a substantial number of extra calories from the absorbed oil. This can increase the overall calorie count dramatically, sometimes by several hundred calories or more.

To make a healthier burrito, choose a smaller tortilla size, opt for lean protein sources, and fill it with a large portion of fresh vegetables. Limit high-calorie additions like excessive cheese and sour cream.