How many calories are in a corn tortilla?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, one small corn tortilla (about 28 grams) contains approximately 52 calories. This is a key fact for anyone monitoring their intake and understanding how many calories are in a corn tortilla.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the calories and nutritional profile of corn tortillas based on size, cooking method, and type. It also offers a comparative analysis with flour tortillas and tips for enjoying them as part of a healthy diet.

Key Points

Small Corn Tortilla Calories: A standard small (6-inch) corn tortilla typically contains between 50 and 60 calories.
Size and Calories: The calorie count increases with the tortilla's size, with a medium corn tortilla often having around 100 calories.
Frying Increases Calories: Frying a corn tortilla can more than double its calorie content compared to eating it warmed or baked.
Corn vs. Flour: Corn tortillas are generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium, and higher in fiber than flour tortillas.
Simple Ingredients are Key: The healthiest corn tortillas have a short ingredient list, primarily masa harina and water.
Choose Blue Corn: Blue corn tortillas offer more protein and a lower glycemic index than their yellow counterparts.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a versatile and delicious staple in many cuisines, but their calorie content can vary depending on several factors, including size, thickness, and how they are prepared. Unlike their flour counterparts, corn tortillas are made with simple ingredients—typically just masa harina (ground corn), water, and sometimes salt. This simple composition generally makes them a lower-calorie and gluten-free option.

Calorie Breakdown by Corn Tortilla Size

The size of your corn tortilla is the most significant factor affecting its calorie count. A small 'street taco' size is not the same as a larger, medium-sized tortilla used for enchiladas.

Small (around 6 inches): A typical small corn tortilla contains approximately 50-60 calories. Brands like CalorieKing and Nutritionix report around 52 calories for this size.
Medium (around 8 inches): As the size increases, so does the calorie count. A medium corn tortilla can contain around 100-110 calories, depending on the brand.
Large (over 8 inches): Larger tortillas, often used for bigger tacos or quesadillas, will have a higher calorie load, sometimes closer to 150 calories.

The Impact of Cooking Methods on Calories

The method of preparation can drastically alter the final calorie total of a corn tortilla. While a basic warmed tortilla is low in calories, adding oil or frying it can significantly increase the total.

Calorie additions from cooking:

Pan-fried (using oil): Lightly pan-frying a tortilla in a small amount of oil to make it more pliable for tacos can add an extra 20-40 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.
Deep-fried: Deep-frying a corn tortilla to make a tostada shell or chips can increase its calories dramatically, sometimes more than doubling the original count. A deep-fried tortilla can jump to over 100 calories per piece.
Baked: For a healthier, crunchier alternative, baking corn tortillas into chips with a light spray of cooking oil adds minimal calories while still providing a satisfying crisp texture.

Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas: A Nutritional Comparison

When choosing a tortilla, it's helpful to compare the nutritional profiles of corn and flour varieties. While both can be part of a healthy diet, they offer different benefits. Here is a simplified comparison based on typical medium-sized tortillas.


Feature	Corn Tortilla	Flour Tortilla
Calories	Lower (approx. 100-110)	Higher (approx. 140-150)
Fat	Lower (approx. 1.5g)	Higher (approx. 3.5g)
Fiber	Higher (approx. 2-3g)	Lower (approx. 1-2g)
Protein	Lower (approx. 2-3g)	Higher (approx. 3-4g)
Sodium	Lower (approx. 10-25mg)	Higher (approx. 300+mg)
Gluten-Free	Yes	No
Key Takeaway	Lower in calories, fat, and sodium; higher in fiber.	Offers more protein and pliability, but is higher in calories and sodium.

How to Choose and Enjoy Corn Tortillas Healthily

Making healthy choices with corn tortillas goes beyond just the calorie count. Consider these tips for a balanced meal:

Read the ingredients: Look for tortillas with a short, simple ingredient list. The best ones contain only masa harina, water, and salt.
Go for whole grain: For an extra fiber boost, opt for 100% whole grain corn tortillas. The nixtamalization process in traditional corn tortillas also adds nutrients like calcium.
Opt for blue corn: Blue corn tortillas contain about 20% more protein than yellow corn and have a lower glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels.
Mind your toppings: The overall calorie impact of your meal depends heavily on the fillings. Choose lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and salsa instead of high-fat sour cream and cheese.
Bake, don't fry: To make crispy tortilla shells or chips without the added fat, bake them in the oven instead of deep-frying.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie content of a corn tortilla is relatively low, especially when compared to a flour tortilla. A typical 6-inch corn tortilla contains around 52 to 60 calories, making it a favorable choice for those monitoring their calorie intake or seeking a gluten-free alternative. The final calorie count is significantly influenced by size and preparation method, with frying adding substantial fat and calories. By being mindful of your cooking and fillings, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals with corn tortillas as a foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a corn tortilla is typically found on the nutritional label, but you can estimate based on size. A standard 6-inch corn tortilla contains approximately 50-60 calories. For homemade versions, you can calculate based on the ingredients used.

Corn tortillas are generally considered a better choice for weight loss as they are lower in calories and higher in fiber, which promotes satiety. They also contain less fat and sodium than flour tortillas.

Deep-frying a corn tortilla can significantly increase its calorie count. While a soft tortilla is around 50-60 calories, a deep-fried version for a tostada or chips can contain 100-150 calories or more, depending on oil absorption.

The calorie difference between yellow and white corn tortillas is generally minimal. Both are made from corn, and any slight variations would depend on the specific brand and thickness. Blue corn tortillas, however, offer a nutritional edge with more protein.

Yes, corn tortillas made from 100% corn flour (masa harina), water, and salt are naturally gluten-free. This makes them a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

To reduce calories, opt for baking your tortillas instead of frying them. Additionally, fill your tacos or enchiladas with lean proteins like chicken or fish, and load up on fresh vegetables and salsa to minimize the calorie impact of toppings.

No, simply warming a corn tortilla on a comal, cast-iron skillet, or in the microwave does not add any calories. Calories are only added when you introduce oil or other fats during the cooking process.