How many calories are in a standard 12 inch tortilla?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single 12-inch, ready-to-fry flour tortilla can contain around 355 to 380 calories, though specific brands can have different values. The total calorie count in your meal depends heavily on the fillings and sauces you add, but understanding the base calorie load of the tortilla itself is the first step.

Quick Summary

A standard 12-inch flour tortilla contains a significant number of calories, but the exact amount varies based on the brand, ingredients, and whether it's whole wheat or traditional white flour. Whole wheat versions can sometimes be slightly higher in fiber. This guide examines the calorie differences and helps users choose the best option for their dietary needs.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A standard 12-inch flour tortilla typically contains 320 to 380 calories, with variations based on brand and ingredients.
Ingredient Impact: Tortilla calories are influenced by the type of flour (refined vs. whole wheat) and the fat used in the recipe (vegetable shortening, lard, etc.).
Whole Wheat vs. White: Whole wheat 12-inch tortillas generally offer more fiber and similar calories to white flour versions, providing a slightly healthier profile.
Corn vs. Flour: Corn tortillas are naturally smaller, lower in calories, and contain less fat than their large flour counterparts, though they lack the same pliability.
Choosing Lower Calories: To reduce calories, opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, use leaner proteins and vegetables for fillings, and limit high-fat toppings.
Ingredient Mindfulness: Reading the nutrition label is crucial, as ingredient lists can contain added fats and preservatives that increase calorie and sodium counts.

Calorie Breakdown for a Standard 12-Inch Tortilla

The calorie content of a 12-inch tortilla is not uniform across all products. The final number is influenced by several factors, including the type of flour used, the amount of fat and preservatives added, and the specific brand's recipe. While a large flour tortilla is a convenient base for burritos and wraps, its size means a substantial calorie count before any fillings are even added.

Factors That Influence Tortilla Calories

Ingredients: The type of flour (refined white vs. whole wheat) and the fat source (shortening, lard, or vegetable oil) heavily impact the final calorie count. Traditional flour tortillas often use shortening for a soft texture and pliability, which adds calories.
Processing: Many commercially produced tortillas include additives and preservatives to increase shelf life. While these don't dramatically alter the calories, homemade or small-batch artisanal tortillas often have simpler, lower-calorie ingredient lists.
Weight and Thickness: The total weight of the tortilla directly correlates with its calories. A thicker, denser tortilla will naturally have more calories than a thinner, lighter one of the same diameter.

The Difference Between Flour and Corn Tortillas

While a 12-inch tortilla is almost always a flour-based product due to the pliability required for large sizes, it's useful to understand why corn tortillas are a different nutritional category. Corn tortillas are typically smaller, gluten-free, and lower in calories and fat. For those watching their caloric intake, a 6-inch corn tortilla, often used for traditional tacos, is a much lighter alternative. However, for a large wrap, a flour tortilla is the only viable option.

Whole Wheat vs. White Flour Tortillas

Many brands offer a whole wheat alternative to their standard white flour tortillas. While the calorie difference isn't always vast, the nutritional profile is better. Whole wheat tortillas contain more fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

White Flour Tortilla: Often contain enriched white flour and use fat like shortening or vegetable oil. They are higher in fat and sodium compared to corn tortillas.
Whole Wheat Tortilla: Made with whole wheat flour, which contains the entire grain kernel, providing more fiber and nutrients. Some brands have comparable calorie counts to their white flour counterparts, but the added fiber offers health benefits.

Comparison Table: 12-Inch Tortilla Nutritional Estimates


Type of 12-Inch Tortilla	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Sodium (mg)
Standard White Flour	320-380	8-10	48-58	2-4	500-740
Whole Wheat Flour	350-370	10-12	55-60	4-5	550-600
Low-Carb Tortilla	45-100	3-10	10-15 (Net)	3-8	250-400 (Variable)

Note: Nutritional information can vary significantly by brand. Always check the package for the most accurate data.

How to Manage Tortilla Calories

Choosing a lighter base for your meal involves more than just picking the right tortilla. To reduce the overall caloric impact, consider focusing on the fillings. Here are some strategies:

Fill with vegetables: Load up on nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetables like lettuce, bell peppers, and onions.
Use lean protein: Opt for grilled chicken, fish, or beans instead of high-fat ground beef or pork.
Limit high-calorie additions: Go easy on toppings like cheese, sour cream, and heavy sauces, which can add hundreds of calories quickly.

Making Healthier Choices

For those on a calorie-controlled diet, a standard 12-inch flour tortilla can be a significant part of their daily intake. However, there are many ways to enjoy tortillas while staying mindful of your health goals. A growing number of brands now offer low-carb or high-fiber options made with alternative flours like almond or cauliflower. Smaller portion sizes are also an effective way to cut down on calories; instead of a large burrito, a few smaller tacos with corn tortillas can be just as satisfying. The key is balancing the wrapper with the contents. A 12-inch whole wheat tortilla filled with lean protein and fresh vegetables is a very different meal than a white flour tortilla packed with fatty meats and cheese.

Conclusion: The Tortilla is What You Make It

In conclusion, a standard 12-inch flour tortilla can contain between 320 and 380 calories, but this can vary depending on the specific product. Whole wheat versions offer more fiber, while low-carb options are designed for significant calorie reduction. The best way to manage the caloric impact is to choose your ingredients wisely, using the tortilla as a vehicle for nutritious fillings rather than a high-calorie component itself. Both flour and corn tortillas can be part of a healthy diet, so long as mindful portion sizes and filling choices are made.

For more in-depth nutritional information on different foods, consulting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-inch flour tortilla typically contains between 320 and 380 calories, though this can vary by brand, weight, and thickness.

Not necessarily. While whole wheat tortillas offer more fiber, their calorie count is often comparable to or only slightly lower than white flour versions of the same size. Always check the nutrition label for specific brand information.

Yes, low-carb tortillas are specifically formulated to have fewer calories and carbohydrates. Some brands offer 12-inch options that contain 100 calories or less, using alternative flours like almond or cauliflower.

To lower the overall calorie count of your meal, use lighter fillings like lean grilled protein and plenty of vegetables. You can also swap out high-calorie toppings like sour cream and heavy cheese for salsa or avocado.

Yes, for calorie management, corn tortillas are a better choice. They are naturally smaller and contain fewer calories, fat, and sodium than large flour tortillas.

The calorie difference is primarily due to variations in ingredients. Recipes that use more fat (like shortening or lard) or are made with a denser flour blend will result in a higher calorie count per tortilla.

Instead of one large 12-inch tortilla, consider using smaller ones for better portion control. For a balanced meal, fill it with a mix of lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and fresh vegetables.