How Many Calories Are in a Taco Size Corn Tortilla? Your Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical 'street taco size' corn tortilla, often 4 to 5 inches in diameter, contains approximately 35 to 60 calories, though this can vary significantly depending on the brand and thickness. Understanding how many calories are in a taco size corn tortilla is the first step toward building a nutritious and balanced meal.

Quick Summary

The average taco-size corn tortilla has 35-60 calories, but brand, thickness, and preparation methods influence the final count. They are lower in calories and higher in fiber than flour tortillas and offer gluten-free benefits.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A standard taco-size corn tortilla contains approximately 35 to 60 calories, varying by brand and size.
Nutritional Advantages: Corn tortillas are naturally lower in calories and fat, higher in fiber, and contain more calcium and niacin than most flour tortillas.
Gluten-Free: Corn tortillas are an excellent and safe choice for individuals following a gluten-free diet.
Cooking Method Impact: Frying tortillas significantly increases calorie and fat content, whereas warming or baking adds very few extra calories.
Overall Health: As a whole-grain food, corn tortillas support a healthy digestive system, aid in blood sugar management, and are suitable for heart-healthy diets.
Portion Control: The small size of taco-style corn tortillas is an effective tool for managing overall meal calories and portions.

Defining a 'Taco Size' Tortilla

Before delving into calorie counts, it's essential to understand what constitutes a "taco size" corn tortilla. Unlike a standard soft taco or burrito-sized tortilla, a taco-sized one is smaller, typically referred to as a "street taco" tortilla. These are generally 4 to 5 inches in diameter, perfect for a couple of bites. Larger tortillas, often labeled as "soft taco size," can range up to 8 inches and contain more calories. The small, street-taco style is a crucial factor for portion control, helping to keep the total calorie count of your meal in check.

Calorie Breakdown and Nutritional Value

So, what are the specifics? The number of calories in a taco size corn tortilla depends on a few variables, including brand, size, and whether it’s a yellow, white, or blue corn variety. On average, a standard street taco-sized corn tortilla (4.5 inches) has between 35 and 60 calories.

Carbohydrates: Most of the calories come from carbohydrates, providing around 10-12 grams per small tortilla.
Fiber: Corn tortillas are a decent source of dietary fiber, with about 1 to 2 grams per serving, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
Protein: They offer a small amount of protein, typically around 1 to 2 grams.
Fat: Corn tortillas are naturally very low in fat, with most brands containing less than a gram per tortilla.
Micronutrients: Thanks to the traditional nixtamalization process (soaking corn in an alkaline solution), corn tortillas are naturally rich in calcium and niacin (Vitamin B3).

Impact of Cooking Method on Calories

The way you prepare your tortilla can dramatically affect its final calorie count. A simple, warmed tortilla has a very low-calorie impact. However, if you choose to fry it, the numbers jump significantly.

Here’s a comparison of different cooking methods:

Warm on a griddle or in a pan: This method adds minimal to no calories, preserving the tortilla's base nutritional value.
Microwave: A quick and easy method that does not alter the calorie count.
Baked into a hard shell: Baking adds only minor calories from any applied oil, but it is a much healthier option than deep-frying.
Deep-fried: Deep-frying a corn tortilla to create a hard shell or a chip can increase its calorie count by 100 or more, absorbing a significant amount of oil.

Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas: A Nutritional Face-Off

When deciding between corn and flour tortillas, the nutritional differences are a key factor for many people. Corn tortillas are often considered the healthier choice, especially for those watching their calories or with specific dietary restrictions.


Nutritional Aspect	Corn Tortilla (Taco Size)	Flour Tortilla (Taco Size)
Average Calories	35–60 calories	100–150 calories
Fat Content	Very low ( < 1g)	Higher (often includes lard/shortening)
Fiber Content	Higher (1–2g)	Lower (less than corn)
Gluten	Gluten-free	Contains gluten
Ingredients	Whole corn (masa harina), water	Wheat flour, water, fat, additives

Beyond Calories: The Health Benefits of Corn

The health benefits of corn tortillas go beyond just a lower calorie count compared to their flour counterparts. Choosing a corn tortilla contributes to a more nutritious meal in several ways:

Excellent for Gluten-Free Diets: For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, corn tortillas are a safe and delicious alternative to wheat-based products.
High in Fiber: The fiber in corn tortillas supports a healthy digestive system, aids in blood sugar management, and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Rich in Minerals: The nixtamalization process used to create masa harina increases the corn's bioavailability of calcium and niacin, both crucial for bone health and proper metabolism.
Heart-Healthy: As a whole-grain product that is low in saturated fat and sodium, corn tortillas can be a part of a heart-healthy diet.

Tips for Building a Healthy Taco

Building a healthy taco involves more than just selecting the right tortilla. Here are some simple tips to keep your meal nutritious and flavorful:

Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based protein sources like black beans or lentils.
Load up on Veggies: Add fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, onions, or cabbage slaw for added fiber, vitamins, and a satisfying crunch.
Mind your Toppings: While delicious, toppings like cheese and sour cream can quickly add calories. Use them in moderation or choose healthier alternatives like avocado or Greek yogurt.
Go for Salsa: Salsa is a low-calorie way to add immense flavor and moisture to your taco.

For more detailed nutritional guidance, you can consult authoritative health sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for a taco size corn tortilla typically falls between 35 and 60 calories, making it a lower-calorie and more nutrient-dense option than a standard flour tortilla. Its gluten-free nature, higher fiber content, and natural minerals make it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. By paying attention to cooking methods and mindful topping choices, you can create a delicious and healthy taco meal without a lot of extra calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 6-inch corn tortilla, larger than a street taco size, generally contains more calories. Based on different brands, a 6-inch tortilla can have between 50 and 80 calories, with some sources listing around 65 calories for a 30g serving.

Yes, in general, corn tortillas are considered the healthier choice. They are lower in calories and fat, higher in fiber, and gluten-free. Flour tortillas, especially large ones, contain more calories, fat, and often have a longer ingredient list.

Frying a corn tortilla drastically increases its calorie and fat content due to oil absorption. A baked or warmed corn tortilla retains its low-calorie count, whereas a fried shell can have its calories increase significantly, sometimes doubling or tripling.

Yes, corn tortillas can be a beneficial part of a weight-loss diet. Their smaller size naturally promotes portion control, and their higher fiber content helps you feel full longer. They are a lower-calorie alternative to many bread and flour-based products.

The calorie difference between white, yellow, and blue corn tortillas is minimal. The main distinction is their nutrient content; for example, yellow corn tortillas contain beta carotene, while blue corn varieties may offer more antioxidants. For calories, the size and thickness are more significant factors than the color.

Yes, homemade corn tortillas can differ slightly in calorie count compared to store-bought versions. This is primarily due to variations in size and thickness, as homemade tortillas often lack the uniformity of mass-produced ones. A 26-gram medium homemade tortilla is estimated to have about 57 calories.

No, the calorie count can vary. While most street taco tortillas fall within the 35-60 calorie range, the exact number depends on the manufacturer's specific recipe, size consistency, and thickness. It is always best to check the nutritional label of the specific brand you are purchasing.