How many carbs are in a taco size tortilla?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Depending on the brand and type, the carbohydrate content of a single taco-sized tortilla can vary, with typical flour tortillas containing 22-26 grams and corn tortillas having closer to 12 grams. This wide range shows why knowing the specifics is important for anyone monitoring their carb intake, especially since the type of tortilla is a major factor in the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of a taco-size tortilla varies significantly based on its type and brand, with flour tortillas generally having more than their corn counterparts. Low-carb versions are also available. Key differences in nutritional value, including fiber content, are important for managing dietary needs and making healthier choices.

Key Points

Carb Count Variation: A standard flour taco-size tortilla typically contains 22-26g of total carbs, while a corn tortilla has around 12-15g.
Corn vs. Flour: Corn tortillas generally have fewer calories and carbs and more fiber than flour tortillas of the same size.
Low-Carb Options: High-fiber, low-carb flour tortillas can dramatically reduce net carb intake, sometimes to as low as 2g per tortilla.
Fillings Matter: The carbohydrate content of your total meal is significantly influenced by the toppings and fillings, not just the tortilla itself.
Whole-Wheat is an Alternative: Whole-wheat tortillas offer more fiber than standard flour tortillas but have a similar total carbohydrate count.
Read Nutrition Labels: Always check the nutrition information for the specific brand and size of tortilla you are purchasing, as values can differ.

Understanding the Variables: Flour vs. Corn

When asking how many carbs are in a taco size tortilla, the answer is not a single number, but a range that depends heavily on the main ingredient. The two most common types are flour and corn, and their nutritional profiles are quite different. Flour tortillas are made from refined wheat flour, which tends to be higher in carbohydrates and calories. In contrast, corn tortillas are made from corn masa and are typically smaller and lower in both carbs and calories.

The Carb Count in a Standard Flour Taco Tortilla

A typical taco-size flour tortilla can have anywhere from 14 to 26 grams of total carbohydrates, depending on the brand, size, and thickness. A popular brand's street taco flour tortilla, for example, lists 26g of carbs per serving, while another's soft taco version comes in at 22g. It is always important to check the specific nutrition facts on the package, as manufacturers' recipes vary. These tortillas are also known for being higher in calories and fat, as they are often made with added fats like lard or vegetable shortening for flexibility and flavor.

The Carb Count in a Standard Corn Taco Tortilla

Corn tortillas are often considered a healthier option, and a key reason is their lower carb count. An average-sized corn tortilla typically contains around 12 to 15 grams of total carbohydrates, significantly less than many flour varieties. Furthermore, the traditional Mexican process of nixtamalization, used to make corn tortillas, boosts their nutritional value by adding calcium and increasing the bioavailability of certain vitamins. Corn tortillas also provide more dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help manage blood sugar levels.

Low-Carb and Whole-Wheat Alternatives

For those on a keto or low-carb diet, many brands now offer specialty tortillas designed to reduce net carbohydrates. Mission Foods, for instance, offers a 'Carb Balance' soft taco flour tortilla with 19g of total carbs, but a remarkable 17g of dietary fiber, leaving just 2g of net carbs. These options are a game-changer for people who still want to enjoy tacos without the high-carb impact. Whole-wheat tortillas are another option that offers more fiber than standard flour tortillas, though their total carb count can be similar. It is crucial to read the label carefully to ensure whole wheat is the primary ingredient.

Making Your Choice: A Nutritional Comparison

Here is a simple comparison table to illustrate the nutritional differences between common taco tortilla options. Note that these are approximate values and can vary by brand and size. For more detailed comparisons, tools like those on MyFoodData.com can be helpful.


Tortilla Type	Total Carbs (approx.)	Fiber (approx.)	Net Carbs (approx.)	Primary Benefit	Drawback
Standard Flour	22-26g	1-2g	21-24g	Soft, flexible texture	Higher carbs, more calories
Standard Corn	12-15g	1-2g	11-14g	Lower carbs, naturally gluten-free	Can be less flexible, breaks easier
Low-Carb Flour	19g	17g	2g	Significantly reduced net carbs	Can contain more additives
Whole-Wheat	20-25g	2-4g	18-21g	Higher fiber than regular flour	Still higher in carbs than corn

Factors Beyond the Tortilla

While the tortilla itself contributes a significant amount of the carbohydrates to a taco, the fillings and toppings are equally, if not more, important. Loading up on high-carb ingredients like beans, corn, and sugary sauces will quickly add to your meal's total carbohydrate count. Conversely, using lean protein, fresh vegetables, and salsa can help keep the nutritional profile balanced. For those managing blood sugar, pairing a tortilla with protein, fat, and fiber is recommended to prevent spikes.

Tips for a Healthier Taco Night

Load up on veggies: Fill your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber.
Choose lean protein: Opt for grilled chicken, fish, or lean ground turkey instead of fattier meats.
Watch the toppings: Be mindful of portion sizes for toppings like cheese and sour cream, and consider salsa or guacamole as healthier alternatives.
Go small: Using a smaller-sized tortilla, such as a street taco version, naturally reduces your overall carb intake per taco.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in a taco-size tortilla is not uniform and depends on whether it is made from corn or flour, as well as the specific brand. A typical flour tortilla will contain 22-26 grams of total carbs, while a corn tortilla offers a lower-carb alternative with around 12-15 grams. For those seeking the lowest-carb option, specialty flour tortillas are available that use high-fiber ingredients to drastically reduce net carbs. Making an informed choice about your tortilla and being mindful of your fillings allows you to enjoy tacos while staying on track with your nutritional goals. For more in-depth nutritional comparisons, reliable sources like WebMD offer valuable insights into the differences between corn and flour tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard taco-sized flour tortilla generally contains more carbs, ranging from 22-26g, while a corn tortilla of a similar size is lower, typically with 12-15g of carbohydrates.

Low-carb tortillas are designed for those managing carb intake, often using fiber to reduce net carbs. While they have fewer net carbs than corn tortillas, corn tortillas often provide natural nutrients and fewer additives. The 'healthier' option depends on your specific dietary needs.

To reduce carbs, you can choose a corn or low-carb tortilla over a standard flour one, use a smaller-sized tortilla (like street taco size), and fill your tacos with lean protein and plenty of non-starchy vegetables.

Not necessarily. While whole-wheat tortillas contain more dietary fiber, their total carbohydrate count is often similar to white flour tortillas. The benefit comes from the increased fiber and nutrients from the whole grains.

Frying a tortilla does not change its carbohydrate count but it will increase the overall calorie and fat content due to the oil used in the cooking process.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates. High-fiber tortillas, like some specialty low-carb versions, have a significantly lower net carb count than standard tortillas.

While traditional flour and corn tortillas are high in carbs and not suitable for a strict keto diet, specialty low-carb or 'keto' tortillas are available that can fit within a low-carb eating plan.