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How many carbs are in an almond flour tortilla?

3 min read

According to nutrition data from popular brands like Siete, a serving of two almond flour tortillas can contain anywhere from 17 to 20 grams of total carbohydrates. Understanding how many carbs are in an almond flour tortilla is crucial for those managing their carb intake, especially for those on a keto or low-carb diet. However, the key nutritional metric is often the 'net carb' count, which accounts for dietary fiber and is significantly lower.

Quick Summary

An almond flour tortilla's carbohydrate content depends heavily on the brand and recipe, with net carbs often being the most important number for low-carb diets. Variations in ingredients like added starches or psyllium husk affect the final carb total and texture.

Key Points

  • Check Net Carbs: For low-carb and keto diets, focus on net carbs (Total Carbs - Fiber) rather than total carbs.

  • Brand Variations: Commercial almond flour tortilla brands vary significantly in carb content due to added ingredients like tapioca starch.

  • Ingredients Matter: Formulas using high-starch ingredients will have more carbs; those with psyllium husk or xanthan gum are typically lower in net carbs.

  • Homemade Advantage: Making your own almond flour tortillas offers the most control over ingredients, ensuring the lowest possible carb count.

  • Healthier Alternative: Besides being lower in carbs, almond flour tortillas provide healthy fats, fiber, and important nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.

In This Article

Total vs. Net Carbs: Decoding the Numbers

When evaluating the carbohydrate content of almond flour tortillas, it's essential to understand the distinction between total and net carbs. Total carbohydrates represent the full amount of carbs in the food. Net carbs, on the other hand, are the total carbs minus dietary fiber, as fiber is not digested or absorbed by the body. For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, net carbs are the metric that matters most.

Why the Carb Count Varies

The primary reason for the carbohydrate variability among almond flour tortillas is the recipe. Commercial brands often add other ingredients to improve texture and pliability, such as tapioca starch, coconut flour, or psyllium husk. A homemade version, focused purely on almond flour, psyllium husks, and water, might yield a different carb count than a store-bought brand with added starches. Psyllium husk, in particular, is a high-fiber ingredient that contributes significantly to the total carb count but is subtracted to calculate a very low net carb value.

A Comparison of Popular Almond Flour Tortillas

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the nutritional information for a few popular almond flour tortillas, based on typical serving sizes of one to two tortillas.

Brand Serving Size Total Carbs (g) Dietary Fiber (g) Net Carbs (g)
Siete 2 tortillas (50g) 17-20 2-3 14-17
Maria & Ricardo's 1 tortilla (6" approx) 5 1 4
Mission 1 tortilla (33g) 12 4 8
Homemade (Keto) 1 tortilla ~5 ~3 ~2

It is crucial to read the nutritional label for the specific product you purchase, as carb counts can vary between brands and even different product lines within the same brand. For example, a brand might offer a grain-free variety that uses tapioca starch, raising the total carbs compared to a keto-specific line.

The Role of Ingredients in Carb Content

  • Almond Flour: Naturally lower in carbohydrates and higher in fat, fiber, and protein compared to traditional wheat flour. This forms the base of the tortilla and contributes a moderate amount of carbs. A quarter cup of almond flour has about 5 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber.
  • Tapioca Starch: Used in some recipes and brands to improve texture and flexibility. It is a highly starchy ingredient and adds a significant number of digestible carbohydrates, which increases the net carb count.
  • Psyllium Husk: A key binding agent in many homemade and store-bought keto tortillas. It is almost pure dietary fiber, meaning it adds to the total carb count but not the net carb count.
  • Xanthan Gum: Another common binder that provides structure and pliability to gluten-free doughs. It adds minimal carbs.

Crafting Your Own Low-Carb Almond Flour Tortillas

Creating your own tortillas at home provides complete control over the ingredients and, therefore, the carb count. A simple, effective recipe for a very low net carb tortilla might include:

  • Almond flour: The primary low-carb component.
  • Psyllium husk powder: Acts as a binder, making the tortillas pliable and not crumbly.
  • Water: To form the dough.
  • Salt: For flavor.

This basic formula can result in tortillas with as little as 2-3 grams of net carbs per serving.

Health Benefits Beyond Low Carbs

Beyond their low-carb profile, almond flour tortillas offer several other nutritional advantages:

  • Rich in Nutrients: Almond flour is a good source of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.
  • Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
  • High in Fiber: The fiber from the almond flour and potentially psyllium husk aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Gluten-Free: A great option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Final Verdict on Carbs

The number of carbs in an almond flour tortilla is not a single, fixed value but rather a range dependent on the brand and recipe. For keto and low-carb dieters, focusing on the net carb count is the most accurate approach. By comparing labels and considering whether a product includes high-starch binders like tapioca, you can make an informed decision. For the lowest possible carb count, making tortillas at home using a simple recipe with psyllium husk is the most reliable method. Ultimately, almond flour tortillas offer a versatile, nutritious, and significantly lower-carb alternative to traditional flour or corn tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all almond flour tortillas are strictly keto-friendly. Some store-bought versions contain added starches like tapioca starch, which can significantly increase the net carb count. Always check the nutrition label for the net carbs per serving to ensure it fits your dietary needs.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the dietary fiber from the total carbohydrate count. For people on low-carb or ketogenic diets, net carbs are the focus because fiber is not digested and does not impact blood sugar levels in the same way as other carbohydrates.

Carb content varies due to recipe differences. Some manufacturers add binders and starches like tapioca starch to improve texture and pliability. This adds digestible carbohydrates and increases the final carb count compared to recipes using high-fiber binders like psyllium husk.

Yes, you can easily make low-carb almond flour tortillas at home. A simple recipe using almond flour, psyllium husk powder, water, and salt allows you to control the ingredients and minimize net carbs, often resulting in a lower carb product than many store-bought options.

Psyllium husk is a high-fiber ingredient that acts as a binding agent in gluten-free recipes. It helps give almond flour tortillas a flexible, pliable texture, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly without adding significant net carbs.

In many ways, yes. Almond flour tortillas are typically lower in carbohydrates, higher in fiber and protein, and contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They are also gluten-free, making them a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

The net carb count can be very low for homemade versions. For example, a recipe using just almond flour and psyllium husks can yield tortillas with as little as 2-3 grams of net carbs per serving.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.