Is There a Tortilla with No Carbs? A Deep Dive into Low-Carb Wraps

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers, several brands now offer “zero net carb” tortillas, but this is a complex nutritional concept that requires careful understanding. The answer to "Is there a tortilla with no carbs?" hinges on the distinction between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates, which is essential for anyone following a low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

Several brands advertise 'zero net carb' tortillas, which achieve their claim by using high-fiber ingredients like resistant wheat starch and vital wheat gluten. The actual total carb count can be significant, but is offset by indigestible fiber. We examine the ingredients, processing, and nutritional trade-offs of these products, comparing them to natural alternatives like leafy greens and homemade recipes.

Key Points

Zero Net Carbs vs. Total Carbs: 'Zero net carb' tortillas are achieved by subtracting high fiber content from the total carbohydrate count; they are not carb-free and still contain total carbohydrates.
Processed Ingredients: These products rely on modified wheat starch, vital wheat gluten, and other fillers to mimic the texture of traditional tortillas, making them highly processed.
Total Carb Tracking: Health experts, such as those at the American Diabetes Association, suggest focusing on total carb tracking rather than just net carbs.
Natural Alternatives: Healthier, less-processed alternatives include lettuce wraps, collard greens, egg white wraps, and homemade versions using nut or seed flours.
DIY Options: Making your own low-carb wraps with ingredients like flaxseed meal or almond flour provides full control over ingredients and avoids additives.
Read the Label: Always examine the full nutrition and ingredient label to make informed decisions that align with your dietary philosophy, whether low-carb, keto, or whole-foods-focused.

The Truth Behind 'Zero Net Carb'

The concept of "zero net carb" tortillas is popular for those on keto or low-carbohydrate diets, with brands such as Mission, La Banderita, and Ole Mexican Foods marketing such products. Net carbs are the carbohydrates the body digests and converts to glucose, calculated by subtracting dietary fiber and certain sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate count.

To achieve a "zero net carb" claim, manufacturers use ingredients high in indigestible fiber and resistant starch, replacing traditional flour. Although this results in a low or zero net carb count, the product still contains total carbohydrates. For instance, a tortilla might have 7 grams of total carbs and 7 grams of fiber, resulting in zero net carbs. However, some organizations, like the American Diabetes Association, advise tracking total carbs rather than solely relying on net carb calculations.

The Ingredients in Question

Zero net carb tortillas often utilize processed ingredients to mimic the texture of traditional tortillas. These can include modified wheat starch, vital wheat gluten, powdered cellulose, pea protein, xanthan and guar gums, and allulose. These ingredients contribute to the texture and low net carb count but differ significantly from the whole-grain components of traditional tortillas.

Natural and Whole-Food Alternatives

For those seeking less-processed or gluten-free options, several whole-food alternatives offer low-carb wrapping solutions. These include lettuce wraps, collard greens, egg white wraps, and cheese wraps. Homemade wraps using nut or seed flours like almond or flaxseed meal also provide a low-carb alternative.

Comparison of Tortilla and Wrap Options

A comparison shows significant differences between traditional flour tortillas, 'zero net carb' tortillas, and natural alternatives in terms of total carbs, net carbs, fiber content, ingredients, processing level, and whether they are gluten-free. For example, traditional tortillas are high in total and net carbs, while natural alternatives like lettuce wraps are very low in both. 'Zero net carb' tortillas fall in between regarding total carbs but claim zero net carbs due to added fiber, and are highly processed using ingredients like modified starches and vital wheat gluten, making them not gluten-free.

Making Your Own: The DIY Approach

Making your own low-carb wraps at home allows for ingredient control. Recipes using almond flour, coconut flour, or flax meal are available. This DIY approach ensures wraps are low in carbs and free from certain additives. For those interested in making their own, a simple recipe can be found here: {Link: Sugar Free Londoner https://sugarfreelondoner.com/keto-low-carb-tortillas/}.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

The existence of a truly carb-free tortilla is complex. Products labeled "zero net carb" achieve this through added indigestible fibers and still contain total carbohydrates. These can be useful for strict net carb tracking, but awareness of ingredients and processing is important. Natural options like lettuce and collard green wraps offer nutrient-dense, low-carb alternatives. The best choice depends on dietary goals, ingredient preferences, and how carbohydrate intake is calculated. Examining the nutrition label and ingredient list is key to making informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tortilla can have zero net carbs if its dietary fiber content is equal to or greater than its total carbohydrate content. The manufacturer subtracts the grams of fiber from the total carbs to arrive at the net carb count.

No, zero net carb tortillas are not truly carb-free. They contain total carbohydrates, but these are offset by high amounts of indigestible fiber and resistant starch, meaning they don't count toward the net carb total.

Common ingredients include modified wheat starch, vital wheat gluten, cellulose, and various gums and preservatives, which are used to achieve a low net carb count and a familiar texture.

No, most commercially available zero net carb tortillas are not gluten-free, as they often contain vital wheat gluten to provide elasticity and structure.

Natural alternatives include lettuce leaves, collard greens, and wraps made from cheese or eggs. Homemade versions using nut or seed flours are also an option.

The healthfulness of processed low-carb tortillas is debated. While they offer a low net carb count, their highly processed nature and lack of whole-grain nutrients mean they may not provide the same benefits as natural, whole-food alternatives.

Some health organizations, like the American Diabetes Association, suggest tracking total carbs for a more accurate picture of your intake. However, many individuals on keto diets focus on net carbs. The best approach depends on your specific health goals and how your body responds.