Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in a 12 inch flour tortilla?

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single 12-inch flour tortilla can contain up to 380 calories, with commercial brands varying significantly based on ingredients. Understanding how many calories are in a 12 inch flour tortilla is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake, as this single component can account for a substantial portion of a meal's total energy.

Quick Summary

A 12-inch flour tortilla contains a variable number of calories, ranging from approximately 290 to 380 depending on the brand and thickness. The total calorie count is influenced by factors like fat content (often from shortening or lard) and the type of flour used.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A standard 12-inch flour tortilla generally contains between 290 and 380 calories, with the exact number depending on the brand, thickness, and ingredients.
Impact of Ingredients: Calorie density is often influenced by the amount of fat (like shortening or lard) used, which is typically higher in flour tortillas than corn tortillas.
Macronutrient Profile: A 12-inch flour tortilla is a carbohydrate-dense food, also containing moderate amounts of fat and protein.
Healthier Alternatives: Corn tortillas are lower in calories, fat, and sodium, while whole wheat tortillas offer increased fiber compared to traditional flour varieties.
Mindful Consumption: To manage intake, consider choosing smaller tortilla sizes, opting for whole grain alternatives, and focusing on healthy fillings like lean protein and vegetables.
Preparation Matters: Deep-frying tortillas significantly increases their calorie count, so healthier preparation methods like warming are recommended.

Decoding the Calorie Count of a 12-Inch Flour Tortilla

When planning a burrito or a large wrap, a 12-inch flour tortilla is often the base. But its large size comes with a significant caloric impact. The calorie count for a single 12-inch tortilla is not uniform across all products, and it can range widely. For instance, while some sources cite an average of around 356 calories, specific brand versions can be higher or lower. USDA data has shown some 12-inch options reaching up to 380 calories, while other specific commercial varieties may contain as little as 290 calories. This variation is primarily due to differences in recipe, ingredient quality, and thickness, with some brands using more fat (like shortening or lard) than others.

Macronutrient Profile and Nutritional Differences

Beyond just calories, understanding the macronutrient breakdown of a 12-inch flour tortilla is essential for a balanced diet. A typical 12-inch flour tortilla is predominantly a source of carbohydrates, with a smaller contribution from fat and protein. For example, one commercial brand lists its 12-inch flour tortilla as containing 50g of carbs, 10g of fat, and 10g of protein. This contrasts with corn tortillas, which are generally smaller and have fewer calories, less fat, and more fiber per serving. Whole wheat tortillas offer a middle ground, often similar in calories to standard flour tortillas but with more dietary fiber.

It's important to remember that the tortilla is just one part of the meal. The fillings—whether it's high-fat cheese and sour cream or lean proteins and fresh vegetables—will drastically change the total nutritional value of your meal.

Comparison of Common Tortilla Types

To better understand your options, here is a comparison of different tortilla types based on general nutrition data. Note that specific values will vary by brand and size.


Feature	Flour Tortilla (12-inch)	Whole Wheat Tortilla (12-inch)	Corn Tortilla (6-inch)
Calories	~290–380	~370	~50–70
Primary Flour	Refined white flour	Whole wheat flour	Whole grain corn
Fat Content	Higher (contains shortening/lard)	Variable, often lower	Low
Fiber Content	Lower (~2-4g)	Higher (4g+)	Higher (2-3g)
Sodium Content	Higher, can be very high	Variable	Very low
Gluten-Free?	No	No	Yes
Cooking Texture	Soft, flexible	Similar to flour	Can be brittle when dry

Factors Influencing Tortilla Calories

The final calorie count of a tortilla is not a fixed number. Several factors can influence the nutritional content, making label reading a critical step for informed choices.

List of Factors that Affect Tortilla Calorie Count:

Brand and Manufacturing: Different brands use varying recipes, with some adding more fat for pliability and shelf life.
Thickness: A thicker tortilla will naturally contain more ingredients and therefore, more calories than a thinner one of the same diameter.
Type of Flour: While the keyword focuses on standard flour tortillas, alternative flour blends (like low-carb or high-fiber options) are now widely available and have different calorie profiles.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade tortillas allow you to control the exact ingredients and fat content, while store-bought varieties often contain preservatives and added fats.
Preparation Method: The way a tortilla is prepared can alter its caloric content. Deep-frying a tortilla, for instance, can nearly double its calories.

Making a Healthier Tortilla Choice

For those on a weight management diet or simply looking to make healthier choices, several strategies can help minimize the calorie impact of tortillas. The most straightforward method is choosing a smaller tortilla size. A small corn tortilla, at 50-70 calories, offers a stark contrast to a large 12-inch flour version. Opting for whole wheat over refined flour also provides more fiber, which promotes satiety and supports digestive health.

Practical tips for managing tortilla calories:

Read the nutrition label: Compare brands to find those with the lowest calorie and sodium content per serving.
Go for smaller sizes: For tacos or smaller wraps, choose 6 or 8-inch options over the large 12-inch burrito-style tortillas.
Choose whole grain options: Whole wheat or corn tortillas provide more fiber and can be a healthier alternative to refined white flour tortillas.
Focus on fillings: Load up on lean protein, beans, and fresh vegetables to maximize flavor and nutrients, and use the tortilla as a vehicle rather than the main event.
DIY your tortillas: Making tortillas at home gives you complete control over ingredients and portion size.

Conclusion

A 12-inch flour tortilla can be a high-calorie component of a meal, with most options ranging from around 290 to 380 calories depending on the brand and thickness. Its carbohydrate-rich profile and often high sodium content are important considerations for a balanced diet. For those looking to reduce calorie or sodium intake, smaller-sized corn tortillas or higher-fiber whole wheat tortillas offer better nutritional alternatives. Ultimately, paying close attention to nutrition labels and making mindful choices about tortilla type, size, and fillings can help you enjoy your meals while staying on track with your health goals. Consumer Reports provides more context on healthier choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count for a 12-inch flour tortilla can vary significantly between brands. Differences in recipe, thickness, and added fats like shortening or lard can result in a calorie range of 290 to 380 or more.

Corn tortillas are typically much lower in calories. A small, standard corn tortilla often contains between 50 and 70 calories, making it a lower-calorie alternative to the larger 12-inch flour tortilla.

While whole wheat tortillas often provide more fiber, their calorie count is often comparable to or slightly higher than regular flour tortillas, especially in the 12-inch size. However, the added fiber can be a nutritional benefit.

The primary macronutrient in a 12-inch flour tortilla is carbohydrates. One commercial brand lists 50g of carbs, along with 10g of fat and 10g of protein.

Yes, the preparation method can impact the calorie count. For example, deep-frying a tortilla can nearly double its caloric content due to the absorption of cooking oil.

To reduce calories, consider using a smaller-sized tortilla, choosing a lower-calorie alternative like a corn or a low-carb tortilla, and focusing on filling it with lean proteins, beans, and fresh vegetables instead of high-fat ingredients.

Homemade tortillas can be lower in calories because you have control over the ingredients, particularly the amount and type of fat used. Store-bought versions often contain extra fats and preservatives to increase shelf life and pliability.