Nutrition Diet: What is a zero carb tortilla made of?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

While standard flour tortillas are high in carbohydrates, modern 'zero net carb' versions are engineered to fit ketogenic diets. They achieve their near-zero carbohydrate profile by substituting traditional flour with a combination of high-fiber ingredients, resistant starches, and protein isolates. This allows them to function as a low-carb alternative for those asking: what is a zero carb tortilla made of?.

Quick Summary

Zero net carb tortillas use modified wheat starch, resistant starches, and vital wheat gluten as a high-fiber base instead of standard flour. Manufacturers like Mission and La Tortilla Factory employ this technique to create a pliable wrap suitable for low-carb and keto diets.

Key Points

Modified Starch and Fiber: Commercial zero carb tortillas rely on modified wheat starch and plant fibers like cellulose and oat fiber to reduce net carbs.
Vital Wheat Gluten: This protein is a crucial ingredient, providing the necessary elasticity and pliability for the tortillas to hold their shape.
Net Carbs vs. Total Carbs: The 'zero net carbs' claim is based on subtracting non-digestible dietary fiber from the total carbohydrate count.
Homemade Alternatives: Recipes for homemade versions use naturally low-carb flours like almond and lupin flour, plus binders like psyllium husk.
High-Fiber Content: Due to their composition, zero carb tortillas are a high-fiber food that can support digestive health.
Varying Ingredients: Specific ingredients can differ between brands, with some using added protein sources like pea protein or alternative sweeteners like steviol glycosides or sucralose.

Decoding the 'Zero Carb' Label

Understanding "zero net carbs" is key, as products with this label often show total carbs on their nutritional labels. Net carbohydrates are the carbs your body digests and converts to glucose. Dietary fiber, which is not digestible, is subtracted from total carbohydrates to get the net carb count. For instance, a tortilla with 14 grams of total carbs and 14 grams of fiber has 0 grams net carbs (14g - 14g = 0g). This high fiber content allows them to be marketed as low or zero net carb options, popular in keto and low-carb diets.

Key Ingredients in Commercial Zero Carb Tortillas

Commercial zero carb tortillas replace traditional flour with ingredients that lower the net carb count while maintaining texture and flavor. Common ingredients include:

Modified Wheat Starch: This resistant starch provides bulk and structure, acting like dietary fiber by resisting digestion in the small intestine.
Wheat Gluten Isolate and Vital Wheat Gluten: These wheat proteins are essential for elasticity, providing the pliable texture needed for a tortilla that doesn't crumble.
Powdered Cellulose and Oat Fiber: These plant fibers boost the total fiber content, further lowering net carbs.
Vegetable Shortening: Often from soybean oil, it contributes to texture and moistness.
Pea Protein: Some brands add pea protein to enhance the nutritional profile.
Preservatives: Ingredients like calcium propionate and sorbic acid maintain freshness.
Leavening Agents and Flavor Enhancers: Baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and natural flavors are included for taste and texture.

Homemade vs. Store-bought Zero Carb Tortillas

Making zero carb tortillas at home offers a way to use naturally low-carb ingredients, differing from commercial versions:

Almond Flour: A common base for a mild flavor and delicate texture.
Lupin Flour: High in protein and fiber, with a texture similar to whole wheat flour.
Psyllium Husk Powder or Xanthan Gum: These binders provide elasticity to prevent crumbling.
Oat Fiber: A calorie-free, gluten-free option for very low-calorie tortillas.

Comparison of Commercial Zero Carb Tortillas


Feature	Mission Zero Net Carbs Tortillas	La Tortilla Factory Carb Cutting	Ole Mexican Foods Zero Net Carb
Net Carbs	0g per tortilla	0g per tortilla	0g per tortilla
Key Ingredients	Modified Food Starch, Wheat Gluten Isolate, Vital Wheat Gluten, Powdered Cellulose, Pea Protein	Modified Wheat Starch, Wheat Protein Isolate, Cellulose Fiber, Oat Fiber, Wheat Gluten	Resistant Wheat Starch, Resistant Potato Starch, Wheat Protein, Cellulose, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Texture	Generally soft and pliable due to gluten content	Soft but may have a slightly different texture due to alternative fibers	Advertised as soft taco style, includes olive oil for better feel
Fiber Source	Multiple sources including modified starch and cellulose	Multiple sources including cellulose fiber and oat fiber	Resistant starches and cellulose
Noteworthy	Contains pea protein; sweetened with steviol glycosides	Includes both palm and soybean oils; sweetened with sucralose	Made with extra virgin olive oil and allulose; does not contain sucralose

Are Zero Carb Tortillas a Healthy Choice?

For those on low-carb or keto diets, zero net carb tortillas are a useful tool. They are high in fiber, which can aid digestion and increase fullness. However, they are processed, and the long-term effects of consuming modified starches and additives are still being studied. Some individuals may be concerned about the ingredients. Homemade options, while more effort, offer ingredient control using whole foods like almond and lupin flours. The healthfulness depends on individual diet goals and views on processed foods.

Conclusion

So, what is a zero carb tortilla made of? It depends on whether it's commercial or homemade. Store-bought versions use high-fiber ingredients, modified starches, and wheat proteins for low net carbs and flexibility. Homemade options use alternative flours like almond and lupin, and binders like psyllium husk or xanthan gum. Both provide a low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas, allowing individuals on specific diets to enjoy wraps. Checking the ingredient list is crucial for making a choice that fits your nutritional needs and health preferences.

For more information on the ingredients used in one of the leading brands, you can visit the Mission Foods website.(https://www.missionfoods.com/products/zero-net-carbs-tortillas-original/)

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'zero net carbs' designation is achieved by subtracting the total dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates. Since the tortillas are made with a high amount of non-digestible fiber, the resulting net carbohydrate count is zero.

Modified wheat starch is a form of resistant starch that acts as a fiber. It passes through the digestive system without being broken down into sugar, providing bulk and contributing to the low net carb count.

No, most commercial zero carb tortillas are not gluten-free as they contain wheat gluten isolate and vital wheat gluten. For gluten-free options, homemade versions using almond or lupin flour are necessary.

Wheat gluten is added to provide elasticity and structure to the tortilla dough. It helps the tortilla stay soft and pliable, preventing it from cracking or falling apart when folded or rolled.

Homemade recipes typically use alternative flours like almond or lupin flour and natural binders such as psyllium husk or xanthan gum. Store-bought tortillas use more processed, engineered ingredients like modified starches and protein isolates.

Most commercial zero net carb tortillas contain 0 grams of sugar per serving, though some may use low-calorie, non-glycemic sweeteners like sucralose or steviol glycosides for flavor.

Yes, zero net carb tortillas are very high in dietary fiber. The high fiber content is the key to balancing the total carbohydrates and achieving a zero net carb count.