What are the ingredients in Old El Paso corn tortillas?

November 11, 2025 •

2 min read

According to General Mills, the parent company of Old El Paso, their tortilla ingredients vary significantly depending on the specific product line. This makes answering the question, 'What are the ingredients in Old El Paso corn tortillas?' more complex than a simple list, as the ingredients change dramatically between their standard and gluten-free varieties.

Quick Summary

An examination of Old El Paso's different corn tortilla products reveals distinct ingredient lists. Standard 'corn' tortillas often contain a blend of corn and wheat flour, while gluten-free versions rely on white corn masa flour, tapioca, and quinoa.

Key Points

Two Primary Types: Old El Paso offers a 'Soft Corn & Wheat' blend and a distinct 'Gluten-Free White Corn' tortilla, with different ingredient lists.
Wheat in Standard 'Corn': The standard soft 'corn' tortillas include wheat flour and wheat gluten for a softer, more pliable texture.
Masa Flour for Gluten-Free: The gluten-free version is primarily made with white corn masa flour, created through the nixtamalization process, for an authentic corn flavor.
Additives for Texture and Shelf Life: Both products utilize stabilizers like glycerol and emulsifiers such as mono- and diglycerides to maintain softness and extend shelf life.
Check the Label: Consumers with gluten sensitivities should always check the label for the specific 'Gluten-Free' product to avoid the corn and wheat blend.
Regional Variations: Ingredient formulations may differ depending on the market and region, so checking the local product packaging is crucial.

Old El Paso's Variety of 'Corn' Tortillas

Old El Paso offers different types of tortillas marketed as 'corn', and their ingredients vary. It's crucial for consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions, to check the specific product's ingredient list. The composition of a 'Soft Corn' tortilla differs significantly from a 'Gluten Free White Corn' tortilla.

Ingredients in Old El Paso Regular Soft 'Corn & Wheat' Tortillas

Old El Paso's standard 'Soft Corn Tortillas' often contain a mix of corn and wheat flour. These include corn and wheat flour, water, glycerol, wheat gluten, sunflower oil, dextrose, raising agents (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate), emulsifiers, salt, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.

Ingredients in Old El Paso Gluten-Free White Corn Tortillas

The gluten-free option is formulated without wheat. These tortillas primarily use white corn masa flour, water, glycerol, xanthan gum, salt, and emulsifiers.

A Comparison of Old El Paso Corn Tortilla Ingredients

Here's a table comparing the key ingredients of the two main types of Old El Paso 'corn' tortillas:


Ingredient Category	Old El Paso Soft 'Corn & Wheat' Tortillas	Old El Paso Gluten-Free White Corn Tortillas
Flour	Corn flour (27%), Wheat flour (29%)	White Corn Masa Flour (61%)
Protein/Structure	Wheat Gluten	N/A (Gluten Free)
Stabilizers	Glycerol	Glycerol, Xanthan Gum
Oils	Sunflower Oil	N/A (unless specified, typically omitted)
Leavening Agents	Diphosphates, Sodium Bicarbonate	N/A (Relies on moisture and heat)
Preservatives	Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid	N/A (Preservative free)

The Role of Masa Flour

The gluten-free Old El Paso tortillas utilize White Corn Masa Flour, made through nixtamalization, which involves cooking and soaking corn in an alkaline solution. This process enhances nutritional value and creates a dough suitable for tortillas with authentic flavor and texture.

Why Add Stabilizers and Emulsifiers?

Stabilizers and emulsifiers improve texture, pliability, and shelf life. Glycerol helps maintain moisture. Xanthan gum in the gluten-free version provides binding. Mono- and diglycerides contribute to a smooth texture.

Making an Informed Choice

The choice depends on dietary needs. For a truly gluten-free option, the white corn masa flour product is recommended. The standard blend offers a softer tortilla. Always check the packaging for ingredients, as they can differ by region. More information can be found on {Link: Old El Paso's official website https://www.oldelpaso.co.uk/products/8-regular-corn-tortillas}.

Conclusion

Old El Paso offers 'corn' tortillas with varying ingredients. The standard soft tortillas contain a blend of corn and wheat flour with additives. The gluten-free white corn tortillas use masa flour and alternative stabilizers. Consumers should check product labels carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all Old El Paso corn tortillas are gluten-free. The company's standard 'soft corn' tortillas contain both corn and wheat flour. However, Old El Paso does offer specific 'Gluten-Free White Corn Tortillas' made without wheat.

Masa flour is a type of corn flour made from corn kernels that have been cooked and soaked in an alkaline solution, a process called nixtamalization. This makes the corn easier to digest and improves its properties for making dough, providing a more authentic flavor and texture for tortillas.

The regular 'soft corn' tortillas contain wheat flour and wheat gluten to create a softer, more flexible texture. Pure corn tortillas can be more fragile and prone to cracking, so the wheat blend is used to improve pliability and durability.

Both the standard and gluten-free versions use glycerol as a stabilizer to maintain moisture and softness. The gluten-free tortillas also use xanthan gum to provide structure typically contributed by gluten.

Most Old El Paso corn tortillas are suitable for vegetarians. Their standard soft corn tortillas and gluten-free versions do not contain any meat products or animal-derived ingredients.

While some companies differentiate between white and yellow corn tortillas, Old El Paso's primary differentiation is between their standard corn/wheat blend and their gluten-free white corn masa flour product. The white corn masa flour offers a more traditional, classic Mexican corn flavor and is always gluten-free in their product line.

The regular 'soft corn & wheat' tortillas contain the preservative potassium sorbate to extend shelf life. However, the 'Gluten Free White Corn Tortillas' are advertised as preservative-free.

No, ingredient formulations for Old El Paso products can vary by region. For example, a product available in the UK may have a slightly different ingredient composition than one sold in the US, so always check the local packaging.