What has more carbs, a slice of bread or a tortilla?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

On an ounce-for-ounce basis, a single slice of bread often contains a similar amount of carbohydrates as a small tortilla, but the nutritional landscape shifts dramatically with serving size and ingredient type.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of bread versus tortillas depends heavily on the specific product, ingredients, and serving size. A large flour tortilla can contain significantly more carbs than a slice of bread, while smaller corn tortillas often have a comparable amount.

Key Points

Serving Size is Crucial: A single slice of bread and a small tortilla have comparable carbs, but larger tortillas can contain significantly more, sometimes equivalent to two or more slices of bread.
Type Matters: Whole-grain bread and corn tortillas typically offer more fiber and may contain slightly fewer carbs than their white flour counterparts.
Check the Label: For a precise comparison, always check the nutritional label of the specific product, as values vary significantly between brands and sizes.
Consider the Whole Meal: The total carbohydrate content of your meal depends on both the base and the fillings. A calorie- and carb-dense filling can have a greater impact than the bread or tortilla alone.
Restaurant Wraps are Often High-Carb: Be aware that large restaurant wraps can be surprisingly high in carbs and calories due to their size and added ingredients.
Fiber Impacts Digestion: Whole-grain and corn options provide more fiber, which can aid digestion and increase satiety compared to refined flour products.

The Truth Behind the Carb Showdown

The long-running debate over whether bread or tortillas are the better choice for carb-conscious individuals is more complex than it appears. The answer isn't universal and hinges on two primary factors: the type of bread or tortilla and, crucially, the serving size. While a small, 6-inch flour or corn tortilla may have a similar carb count to a standard slice of white or whole-grain bread, larger tortillas often contain the carbohydrate equivalent of two or more slices of bread. This article will break down the nutritional facts to help you make an informed decision for your health goals.

A Closer Look at the Carb Counts

To properly compare these two popular pantry staples, we must look at specific examples. The USDA's nutrient database provides a reliable starting point for standard serving sizes.

Typical Bread Carb Content

White Bread: A single 1-ounce slice of commercially prepared white bread generally contains about 14 grams of carbohydrates. It offers minimal fiber.
Whole-Grain Bread: A 1-ounce slice of whole-grain or whole-wheat bread typically has slightly fewer carbs, around 12 grams, and a higher fiber content of approximately 2 grams per slice.
Other Breads: Heavier, denser breads like sourdough or multi-grain can have varying carb levels, making label-reading essential.

Typical Tortilla Carb Content

Small (6-inch) Flour Tortilla: Contains roughly 15 grams of carbohydrates. Due to its ingredients, it often has slightly more fat and calories than its corn counterpart.
Small (6-inch) Corn Tortilla: Typically contains around 14 grams of carbs. Corn tortillas are often lower in calories and fat and provide more fiber than white flour tortillas.
Large (10-inch) Flour Tortilla: This is where the numbers shift dramatically. A larger, burrito-sized tortilla can have upwards of 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to more than two slices of white bread.

The Carb Showdown: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The following table illustrates how different types stack up, based on typical values.


Product	Serving Size	Carbohydrates (approx. g)	Fiber (approx. g)
White Bread	1 slice (1 oz)	14	<1
Whole-Grain Bread	1 slice (1 oz)	12	2
Corn Tortilla	1 small (6-inch)	14	2
Flour Tortilla	1 small (6-inch)	15	<1
Large Flour Tortilla	1 large (10-inch)	30+	Variable

Beyond Just Carbs: Other Nutritional Factors

While carbohydrates are the focus, it’s important to consider other nutritional aspects when comparing bread and tortillas. A large flour tortilla might have more carbs, but it also often contains more calories, fat, and sodium compared to a single slice of bread. Conversely, a whole-grain or corn option will provide more dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and helps promote a feeling of fullness. The USDA FoodData Central database is an excellent resource for checking specific product information: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/.

How to Make the Right Choice

Practical Tips for Making a Smart Decision

Read the Labels: Always check the nutrition facts. This is the only way to know the precise carb count, especially for different brands and sizes. Pay attention to the serving size and the total number of carbohydrates per serving.
Consider Your Goal: For lower carb intake, opting for a smaller corn or whole-grain tortilla is often better than a large flour version. If your goal is more fiber, whole-grain bread or corn tortillas are the clear winners.
Factor in the Fillings: The total carbohydrate count of your meal is what really matters. A sandwich with two carb-heavy slices of bread and lots of fillings could have a higher overall carb load than a single, moderately-sized tortilla with healthy, low-carb fillings. A large wrap, however, could easily exceed the carbs of a standard sandwich.
Portion Control is Key: Be mindful of restaurant portions. Large wraps served at restaurants are notoriously high in calories and carbs, often containing more than a typical two-slice sandwich.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

So, what has more carbs, a slice of bread or a tortilla? The definitive answer depends on the specifics. A small corn or flour tortilla is comparable to a single slice of bread. However, a large flour tortilla can contain significantly more carbohydrates than even two slices of bread. The key is to look beyond general assumptions and pay close attention to the product type, ingredients, and most importantly, the serving size. Reading nutrition labels and being aware of how different options impact your dietary goals will empower you to make the best choice for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A wrap can sometimes have more carbs, fat, and calories than a two-slice sandwich, especially large restaurant-sized wraps. A small, whole-grain wrap might be a healthier choice than a white bread sandwich, but it depends on the specific ingredients and portion size.

Yes, typically. A small corn tortilla usually contains slightly fewer carbs and calories than a small flour tortilla. Corn tortillas also often have more fiber and are gluten-free.

The 'better' option depends on how it fits into your overall calorie and carb budget. Choosing smaller, whole-grain, or corn-based products and controlling portion sizes for both is key. Focus on the total carb and calorie count of your meal, including fillings.

Whole-grain bread typically has a slightly lower carbohydrate count per slice compared to white bread (around 12g vs. 14g), and it also offers more dietary fiber.

The most accurate way is to check the nutrition facts label on the product packaging. This will provide the precise carbohydrate count, fiber, calories, and serving size.

From a carbohydrate perspective, a large flour tortilla can easily contain as many or more carbs than two slices of bread. Some can have over 30 grams of carbs, while two slices of white bread total around 28 grams.

No, fiber is a type of carbohydrate but does not convert into glucose or add calories. For those counting net carbs, fiber is subtracted from the total carbs, but total carbs are the important figure for overall nutritional comparison.