Which Tortillas Are Non-GMO? Finding Verified Options

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Non-GMO Project, a significant percentage of corn and soy crops in the US are genetically modified, which means it is often necessary to check labels when asking which tortillas are non-GMO. With consumer demand for transparent and natural ingredients on the rise, many brands now offer verified non-GMO options for both corn and flour tortillas.

Quick Summary

A guide to finding non-GMO and organic tortillas. It details how to identify certified products and lists notable brands offering non-GMO corn and flour options. Essential label symbols and purchasing tips are provided.

Key Points

Look for Certifications: To find non-GMO tortillas, prioritize products with the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' butterfly label or the 'USDA Certified Organic' seal, as both guarantee the absence of genetically modified ingredients.
Check High-Risk Ingredients: Corn and soy are high-risk GMO crops, so it is especially important to verify that corn tortillas or products containing cornstarch or soy oil are certified non-GMO.
Identify Certified Brands: Many reliable brands offer certified non-GMO products, including Mi Rancho, El Milagros, Maria & Ricardo's, Mission Organics, and La Tortilla Factory.
Understand the Difference: All certified organic products are non-GMO, but not all non-GMO products are organic. Organic certification includes additional restrictions on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Consider Homemade Tortillas: Making your own tortillas at home with certified organic or non-GMO ingredients is the best way to have complete control over the final product.
Choose Non-GMO for Health and Environment: Opting for non-GMO products supports more sustainable farming practices, preserves biodiversity, and reduces exposure to certain chemical residues.

Navigating the grocery store for non-GMO products can be a challenge, particularly for everyday staples like tortillas. Fortunately, several brands have committed to sourcing ingredients that are not genetically modified. Knowing what to look for on the packaging is key to making an informed choice, with third-party certifications providing the most reliable assurance.

Decoding Tortilla Labels: Certifications to Know

For consumers seeking to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food, understanding packaging labels is crucial. Not all non-GMO claims are equal, and some certifications provide a higher level of verification than others.

Non-GMO Project Verified: This is one of the most trusted third-party certifications for non-GMO foods. Products with the iconic butterfly logo have undergone a rigorous verification process to ensure ingredients are free from genetic modification. The Non-GMO Project has strict standards for GMO avoidance and requires testing of high-risk ingredients.
USDA Certified Organic: A product with the USDA Organic seal automatically prohibits GMOs. This is because organic regulations consider GMOs an "excluded method" of production. Organic certification also extends to animal feed, which is important for any animal-based products. If you see this label, you can be confident that the ingredients are non-GMO.

Non-GMO Brands for Your Shopping List

Several major and specialty brands offer reliable non-GMO tortilla options. Look for these names and their certified products in the organic or natural foods aisle of your local grocery store.

Non-GMO Corn Tortillas

Corn is a high-risk crop for GMOs, so checking for verification is especially important for corn tortillas.

El Milagros: A family-owned Chicago company known for its authentic, simple ingredients. They offer fresh corn tortillas explicitly labeled as non-GMO and without preservatives.
Mi Rancho: This brand uses a traditional, old-world process and offers a variety of organic and non-GMO certified corn tortillas.
La Tortilla Factory: You can find both organic white corn and wheat tortillas, as well as yellow corn options, that are Non-GMO Project Verified under their Sonoma brand.
Don Pancho: Offers a line of authentic-tasting corn tortillas made entirely from non-GMO ingredients.

Non-GMO Flour Tortillas

While often less of a concern than corn, flour tortillas can also contain non-GMO ingredients, particularly if they are organically certified.

Mission Organics: Their Organic Flour Tortillas are Non-GMO Project Verified and made with simple, high-quality ingredients.
Maria & Ricardo's: This brand has a non-GMO tortilla line, and their flour tortillas are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and kosher.
La Tortilla Factory: In addition to their corn options, this company offers organic and traditional non-GMO flour tortillas under their Sonoma brand.
Fresca: Known for their uncooked tortillas, Fresca offers an Organic Uncooked Flour Tortilla that is both USDA Organic certified and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Comparison Table: Certified Non-GMO Tortillas


Brand	Tortilla Type	Key Certifications	Notable Feature
Mi Rancho	Corn, Flour	Non-GMO Project, USDA Organic, Kosher	Uses traditional, heritage-style baking
Maria & Ricardo's	Corn, Flour	Non-GMO Project, Kosher, Vegan	Oven-baked with simple ingredients
El Milagros	Corn	Non-GMO, No Preservatives	Authentic Mexican-style, made fresh
Mission Organics	Flour	Non-GMO Project, USDA Organic	Soft texture and made-from-scratch taste
La Tortilla Factory	Corn, Flour	Non-GMO Project, USDA Organic, Whole Grains Certified	Variety of types, including whole wheat and gluten-free
Don Pancho	Corn, Flour	Non-GMO	Made with unbleached and unrefined ingredients

Making Your Own: The Ultimate Non-GMO Solution

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making your own tortillas is the most foolproof method for ensuring they are non-GMO. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a tortilla press.

Homemade Non-GMO Corn Tortillas

Ingredients: Non-GMO masa harina (specialized corn flour), warm water, and a pinch of salt. Look for brands like Bob's Red Mill, which explicitly state their products are non-GMO.
Method: Combine the masa harina and salt, then gradually add warm water until a soft, pliable dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls, flatten with a press, and cook on a hot, dry skillet until slightly toasted and cooked through.

Homemade Non-GMO Flour Tortillas

Ingredients: Organic unbleached all-purpose flour, warm water, non-GMO vegetable shortening or lard, and salt. Purchasing organic flour ensures it is non-GMO.
Method: Mix the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add warm water until the dough comes together. Knead, let it rest, then divide into balls, roll flat, and cook on a hot skillet.

Why Choose Non-GMO?

Consumer interest in non-GMO products stems from a variety of concerns related to health, environment, and transparency. While regulatory bodies generally consider approved GMOs safe, some choose non-GMO options for a number of reasons.

Potential Benefits of Non-GMO Choices

Reduced Chemical Exposure: Many GMO crops are engineered to withstand large amounts of herbicides. By choosing non-GMO, you may reduce your exposure to the chemical residues that can remain on food.
Environmental Sustainability: Non-GMO farming, particularly organic practices, often promotes better soil health, greater biodiversity, and less reliance on synthetic pesticides.
Preservation of Biodiversity: Supporting non-GMO agriculture helps preserve a wider variety of traditional and heirloom seed stocks, which are important for a resilient food system.
Peace of Mind: For many, avoiding genetic engineering provides reassurance and allows them to consume food that is as close to its natural state as possible.

Conclusion

Identifying which tortillas are non-GMO has become easier due to the availability of certified products and transparent labeling. By looking for the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly or the USDA Organic seal, you can confidently select tortillas for your next meal. Reputable brands like Mi Rancho, Maria & Ricardo's, and Mission Organics offer excellent options in both corn and flour. For those who want maximum control, making your own at home using certified ingredients is always an option. Whatever your choice, prioritizing certified non-GMO products is a straightforward step toward more conscious and informed eating.

The Non-GMO Project's list of verified products is an excellent resource for checking the status of many common brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is a plant or animal whose genetic makeup has been altered in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. Common GMO crops include corn, soy, and canola.

No, the term 'natural' is not regulated in the same way as organic or non-GMO certifications. A 'natural' label on food does not mean it is free from GMO ingredients.

Yes, by definition. Under USDA regulations, any product that carries the certified organic seal must be produced without genetically modified organisms, among other requirements.

Tortillas can contain GMOs if they are made with corn or flour sourced from genetically engineered crops. These are often cheaper ingredients, making them common in conventional, non-organic tortillas.

While major regulatory bodies state that approved GMOs are safe, some studies and consumer groups raise concerns about health impacts and environmental effects. Non-GMO can mean reduced exposure to certain pesticides and supports a broader agricultural system that many prefer.

Several brands offer non-GMO corn tortillas. Some examples include El Milagros, Mi Rancho, and La Tortilla Factory, which offer specifically labeled or certified organic options.

While non-GMO certification relies on rigorous testing and supply chain management, there is a possibility of accidental contamination from cross-pollination. However, the Non-GMO Project has a strict standard and testing protocol to ensure minimal levels, if any.