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June 13, 2016 | 2 minute read

Which is Healthier, a Tortilla or a Slice of Bread?

Q: Which is healthier, a tortilla or a slice of bread?

A: They are somewhat similar, but how much depends upon the tortilla – and the bread. Like bread, tortillas are made from a grain – either wheat or corn, so some nutrients are similar. But calories differ depending on the tortilla’s size, thickness and fat content.

A one-ounce slice of bread typically contains 75 to 100 calories. Corn tortillas, the traditional choice for tacos and enchiladas, generally have 60 to 65 calories in each small six-inch piece. Flour tortillas are slightly higher in calories because they contain added fat to make them softer and easier to roll. Small six-inch flour tortillas usually aren’t much more than 90 calories. However, many flour tortillas used for dishes like fajitas, large burritos and chimichangas are quite a bit larger and may be thicker, too. A 12-inch flour tortilla may contain nearly 300 calories with more carbohydrates than three slices of bread.

Beyond calories, nutritional value depends on whether the tortillas are made with whole grains and healthy fats. Instead of flour tortillas made from enriched flour (a refined grain), look for whole grain options (corn or whole wheat). Just as with bread, whole-grain tortillas provide more fiber and a more complete package of nutrients and health-protecting plant compounds. When buying flour tortillas, look for those made with vegetable oils.

Learn more about whole grains in AICR’s Foods that Fight Cancer.

11 comments on “Which is Healthier, a Tortilla or a Slice of Bread?

  1. Eddie on

    I like corn tortillas better than bread easier to chew not tough like bread and digest better and no gluten which is good

    Reply
  2. sally on

    except for the yeast , I dont see why anyone thinks tortillas arebetter or easier to chew than bread, i find them tough to eat and over filling , often too much to eat and throw the folded ends away.

    Reply
    • JOHN PERRY BOWN on

      That is a cool attribute for you , tothrow away the gummy end. I do that when I want to cut off the bad or the overage calories during my lunch break so I receive more food energy and less full feeling 😅

      Reply
  3. Donald Rogers on

    I like corn tortillas more than bread. I don’t bloot like I do on bread. And that is a big plus in my books.

    Reply
  4. joseph krone on

    My vegan large 12” tortillas from wegmans are only 10 calories each. I feel this artical is comparing the onese youd eat at a restaurant or the highest carloric ones.

    Reply
  5. Eddie Michael Mautone on

    I like corn tortillas wraps for sandwiches I have wheat sometimes not just don’t get the whole wheat that is very tough plain wheat once I awhile have white bread

    Reply

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