Tortillas are a staple food in Mexican cuisine and are also popular in Tex-Mex and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. They are thin, unleavened flatbreads made from corn or wheat flour. Azteca is a major brand of tortillas that produces both flour and corn varieties. For people watching their carbohydrate intake, knowing the carb content of tortillas is important. In this article, we will provide a detailed look at the carbohydrate content of Azteca tortillas.
Quick Answer
Azteca flour tortillas contain about 36 grams of total carbohydrates per tortilla. Azteca corn tortillas contain about 24 grams of total carbs per tortilla. So Azteca flour tortillas have moderately more carbs than their corn counterparts from the same brand. The exact carb count can vary slightly depending on the specific type and size of tortilla.
Nutrition Facts for Azteca Tortillas
Azteca produces a range of tortilla varieties, including taco size, fajita size, burrito size, and more. They offer both flour and corn options. Here is an overview of the nutrition facts:
Azteca Flour Tortillas
A standard flour tortilla from Azteca (taco size – about 6 inches) contains approximately:
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
The total carbohydrate amount includes 14g net carbs (total carbs minus fiber).
Azteca Corn Tortillas
A standard corn tortilla from Azteca (taco size – about 6 inches) contains approximately:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
The total carbohydrate amount includes 10g net carbs (total carbs minus fiber).
As you can see, the corn tortillas are lower in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to the flour. Fiber is also higher in the corn variety.
Carb Counts in Different Azteca Tortilla Sizes
In addition to the standard taco size, Azteca produces tortillas in several other sizes like fajita, burrito, and more. The carb count can increase with larger sizes.
Here is a breakdown of total carbs in some common Azteca tortilla sizes:
Azteca Flour Tortillas
| Tortilla Size | Total Carbs (g) |
|---|---|
| Taco size (6″) | 22 |
| Fajita size (8″) | 30 |
| Burrito size (10″) | 36 |
| Extra Large (12″) | 44 |
Azteca Corn Tortillas
| Tortilla Size | Total Carbs (g) |
|---|---|
| Taco size (6″) | 13 |
| Fajita size (8″) | 17 |
| Burrito size (10″) | 21 |
| Extra Large (12″) | 26 |
As expected, the carb counts increase as the tortillas get larger in size. A good rule of thumb is flour tortillas have about 15g more carbs than corn tortillas of the same size from Azteca.
Comparing Carbs in Azteca vs. Other Brands
How does Azteca compare to other popular tortilla brands in terms of carb content? Here is a comparison of 6-inch taco size tortillas from a few top brands:
| Brand | Tortilla Type | Total Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Azteca | Flour | 22 |
| Mission | Flour | 23 |
| Guerrero | Flour | 24 |
| Azteca | Corn | 13 |
| Mission | Corn | 15 |
| Guerrero | Corn | 12 |
As you can see, carb counts are fairly consistent between brands, at least for the most common taco size. There can be slight variations in nutrition between different producers. But Azteca stacks up well against other major tortilla makers in terms of carb content.
Tips for Lower Carb Tortilla Options
If you are looking to lower the carbs in your tortillas, here are some tips:
- Choose corn over flour tortillas
- Select smaller size tortillas
- Look for low-carb or carb-conscious tortilla options
- Use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps as alternatives
- Limit yourself to just 1-2 tortillas per meal
Corn tortillas are substantially lower in net carbs compared to flour. You can also find some brands that make low-carb tortillas, with added fiber to reduce net carbs. Lettuce leaves or wraps made from ingredients like eggs can provide even more carb-friendly alternatives while still getting tortilla texture and portability.
Health Impact of Tortilla Carbs
Tortillas can absolutely be part of a healthy diet, but should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring carbohydrates. Some key considerations around tortilla carbs include:
- Effect on blood sugar – High carb intake from tortillas can spike blood sugar levels.
- Impact on weight loss – Minimizing refined flour tortillas can help reduce calories and promote weight loss.
- Glycemic index – Corn tortillas have a lower GI than flour, causing a slower blood sugar rise.
- Fiber content – Corn tortillas contain more fiber, which slows digestion and improves satiety.
- Nutritional value – Tortillas provide minerals like calcium but are low in other nutrients.
Overall, enjoying tortillas in sensible portions as part of an otherwise balanced diet is perfectly healthy for most people. Limiting intake to 1-2 tortillas and choosing corn over flour varieties can help manage carbohydrate and calorie intake. Tortillas also pair nicely with lean proteins, vegetables, beans, and other fiber-rich sides.
Uses for Leftover Tortillas
If you do end up with leftover tortillas, there are ample ways to use them up and prevent waste:
- Tortilla chips – Cut into wedges and bake with oil and salt for DIY chips
- Burrito bowls – Crumble up tortillas as a topping for burrito bowls
- Quesadillas – Fill with cheese, veggies, beans for quick quesadillas
- Tortilla pizza – Top with sauce and cheese for mini pizzas
- Breakfast tacos – Whip up easy egg and bacon tacos
- Tortilla strips – Fry and season strips for garnish on soups or salads
With a little creativity, you can give leftover tortillas new life and transform them into tasty new dishes. This is a great way to get the most out of your tortilla purchase.
Storing Tortillas to Maximize Freshness
To keep tortillas fresh for as long as possible:
- Leave them sealed in original packaging until ready to use.
- Once opened, place unused tortillas in a zip top plastic bag.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag.
- Store in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
- Refrigerate for longer freshness, especially in humid environments.
- Avoid freezing unless planning to cook again, as this dries them out.
- Look for signs of mold, such as black or blue-green spots.
- Use within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Proper storage helps retain moisture and prevents tortillas from drying out prematurely. With the right care, you can keep a package of tortillas fresh for up to a week at home.
Conclusion
Azteca tortillas provide a versatile, low-cost staple food for Mexican cuisine. Their flour tortillas contain around 36g of carbs each, while their corn tortillas have about 24g per tortilla. Choosing smaller sizes and corn over flour varieties are easy ways to moderate carbohydrate intake. Moderating portion sizes and pairing tortillas with healthy toppings are great ways to enjoy their taste and convenience as part of a balanced diet. With proper storage and creative uses for leftovers, Azteca tortillas can be an economical and delicious pantry staple.