Though tortillas are delicious, they are typically filled with carbohydrates. Though tortillas are lorded as a low-carb alternative to sandwich bread, they are still high in carbohydrates.
They tend to have a massive effect on a person’s blood sugar level. Therefore, you may have to give up eating tortillas if you want to follow a low-carb diet.
The good news is that if you are craving a tortilla, there are tons of healthy substitutes that you can eat instead of traditional tortillas. Let’s explore some of the best options for you!
Tortillas: What Are They?
A tortilla is simply a thin and flat form of unleavened dough that is used to make flatbread.
Typically, these tortillas are packed with a range of savory fillings, such as chicken, beef, pork, spinach, lettuce, cheese, and spring onions.
Tortillas don’t have overly strong tastes, as the majority of the flavor comes from fantastic fillings.
Tortillas are widely consumed across the globe as part of a range of different cuisines. However, these flatbreads originate from Mesoamerica.
There are three main varieties of tortillas, namely corn, flour, and wheat tortillas.
6 Terrific Tortillas Substitutes
1. Nori Sheets
Though tortillas are intimately linked to Mexican cuisine, you can give your tortillas a Japanese vibe. Nori sheets are a form of dried seaweed that has been pressed into thin sheets.
These sheets of seaweed are widely used in Japanese cuisine, namely to make sushi.
Nori sheets have a salty and briny taste that is comparable to umami. Not only do nori sheets taste like, but they are also a healthy alternative to tortillas.
They are packed with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Plus, they are very low in carbs, making them a good option if you are maintaining a low-carb diet.
Thanks to the mild salty taste of nori sheets, they will pair fantastically with lots of different fillings.
2. Lettuce Wraps
If you want to make tortillas that are healthy and low in calories, lettuce is an unbeatable substitute.
This leafy green is packed with potassium, plus vitamins A, C, and K. It also has a high moisture content, which will ensure that your lettuce tortillas are far from dry.
To use this substitute, simply wrap the fillings of your choice in large sheets of lettuce. Iceberg lettuce will work especially well, as the leaves are quite large.
Another benefit of using lettuce wraps is that they are versatile. They pair well with lots of different fillings, especially crunchy vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. They are also super simple to prepare.
3. Coconut Wraps
Coconut wraps are grain-free and gluten-free substitutes for tortillas. Plus, they are low in carbs.
As the name suggests they are made using coconut. They have a slightly sweet taste.
When eating them, you can tell that these wraps are made with coconut. Consequently, they aren’t just used for savory dishes, but can also be used in sweet recipes.
Coconut wraps are incredibly similar in texture and appearance to standard tortillas. As a result, they are a great option if you want to capture the feel of traditional tortillas without actually eating them.
4. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are an outstanding option if you want a healthy replacement for tortillas. These peppers are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
They are also low in calories and low in glycemic index.
As you can imagine, the shape of a bell pepper will mean that you cannot construct a wrapped tortilla. Instead, you should stuff the bell peppers with whatever fillings you desire.
They will pair well with a range of different fillings, especially when topped with cheese.
Another benefit of using bell peppers to make tortillas is that they are extremely bright and colorful. As a result, you can make colorful dishes.
They are also cheap and widely accessible, as most people will already have bell peppers in their kitchen.
Bell peppers have a slightly sweet taste that will make them a unique alternative to traditional corn, wheat, or flour tortillas.
5. Flax Wraps
Up next, flax wraps have been made from flaxseeds. This is a common alternative to wheat, flour, or corn tortillas, as flaxseed wraps are low in carbohydrates.
Many recipes are also vegan and gluten-free, making flaxseed tortillas an outstanding option for people with these dietary requirements.
Technically, flaxseeds are high in carbs. However, these carbs are non-digestible. Instead, flaxseeds contain minimal net carbs, meaning that you can consume lots of flax wraps without consuming many carbohydrates.
One of the methods of making this recipe is that the addition of flax gives these wraps an earthy and nutty taste.
Typically, you will have to make your own flax wraps, as they are not widely available in supermarkets. However, this can give your tortillas a fresh and homemade vibe.
So if you don’t mind baking your own wraps, why not make tortillas with flax?
6. Pita Bread
The final suggestion is to use pita bread instead of typical tortillas. Pita bread is a different form of flatbread that is commonly used in the cuisine of the Middle East.
As a flatbread, it makes a suitable replacement for tortillas.
It’s worth noting that there are some key differences between pita bread and tortillas. Firstly, pita bread tends to be thicker than tortillas. Pita bread is commonly used as a pocket for fillings.
The main reason why pita bread is usually thicker than a tortilla is that it is made with yeast, which will act as a raising agent.
Another key distinction between pita bread and a tortilla is that they have slightly different nutritional values. Plus, pita bread tends to have a somewhat softer texture than a tortilla.
To use this as a replacement for a tortilla, use a rolling pin to make the pita bread thinner. Then, add whatever fillings you fancy.
It’s worth bearing in mind that they are also quite high in carbs, so pita bread will not be a suitable substitute if you wish to reduce your carb intake. Yet, if you do not have access to tortillas, pita bread can be an appropriate alternative.
Final Thoughts
Though tortillas are delicious, their high carbohydrate count means that they are not suitable for everyone.
Thankfully, there are lots of healthy substitutes that you can use instead of traditional tortillas, such as lettuce, bell peppers, and pita bread.
These alternatives will not only boost the nutritional value of your meal, but will also give your tortillas a unique flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tortillas Healthy?
Yes, tortillas are relatively healthy. They are rich in magnesium and fiber. Not to mention, they are a decent source of carbohydrates. It’s worth noting that the nutritional value will depend on what type of tortilla you are consuming. Often, corn tortillas are considered the healthiest option. Ensure that you consume tortillas in moderation.
Is Naan Bread Similar To A Tortilla?
Though they are both different types of flatbread, tortillas and naan bread are quite different. Naan bread has been made using yeast, meaning that it is leavened. In contrast, tortillas are unleavened. Yet, naan bread may also be used as a replacement for tortillas if none of the aforementioned options are available.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
