For Your Health: Read the Labels

Googling "Organic Corn Tortillas" results in a plethora of brands showcasing idyllic cornfields, cheerful workers, and grand haciendas.

More often than not, "made with corn masa flour" appears as one of the first items on the product ingredients list. In other words, the masa was prepared using pre-mixed corn flour and water, bypassing the traditional, time-consuming process of nixtamalization—cooking corn with lime. This shortcut sacrifices freshness and authentic flavor at the altar of efficiency and higher productivity, replacing the sweet maize flavor with dull, tasteless tortillas.

Looking further into the ingredients, you might find that many of these tortillas contain small amounts of bleached flour—a significant concern for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. While adding wheat flour improves machinability and pliability during production, it contradicts the goal of a pure, gluten-free, organic corn tortilla.

As you continue reading, you’ll likely encounter Guar Gum, a thickening agent known to cause digestive issues like bloating and gas in people with sensitive stomachs. Other common additives include Propionic Acid (which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system), Cellulose Gum (a wood fiber with no nutritional value), Benzoic Acid (a preservative), various Enzymes (to extend shelf life), Sodium Propionate (another preservative), Methylparaben (for mold prevention), and Propylparaben (another preservative). The message is clear: read the labels, understand the nutritional facts, and be mindful of what you consume.

It’s also important to consider where the tortillas are located in the supermarket. Tortillas stored in the middle of aisle 7 are likely loaded with chemical preservatives. For a more authentic experience, check the refrigerated or frozen sections.

Finally, consider trying our organic corn tortillas, made with just three ingredients: organic corn, water, and food-grade lime. Once you receive them, be sure to store them in the fridge or freezer. We offer various tortilla options, from individual packs to bulk cases of 240 tortillas—our favorite, which are a cost-effective alternative to store-bought and can last up to a year in the freezer. Visit our website to place your order today!