What Are Gluten Free Tortillas Made Of?

What Are Gluten Free Tortillas Made Of? Gluten-free tortillas are made from alternative flours that replace wheat, including corn masa (naturally gluten-free), cassava flour, rice flour blends (with tapioca, potato starch), almond flour, and other grain-free options like cauliflower or chickpea. Binders such as xanthan gum, guar gum, or psyllium husk provide flexibility, while fats like avocado oil or coconut oil and water complete the dough.

Traditional Gluten-Free Tortillas: Corn-Based

Corn tortillas remain the most authentic and simplest gluten-free option. They use masa harina (nixtamalized corn flour) and water, offering a classic corn flavor ideal for tacos.

Naturally gluten-free when pure.
Minimal ingredients reduce cross-contamination risk in certified products.
Provide whole-grain fiber and nutrients.

The Celiac Disease Foundation lists corn as a safe, naturally gluten-free grain for those avoiding wheat.

For more on naturally gluten-free foods, see the Celiac Disease Foundation’s gluten-free foods guide.

Grain-Free and Alternative Flour Tortillas

Modern gluten-free tortillas use root, nut, or veggie bases for softer, more pliable results similar to wheat flour tortillas.

Cassava flour — Derived from yuca root; mild flavor, often blended with tapioca for chewiness (e.g., Siete Cassava: cassava flour, water, coconut flour, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, xanthan gum).
Almond flour — Nutty taste, high in healthy fats and protein (e.g., Siete Almond: almond flour-based, grain-free, paleo-friendly).
Rice flour blends — Common in commercial products; include tapioca starch, potato starch, and gums for elasticity (e.g., Mission Gluten Free: water, modified food starch, rice flour, vegetable shortening, pea protein, tapioca starch, resistant corn starch, and gums).
Other — Cauliflower puree with cassava/tapioca (La Tortilla Factory), or chickpea blends.

These often include xanthan gum or psyllium husk for binding, plus oils (avocado, coconut) for tenderness.

Common Ingredients Across Gluten-Free Tortillas

Most feature a base flour, fat, binder, salt, and water. Here’s a comparison:

Type	Primary Flour/Base	Common Add-Ins	Notes
Corn	Masa harina (corn)	Water, salt	Simplest, naturally gluten-free
Cassava Grain-Free	Cassava flour	Tapioca, coconut oil, xanthan gum	Paleo, vegan, pliable
Almond Grain-Free	Almond flour	Coconut oil, sea salt	Nutty, high-protein
Rice-Based Commercial	Rice flour + starches	Modified starch, gums, vegetable oil	Closest to flour texture

Many recipes use just 4-5 ingredients like gluten-free flour blend, psyllium husk, salt, oil, and water for homemade versions.

Top Gluten-Free Tortilla Brands and Their Key Ingredients

Popular 2025-2026 options:

Siete — Grain-free; cassava or almond flour with coconut oil, xanthan gum; clean, paleo.
Mission Gluten Free — Rice flour, tapioca starch, potato extract, gums; soft, fiber-rich (5g+ per serving).
Rise & Puff — Cassava and tapioca flour, avocado oil, honey, sea salt; low-calorie (80 per tortilla).
La Tortilla Factory — Cassava with cauliflower or teff/millet blends; veggie-boosted.

These brands prioritize certified gluten-free production to minimize cross-contamination.

For taste-test rankings, check Sporked’s best gluten-free tortillas review.

Pros and Cons of Gluten-Free Tortilla Ingredients

Pros:

Safe for celiac and gluten intolerance
Often grain-free or nutrient-dense (e.g., almond for protein)
Versatile for tacos, wraps, quesadillas
Many clean-label options with minimal additives

Cons:

Binders (gums) may cause digestive issues for some
Higher cost and shorter shelf life
Texture varies (some brittle cold; heat needed)
Potential allergens (nuts in almond-based)

FAQ

What is the main ingredient in traditional gluten-free tortillas?
Corn masa harina for authentic corn tortillas; cassava or rice flour blends for flour-style alternatives.

Are cassava flour tortillas gluten-free?
Yes — cassava (yuca root) is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and popular in brands like Siete.

Do gluten-free tortillas contain gums?
Many do (xanthan or guar gum) for flexibility; some clean brands avoid them.

What makes gluten-free tortillas flexible?
Binders like xanthan gum, psyllium husk, or extra tapioca starch mimic gluten’s elasticity.

Are Mission gluten-free tortillas made with rice?
Yes — primarily rice flour with tapioca, potato starch, and gums for a soft texture.

Final Thoughts

Gluten-free tortillas rely on innovative bases like corn, cassava, rice, or almond to deliver safe, tasty alternatives without wheat. Choose certified options for celiac safety, heat them for best pliability, and explore brands like Siete or Mission for convenience. With growing clean-ingredient varieties, enjoying tacos and wraps remains delicious and accessible — focus on labels and enjoy the options!