Tortillas, a fundamental staple of Mexican cuisine, can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings or as a side to numerous dishes. One common question that arises, especially for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, is whether tortillas contain eggs. In this blog, we’ll explore the traditional ingredients of tortillas and shed light on whether eggs are a common component in this beloved food item.
Flour Tortillas
Traditional flour tortillas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are typically made with basic ingredients such as all-purpose flour, water, salt, and fat. The fat component can vary, with options including lard, vegetable shortening, or oil.
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas, another widely consumed type, are crafted from masa (corn dough), water, and salt. This simple mixture is formed into a dough, flattened, and cooked on a griddle. Just like flour tortillas, corn tortillas do not include eggs as part of their traditional recipe.
Spanish Tortillas
While the classic versions of Mexican flour and corn tortillas do not typically contain eggs, keep in mind that there’s a Spanish dish known as tortilla or tortilla de patatas, which resembles an omelet and almost always includes eggs.
What You Need To Keep in Mind
Store-Bought Tortillas
When purchasing tortillas from a store, it’s advisable to check the ingredient list on the packaging to ensure they align with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Many commercial tortillas clearly state whether they contain eggs or any other allergens.
Homemade Tortillas
If you’re making tortillas at home, you can easily find numerous recipes online that guide you through the process. Homemade tortillas offer the flexibility to tailor the ingredients to your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
When eating out at a restaurant and want to be absolutely sure to avoid eggs, you can ask them the ingredients they use to make their dishes and tortillas.
Wrapping It Up
Traditional flour and corn tortillas do not contain eggs as part of their standard recipes.
For individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s advisable to check the ingredient list when purchasing tortillas from a store or at a restaurant.
If making tortillas at home, you have the flexibility to choose recipes that align with your specific dietary preferences, whether they include eggs or not. The vast majority of tortillas, though, remain a delightful and egg-free culinary option for an array of delicious dishes.
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FAQs
Corn tortillas, another widely consumed type, are crafted from masa (corn dough), water, and salt. This simple mixture is formed into a dough, flattened, and cooked on a griddle. Just like flour tortillas, corn tortillas do not include eggs as part of their traditional recipe.
Are tortillas dairy and egg free? ›
Tortillas, generally speaking, don't contain anything vegans can't have. They can have whole wheat, enriched wheat, yellow corn, white corn, a blend of all the above, etc. So long as they don't contain tallow, lard or any other animal products then they are perfectly vegan.
What is tortilla made of? ›
While traditional tortillas are made from 100% corn, mass-produced versions may be made from dehydrated corn flour, or masa harina, with some wheat flour blended into it (1, 3).
Are tortillas vegan friendly? ›
Generally, tortillas are suitable for vegan diets, often made from ingredients such as wheat flour, corn, water, vegetable oil, and salt. However, some brands may include non-vegan additives like glycerin or vitamin D, and traditional recipes might use lard.
Do tortilla chips contain eggs? ›
The basic and traditional ingredients to make tortilla chips are naturally vegan. These include corn flour, water, oil, and salt. Sometimes, especially at restaurants, the tortilla chips are fried in oil.
What does a Mexican tortilla have in it? ›
In its most basic form, Northern Mexican tortillas are made from flour, water, fat, and salt. You'll never find spinach tortillas or whole wheat tortillas in Northern Mexico because these ingredients distract from the essential flavors of the flour and fat.
What is usually in a tortilla? ›
Soft tortillas are filled with refried beans, shredded meat or poultry, eggs, guacamole, and vegetables. Quesadillas are tacos filled with cheese, while sincronizadas contain a combination of cheese and ham. Tacos are generally rolled or simply folded.
What is a Spanish tortilla made of? ›
A classic Spanish omelette made of egg, potato, and onion cooked in olive oil.
Are eggs vegan? ›
While eggs are included in a standard vegetarian diet they are excluded from a vegan diet, along with all animal-derived foods, like honey.
What makes tortillas not vegan? ›
Commercially produced tortillas aren't made with lard anymore, but they can still have derivatives of animal products in them. Sometimes ingredients like butter, whey, and animal glycerin are added to the dough. It's always best to check the ingredient list before buying.
Many vegans refer to Oreos as “accidentally vegan,” meaning they don't contain animal products — but they weren't created to be a specifically vegan treat. Oreos do not contain milk, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, so they are technically vegan in that sense.
Do Mission flour tortillas have eggs? ›
All Mission flour tortillas and wraps contain wheat. Milk and soy may also be found in Mission products, depending on the formulation. Mission products do not contain eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish.
What are the ingredients in store bought tortillas? ›
Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Interesterfied Soybean Oil, Contains 2% or Less of: Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Calcium Sulfate, Ammonium Glutamate, Enzymes, Salt, Mono-and ...
Are old el paso tortillas vegan? ›
IS OLD EL PASO VEGAN? We offer a great range of vegan products, so you can make all your favourite Mexican dishes without the worry. Old El Paso Tortillas are vegan and make the perfect base for a variety of recipes, as well as our Tortilla Pockets™, Stand 'N' Stuff™ Tortilla Boats and Taco Shells.
