Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health, dietary, or personal reasons. For those following a gluten free diet, knowing which foods and ingredients are naturally gluten free or have been produced in a gluten free facility is extremely important.
One common food item that often raises questions surrounding its gluten content is corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine and a gluten free diet-friendly option for tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, and more. However, not all corn tortillas on the market are certified gluten free or produced in a gluten free environment.
This article will specifically examine the gluten free status of La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas. Below are quick answers to some of the most common questions surrounding La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas and gluten:
Quick Questions and Answers
Are La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas gluten free?
Yes, La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas are certified gluten free to less than 5 ppm.
What makes La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas gluten free?
La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas are made from non-GMO corn masa flour produced in a 100% gluten free facility.
Are all La Tortilla Factory products gluten free?
No, only La Tortilla Factory’s 100% corn tortillas are certified gluten free. Their flour tortillas contain gluten.
Can celiacs eat La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas?
Yes, the gluten free corn tortillas from La Tortilla Factory are safe for people with celiac disease when consumed in moderation as part of a gluten free diet.
About La Tortilla Factory
La Tortilla Factory is a family-owned tortilla company based in California. They specialize in producing Mexican corn and flour tortillas, tortilla chips, and other products. The company was founded in 1977 by José and Mary Tamayo, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico.
All La Tortilla Factory products are made at their facility in Santa Rosa, California. The company prides itself on using simple, high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods to make authentic tortillas.
La Tortilla Factory’s Gluten Free Certification
In recent years, La Tortilla Factory has expanded their offerings to include certified gluten free corn tortillas. These corn tortillas are produced in a dedicated 100% gluten free facility to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.
La Tortilla Factory’s gluten free corn tortillas are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO is an independent program responsible for the certification of gluten free products, services, and manufacturing facilities. To be GFCO certified, products must contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
La Tortilla Factory’s testing found their gluten free corn tortillas to contain less than 5 ppm of gluten. This is considered safe for the majority of those sensitive to gluten, including people with celiac disease.
Ingredients in La Tortilla Factory Gluten Free Corn Tortillas
Keeping the ingredients simple and high-quality is key to La Tortilla Factory’s gluten free certification. Their corn tortillas contain just three basic ingredients:
- Non-GMO Corn Masa Flour
- Water
- Calcium Hydroxide
Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients:
Non-GMO Corn Masa Flour
The main ingredient in La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas is non-GMO corn masa flour. This flour is made from specially treated corn using a traditional process called nixtamalization.
For nixtamalization, corn kernels are soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution of water and lime (calcium hydroxide). This unlocks nutrients in the corn and gives the masa flour its distinctive taste and texture.
La Tortilla Factory uses non-GMO corn grown in the United States for its masa flour. This corn is ground into masa flour at certified gluten free facilities to avoid any cross-contamination.
Corn is naturally gluten free, making corn masa a safe and gluten free tortilla ingredient.
Water
The second ingredient in La Tortilla Factory gluten free tortillas is water. Water mixed with the corn masa flour forms the tortilla dough.
The water used in La Tortilla Factory tortillas is purified through a filtration process. This removes any impurities or contaminants, including any traces of gluten that could come from shared water sources.
Calcium Hydroxide
A small amount of food-grade calcium hydroxide is added to the tortilla dough. This aids in the nixtamalization process and helps release nutrients from the corn to create masa’s distinctive properties.
Calcium hydroxide (also called pickling lime) does not contain any gluten or wheat ingredients. It is naturally gluten free.
No additional preservatives, colors, flavors, or other ingredients are added to La Tortilla Factory’s gluten free corn tortillas.
La Tortilla Factory Manufacturing Process
In addition to using naturally gluten free ingredients, La Tortilla Factory also employs a gluten free manufacturing process to produce their corn tortillas:
- Gluten free corn masa flour is milled separately from any wheat flours.
- Tortillas are produced in a dedicated 100% gluten free facility.
- All equipment and production lines are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between runs.
- Finished tortillas are tested to verify gluten levels below 5 ppm.
These controlled procedures ensure no gluten comes into contact with the tortillas during production. This gives consumers assurance the finished tortillas are reliably gluten free.
Nutrition Facts for La Tortilla Factory Gluten Free Corn Tortillas
In addition to being gluten free, La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas provide fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Here is the nutrition information for a 1 oz (28g) La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortilla:
| Nutrient | Per Tortilla (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 55mg |
| Potassium | 36mg |
| Total Carbs | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, the tortillas are low in calories, fat, and sodium. They provide mostly complex carbohydrates from the corn as well as fiber and a small amount of plant-based protein.
Where to Buy La Tortilla Factory Gluten Free Corn Tortillas
La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas are sold at many major grocery stores across the United States. Some of the stores where you can find them include:
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Sprouts
- Publix
- Albertsons
- HEB
- WinCo Foods
The tortillas can typically be found in the tortilla or gluten free sections of the grocery store. They may also be in the freezer section. Popular sizes include 6″ and 8″ tortillas, as well as taco size and extra large burrito size.
In addition to in-store shopping, La Tortilla Factory gluten free products can be ordered online through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and the La Tortilla Factory website. This provides greater accessibility for those who don’t live near a grocery store stocking the tortillas.
La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas have a shelf life of several months when kept refrigerated and up to a year when frozen. Be sure to check the use-by date printed on the package to know how long that particular package will stay fresh.
How to Cook La Tortilla Factory Gluten Free Corn Tortillas
Cooking brings out the full flavor and texture of La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas. Here are some cooking tips:
On the Stovetop
Stovetop cooking is the classic preparation method. Place the tortilla on a clean, dry griddle or skillet over medium heat. Heat for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly speckled and puffed up. Use tongs to flip the tortilla while cooking.
Microwave
For quick microwaved tortillas, place 1 or 2 tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave in 30 second intervals until warm and pliable.
Oven
To oven-bake tortillas, wrap them in foil and place in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Grill
During summer grilling, you can also toast tortillas right on the grill for about 20 seconds per side.
Properly heated tortillas will become soft and pliable enough to wrap easily around fillings. Under-heated tortillas may crack. Over-heated tortillas will become crunchy.
Gluten Free Recipes with La Tortilla Factory Corn Tortillas
Now that you know La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas are safe for the gluten free diet, you can enjoy them in many classic Mexican dishes. Here are just a few recipe ideas:
Tacos
Fill warmed tortillas with carnitas, carne asada, shrimp, fish, beans, veggies, or any other favorite fillings.
Enchiladas
Roll filled, sauce-dipped tortillas and bake with cheese for flavorful enchiladas.
Tostadas
Top crispy fried tortillas with ceviche, avocado, beans, slaw, and other fresh toppings.
Chilaquiles
Bake strips of tortillas with salsa and cheese for a delicious Mexican casserole.
Quesadillas
Fill two tortillas with cheese and other fillings, grill, and slice into wedges.
Taco Salad Bowls
Deep fry tortilla bowls to create edible salad bowls for southwest salads.
The applications are endless! Let these certified gluten free tortillas bring the flavor of authentic Mexican cuisine to your gluten free diet.
Are La Tortilla Factory Gluten Free Corn Tortillas Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
For those with celiac disease, sticking to a strict lifelong gluten free diet is essential. Consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine and prevents proper absorption of nutrients.
The good news is that the gluten free status of La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas makes them a celiac-safe food choice. With their gluten content tested below 5 ppm, they fall well below the 20 ppm maximum limit generally deemed safe for people with celiac.
Of course, individuals with celiac disease are highly sensitive, and tolerance levels can vary. It is always smart for those with celiac to consume gluten free products like La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas in moderation as part of an overall healthy, balanced gluten free diet.
Those with celiac disease should also be aware of the potential for cross-contamination when preparing foods at home and in restaurants. Using shared cooking equipment and surfaces could introduce traces of gluten onto the tortillas. As always, proper precautions are important.
Tips to Avoid Cross-Contamination
Here are some tips for preparing La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas safely for celiacs:
- Use designated gluten free cooking equipment and preparation areas.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling tortillas.
- Use fresh ingredients and condiments to avoid cross-contact.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly before and after use.
By combining certified gluten free ingredients like La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas with safe food prep practices, people with celiac disease can enjoy all their favorite Mexican dishes.
Should You Trust Corn Tortillas Labeled ‘Gluten Free’?
When shopping for gluten free corn tortillas, be aware that not all packages labeled “gluten free” offer third-party certification. Some are made by facilities that also process wheat flour and may carry higher risks of cross-contamination.
Seeking out certified gluten free brands like La Tortilla Factory ensures greater reliability. Their certified status provides transparency and accountability.
You can feel confident that certified gluten free corn tortillas:
- Are produced according to strict gluten free protocols
- Use dedicated equipment in gluten free facilities
- Undergo frequent third-party testing
- Must meet certification standards of <10 ppm of gluten
Without the certification process, a “gluten free” claim on a package simply indicates the intended formulation. It does not guarantee safety standards.
The certification logo and independent testing offers assurance that certified brands like La Tortilla Factory live up to their gluten free claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas on a gluten free diet?
Yes, La Tortilla Factory’s certified gluten free yellow corn and white corn tortillas are safe to eat on a gluten free diet.
Are there any other gluten free products from La Tortilla Factory besides corn tortillas?
No, at this time corn tortillas are the only gluten free item. La Tortilla Factory flour tortillas contain gluten.
What is the shelf life of La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas?
Unopened packages last 6-12 months from the manufacture date. After opening, store in the refrigerator up to a week. The tortillas can also be frozen for up to one year.
Are La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas non-GMO?
Yes, La Tortilla Factory uses non-GMO corn grown in the U.S. for their gluten free corn masa flour.
Are La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas vegan?
Their gluten free corn tortillas are vegan-friendly and do not contain any animal products or byproducts.
Where are La Tortilla Factory gluten free corn tortillas produced?
All La Tortilla Factory products are made at their family-owned facility in Santa Rosa, California.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining a gluten free diet can be challenging, but having access to certified gluten free staple foods makes it much easier. La Tortilla Factory offers the convenience of authentic, ready-made corn tortillas verified below 5 ppm of gluten.
Their simple ingredient list, gluten free manufacturing practices, independent testing, and certification by the GFCO provides assurance of both safety and quality. People with celiac disease and others avoiding gluten can trust La Tortilla Factory corn tortillas to be a delicious and reliable gluten free pantry item.
