Flour Tortillas

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Flour Tortillas scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Chemical Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate Preservative, Bht Preservative): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Guar Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.
• Other Additives (Distilled Monoglycerides): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Industrial Enzymes (Enzymes): Industrial enzyme use indicates significant processing.
• Emulsifiers (Sorbitan Monostearate): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Tortillas & Taco Shells, this product is more processed than about 57% of the 1,406 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Flour Tortillas' ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Soybean Oil, Salt, Vegetable Mono & Diglycerides, Sodium Benzoate (To Maintain Freshness), Citric Acid, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate). Contains Less Than 2% Of Each Of The Following: Mono- And Diglycerides, Ascorbic Acid Added As A Dough Conditioner.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Natural PreservativesProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Propionate Preservative, Sodium Metabisulfite Added As A Dough Conditioner.

Natural sources but industrial application.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Fumaric Acid, Citric Acid Preservative.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Industrial FermentationProcessing indicator

In this product: Dried Yeast.

Industrial fermentation for additive production.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.