What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Corn Tortillas? (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Corn Tortillas? ›

Compared to its yellow counterpart, white corn tortillas tend to be softer with a more tender texture. They also have a higher moisture content, which makes them more pliable. These corn tortillas can be easily rolled and folded without cracking or breaking — ideal for enchiladas and flautas.

As their name suggests, the main difference is their color, based on whether they're made with yellow or white corn kernels. Yellow corn tortillas have beta carotene, which gives them a slight edge over white. But, blue corn tortillas seem to be the healthiest choice of all.

Homemade Corn Tortillas 3 Ingredients Needed

Masa Harina: There's yellow (sometimes labeled “amarillo”) or white (usually no specific labeling) and they work just the same. Yellow, in my opinion, has a slightly more pronounced corn flavor and white tends to be lightly sweeter. Texture varies a bit by brand.

Made with wholesome field-ripened white corn, CHI-CHI'S® White Corn Tortillas are a flavorful way to enhance all your favorite Mexican dishes. Try them with your next batch of tacos, enchiladas, or home made nachos!

The bottom line. When it's time for tacos, authentic corn tortillas are the way to go. They have tons of fiber, and are lower in sugar and saturated fat than the flour variety. Plus, they're smaller—that's built-in portion control.

1st Place: Mi Rancho

Mi Rancho corn tortillas had the perfect amount of corn flavor and performed the best when it came to pliability and texture. They crisped up nicely in my hot skillet, but were still flexible enough to hold my fillings without breaking or falling apart.

White corn contains white or cream kernels, and yellow corn kernels can be pale yellow to dark yellow. Nutritional value: Yellow corn contains slightly more nutritional value than white corn because the pigment that makes corn yellow, beta carotene, turns into vitamin A when digested.

For most people, corn is the healthiest tortilla. They're naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But even within corn tortillas, there can be differences. My personal favorite was the Mi Rancho Organic Corn Tortilla due to its strong corn flavor and high nutrient density.

Sturdy yellow corn tortillas hold up better in these enchiladas than more delicate white corn tortillas. The corn tortillas must be softened before they are rolled and baked in the casserole. Frying them gently in a little oil greatly enhances the flavor of the tortillas.

Since fiber is beneficial for blood sugar management, corn tortillas are a great option. If you prefer flour tortillas, you can add fiber with foods like salsa, peppers and onions, and avocado. Read next: Can I Manage My Diabetes With Intuitive Eating?

Why do Mexicans use two corn tortillas? ›

Mexicans fondly refer to this as 'la copia' (literally: the copy). If you ask around, you'll be given many reasons for this. But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side.

Bon Appétit reports that, most often, yellow corn tortillas will have a stronger corn flavor, but white tortillas tend to have a more earthy, nutty flavor once they've been toasted.

Yellow corn tortillas have a stronger corn flavor, whereas white tortillas have an almost oaky, nutty flavor when toasted. I personally like white tortillas for tacos and enchiladas, and use yellow ones for fried tortillas and corn chips when I want that corn taste to really come through.

Corn Tortillas

Switching to corn tortillas is an easy way to reduce inflammation, since they trigger less of a glycemic response because they're lower in calories and carbs and higher in fiber than flour tortillas. They also tend to be much more filling.

Corn tortillas can definitely be part of a balanced and nutritious diet, no matter your health conditions. Latin American food is delicious, nourishing, and can always be made in a balanced way.

I've heard that yellow corn is more tender, but is that really the case? “There isn't much difference between yellow and white corn,” says Mark Mueller, a fourth-generation farmer who is on the board of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

If you want a smaller, more tender popcorn flake, use white kernels. Yellow kernels will give you larger, fluffier flakes that are sturdy. You probably won't find popcorn labeled as snowflake or mushroom on grocery store shelves; they're nearly all snowflake.

Blue corn is a nutritious corn variety native to Mexico. This variety of corn is easier to digest than its yellow counterpart, as it has less indigestible starch. It also has about 20% more protein than yellow corn and a lower glycemic index. This means less sugar spikes and crashes.