Is Mission flour tortillas soft taco super soft Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, the devil is in the details. We analyzed the specific ingredients in Mission's Super Soft tortillas to look for hidden non-Halal components. The primary ingredients are enriched bleached flour, water, and vegetable shortening. The flour is simply wheat treated with vitamins, which is permissible. The vegetable shortening is derived from soybean oils, making it plant-based and free from animal fats like lard.

The most critical component to analyze in baked goods is the leavening agent. In this product, Mission uses baking soda and sodium acid pyrophosphate. These are chemical leavening agents, not yeast, which eliminates concerns regarding fermentation alcohol. Furthermore, the enzymes listed are microbial-derived (fungal or bacterial), not animal rennet, which is a common source of non-Halal ingredients in cheese or dough conditioners. Finally, preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid are synthetic chemicals used to prevent mold and are considered Halal.

Nutritional Value

While these tortillas are Halal, it is important to consider their nutritional profile. One tortilla contains approximately 120 calories, primarily from carbohydrates (22g). The fat content is relatively low at 3g per serving, derived entirely from vegetable oils. However, the product does contain added sugar (1g) and is made from bleached flour, meaning it lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole wheat varieties. For those managing blood sugar or looking for high-fiber options, this should be consumed in moderation. It fits within a standard diet but is not a 'health food'.