Is Street taco style flour Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a flour blend is safe for a gluten-free diet, the first place to look is the primary flour source. In this case, the ingredient list is unambiguous. The very first ingredient listed is enriched flour, which is explicitly defined as bleached wheat flour. Wheat is one of the primary sources of gluten, making this product inherently unsuitable for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

However, the gluten content doesn't stop there. The formulation also includes vital wheat gluten. This is a specific ingredient added to flour blends to increase the protein content and improve the elasticity and chewiness of the dough—essential qualities for a good street taco tortilla. While beneficial for texture, this addition significantly boosts the gluten levels.

Finally, we must look at potential cross-contamination or hidden sources. The ingredient list includes enzymes which are noted to contain wheat starch. While wheat starch can sometimes be processed to remove gluten, in a standard commercial product like this, it is treated as a gluten-containing ingredient unless certified otherwise. The manufacturer explicitly states the product "contains: soy, wheat," confirming the presence of gluten.

Nutritional Value

While this flour blend is not suitable for a gluten-free diet, it is designed to create a soft, pliable tortilla. The inclusion of shortening (soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oil) and canola oil contributes to the fat content, which helps create a tender mouthfeel. You will also find sugar and cornstarch in the mix, which aids in browning and flavor.

Regarding dietary goals, this is a refined carbohydrate product. It is not a whole grain flour, meaning it has been stripped of some fiber and nutrients during processing (though it is enriched with vitamins like niacin and iron). If you are monitoring your sugar intake or looking for high-fiber options, this flour blend is likely not the best choice, as it is primarily designed for convenience and texture rather than nutritional density.