Is Sundried Tomato Basil Tortillas Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is kosher, we look for hidden animal derivatives or non-kosher processing aids. For these Sundried Tomato Basil Tortillas, the verdict is straightforward because the ingredients are primarily plant-based or synthetic.

The base of the tortilla consists of modified wheat starch and vital wheat gluten. These are derived strictly from wheat and are inherently kosher. The leavening agents, such as sodium bicarbonate and monocalcium phosphate, are mineral-based and pose no kosher concerns. The fats used are vegetable shortening (interesterified and hydrogenated soybean oils), which are plant-derived, avoiding the issue of non-kosher animal fats like lard.

Ingredients that often cause confusion are enzymes and emulsifiers. Here, distilled monoglycerides and enzymes are used. In modern food manufacturing, these are almost exclusively derived from plant or fungal sources, or they are synthetic. Without a specific declaration that they are animal-derived, they are considered kosher. Similarly, preservatives like calcium propionate and sorbic acid are synthetic chemicals and are permitted.

Finally, the flavor profile comes from spices, yeast extract, and sucralose. While sucralose is a synthetic sweetener, it is chemically produced and contains no animal products. Therefore, there are no flags for pork, shellfish, or mixing of meat and dairy in this specific product.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these tortillas are designed as a low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional flour tortillas. The use of vital wheat gluten and wheat gluten isolate significantly boosts the protein content while keeping net carbohydrates low due to the modified starch and cellulose gum.

However, the inclusion of hydrogenated soybean oils and interesterified fats indicates a highly processed fat source. While this provides a soft texture, it is a source of processed fats that should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, the presence of sucralose (an artificial sweetener) and fumaric acid suggests a focus on flavor enhancement without adding calories. If you are monitoring your intake of artificial additives or processed fats, this is a factor to consider, but for a low-carb wrap, it remains a popular option.