Mission Carb Tortillas: A Healthy Wrap Option for Diabetics?

An Introduction to Mission Carb Tortillas

For people with type 2 diabetes, monitoring carbohydrate intake is an important part of managing blood sugar levels. Tortillas can be a great option for those looking for a low carb alternative to regular breads and wraps. Mission carb balance and carb sense tortillas aim to provide a solution for people with diabetes who want to enjoy wraps and tacos without spiking their blood sugar.

Mission Foods launched their carb balance whole wheat tortillas in 2020 as a healthy alternative to regular tortillas. The carb balance tortillas contain fewer net carbs, higher fiber, and added protein. In 2021, Mission Foods expanded their offerings for the diabetes community by launching carb sense tortillas made with innovative finely milled wheat flour with 75% less carbohydrates compared to original Mission tortillas.

This article will take a closer look at Mission's carb sense and carb balance tortilla options to see if they make a good choice for those needing to watch their carbohydrate intake due to diabetes or other health conditions.

Nutritional Profile of Mission Carb Tortillas

First, let’s examine the nutrition facts on Mission carb tortillas and see how they compare to regular tortillas:

Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Tortillas

Serving size: 1 tortilla (49g)

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Added Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 7g

Mission Carb Sense Tortillas

Serving size: 1 tortilla (49g)

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Added Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 4g

Regular Flour Tortillas

Serving size: 1 tortilla (49g)

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 0g
• Added Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 3g

As you can see, Mission's carb tortillas are lower in carbs and calories compared to regular flour tortillas. They also contain more fiber and protein.

Benefits of Mission Carb Tortillas

There are several potential benefits that make Mission's carb tortillas a good choice for those with diabetes or prediabetes:

Lower in Net Carbs

Net carbs refer to the total carbohydrates minus fiber. While regular flour tortillas have about 22g net carbs, Mission carb balance has 15g net carbs and Mission carb sense has only 8g net carbs. This makes them a better option for keeping blood sugar levels in check.

Higher in Fiber

Mission's carb tortillas provide 5g of fiber per serving, which is significantly more than regular white flour tortillas. Fiber helps slow digestion, which prevents blood sugar spikes after meals.

Added Protein

Getting adequate protein is important for blood sugar regulation. The 7g of protein in Mission carb balance and 4g in carb sense tortillas helps provide satiety and balances out the carbohydrates.

Lower Glycemic Index

Foods high on the glycemic index cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. Mission's finely milled wheat flour helps produce tortillas that are lower on the glycemic index and less likely to cause sugar crashes.

No Added Sugars

Avoiding added sugars is critical for diabetics. Mission carb tortillas contain no added sugars.

Potential Drawbacks of Mission Carb Tortillas

While Mission carb tortillas seem like a healthy choice, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

Higher in Sodium

Mission carb tortillas contain about 200-220mg of sodium per serving, compared to around 320mg in regular tortillas. However, the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to 1500mg per day, so these tortillas still account for a significant portion of the daily recommendation.

Contains Wheat

Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid these tortillas since they are made with whole wheat flour.

Higher Cost

Specialty low-carb tortillas tend to cost more than regular flour tortillas. Mission carb tortillas retail for around $4-5 per package of 10-12 tortillas.

Availability

While Mission carb tortillas are sold at many major grocery stores, they may not be available at all smaller markets. The availability may be limited compared to regular tortillas.

Tips for Mission Low Carb Tortilla Use

Here are some tips to help make the most of Mission carb tortillas:

Watch Portion Sizes

Stick to one tortilla serving and avoid overstuffing fillings to keep carb counts in check.

Pair with Protein & Fiber

Fill tortillas with lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish along with fiber-rich veggies for balanced nutrition.

Go Easy on Toppings

Limit high carb and high-fat toppings like cheese, sour cream, guacamole. Stick to lighter options like salsa, vegetables, Greek yogurt.

Read Labels Carefully

Mission offers different varieties including whole wheat, flour, and “soft taco” tortillas. Read nutrition labels closely to identify the best low carb options.

Heat Properly

To warm, place tortilla between damp paper towels and microwave 10-15 seconds. Overheating can dry them out.

Store Correctly

Keep Mission tortillas tightly sealed at room temperature to prevent drying out. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Low Carb Recipes with Mission Tortillas

Mission carb tortillas can be used to create flavorful meals for diabetics. Here are some recipe ideas to try:

Turkey Avocado Wrap

Fill carb balance tortilla with 3 oz sliced turkey breast, 1/4 sliced avocado, lettuce, and mustard.

Veggie Fajita Bowls

Saute onions, bell peppers in 1 tsp olive oil. Add seasoning. Serve with carb sense tortilla, brown rice, beans, salsa.

Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla

Top carb balance tortilla with 3 oz shredded chicken, 1 oz reduced-fat cheddar. Grill until cheese melts.

Shrimp Taco Lettuce Wraps

Saute shrimp with cumin, chili powder, garlic. Serve in lettuce leaves instead of taco shells.

Greek Yogurt Breakfast Wrap

Spread 2 tbsp Greek yogurt on carb sense tortilla. Add 1 scrambled egg, spinach, and tomato.

The Bottom Line

When chosen carefully and eaten in moderation, Mission carb balance and carb sense tortillas can be a good substitute for those with diabetes looking to reduce their carb intake from traditional tortillas. The combination of higher protein and fiber plus fewer net carbs helps slow digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar.

However, portion control remains important even with lower carb tortilla options. Those with diabetes should still be mindful of accompanying fillings and toppings that can impact blood sugar as well. Mission carb tortillas work best when paired with lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables as part of an overall balanced diabetes diet.

Talk to your diabetes healthcare provider to determine if Mission carb tortillas fit into your individualized eating plan. They can help you decide whether these specialty tortillas provide enough nutritional benefits and blood sugar control to justify the additional cost compared to regular flour tortillas.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.