What’s Better: Bread vs. Tortilla vs. Pita vs. Wrap? (2024)

ByLucy Yanckello, Ph.D.

Wildgrainis the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.

One thing that can be agreed upon is that whether in the form of tortilla, pita, focaccia, or a wrap, it’s always bread, and always delicious. Flour is the star of each of these delicious snacks and each has their own unique health benefits.

Which is healthier to eat: bread or tortilla or pita or wrap?

Each of the mentioned types of bread has benefits when it comes to your health. Let's start with bread, which is often demonized by the health community. Although bread is high in carbs, certain varieties, such as whole grain bread, are also high in fiber – which has many health benefits. In addition, the flour used in bread is often enriched with important B-complex vitamins to boost the nutritional value and help prevent deficiencies. To get all the health benefits of bread, stick to the whole-grain varieties.


Tortillas come in two forms, corn and flour. Corn tortillas are a good source of fiber because they are considered whole grain – just like whole grain bread – and magnesium, which plays a vital role in brain, heart, and muscle health. They are also lower in carbs, calories, and fat, than flour tortillas. Flour tortillas do also have benefits as they provide iron. Corn tortillas are a good alternative for those who have gluten intolerances or allergies, as corn is gluten-free. In addition, corn tortillas are usually much smaller in size (6 in) compared to flour tortillas (8-10 in), giving a built in sense of portion control. If you are looking for a healthier tortilla option, opt for corn.


Wraps are often thought as the “healthier” alternative to sandwiches. However, the color and name of wraps is often misleading, so it is important to read the nutrition label and ingredients. Whole-wheat wraps generally contain more nutrition than plain white flour wraps, but it is important to scan and make sure hydrogenated oils and other trans fats are not part of the ingredients. Colorful red and green wraps do not offer any nutritional benefits, and are often made with only small amounts of tomato or spinach powder for coloring and flavor. The nutritional content of a wrap depends on its ingredients, not just how it looks.


Pitas are similar to a wrap, but are a little thicker. Pita breads are relatively low in fat content, and have a similar protein and carbohydrate content to a sliceof bread. These flat breads also contain calcium and iron, and are considered to be low sodium foods. Just as with other whole-grain bread options, the fiber content can aid in digestion and lowering blood sugar.

Which has the most carbs: tortilla vs. wrap vs. bread vs. pita? Which has the most calories: wrap vs. tortilla vs. bread vs. pita?

When the nutritional content of each type of bread is compared, they are very similar across the board, varying by only 1-3 grams (g) of each nutrient.

Nutritional Content

Whole-Wheat Bread

Corn Tortilla

Whole Wheat Wrap

Pita

Calories

92

96

110

90

Carbohydrates

17g

20g

22g

17g

Protein

3g

2.5g

4g

4g

Fat

2g

1.3g

2g

1g

Fiber

2g

3g

5g

2g

Which is the best for weight loss and dieting: wrap or pita or tortilla or bread? Can you still eat bread, pita, tortillas, and wraps when trying to lose weight?

When trying to lose weight or diet, it is important to focus on the protein and fiber content in the wrap, pita, tortilla, or bread you are consuming. Sticking with whole-wheat or whole-grain options will allow for higher fiber and higher protein. Fiber has a range of benefits including promoting weight loss, lowering blood sugar, fighting constipation, boosting heart health, lowering cholesterol, and feeding the “good” bacteria in our guts. High protein diets also have benefits for weight loss and metabolic health, so sneaking in extra protein in a carbohydrate source is always helpful. The main focus when losing weight and dieting does not need to be about cutting out entire food groups, but instead making smarter choices in terms of the type (opting for whole grains), and portion of the foods we love.

What’s the difference between tortilla vs. wrap? Which is healthier: wrap or tortilla?

A tortilla is a flat bread that is unleavened (does not use yeast or a chemical leavening agent) and uses corn or wheat as its flour source. Tortillas do not contain any spices or flavors and are often smaller in size. A wrap, on the other hand, is a soft bread made with a dough that contains yeast. Wraps are usually larger and contain spices and flavors. Compared to a corn tortilla, a whole wheat wrap has higher protein and fiber content, and a similar fat content.

Which is healthier: bread or wrap?

Wraps contain more carbohydrates but also contain more fiber. One slice of whole-wheat bread and one whole-wheat wrap also contain a similar protein content and contain the same amount of fat. As long as you are choosing whole-grain options, whichever you prefer to eat is what you should choose.

Which is healthier: bread or tortilla? Is bread more fattening than tortilla?

Bread and corn tortillas have a very similar nutrient profile. However, if you are choosing a flour tortilla, to get the most health benefit, be sure to choose one made with whole-wheat flour rather than refined white flour. Flour tortillas do also usually contain a higher fat content, so be wary of that as well. The most important consideration when choosing the carbohydrate you want to enjoy is that it consists of whole-grains, in order to get the most health benefits.

Where can I buy fresh bread online?

At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include everything sourdough bread, plain sourdough loaf, and sourdough 7-grain loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.

About the Author

Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

What’s Better: Bread vs. Tortilla vs. Pita vs. Wrap? (2024)

FAQs

Are pita wraps healthier than bread? ›

Pita bread isn't necessarily healthier than regular bread. What matters more is the ingredients and portion sizes that you choose. Some types of thin pita pockets have fewer carbohydrates per serving than bread but it depends on the brand and how much you eat.

Which is healthier, bread or tortilla? ›

Taylor explains that if you're making lunch at home, you'll find that a typical 10-inch tortilla contains about 200 to 220 calories. Meanwhile, two slices of bread could contain anywhere between 70 and 280 calories, depending on which type of bread you use.

What is the healthiest wrap to eat? ›

Finding a Healthy Wrap
  • Rise and Puff Gourmet Tortillas (organic and gluten free options)
  • Alvarado Street Sprouted Wheat Wraps (8-inch or 10-inch)
  • Food For Life Ezekiel Sprouted Tortillas.
  • Food for Life Brown Rice Tortillas (for a gluten-free option)
  • Siete Almond Flour Tortillas (for a gluten-free option)

Are wraps less fattening than bread? ›

Typically wraps will have more calories and carbs than a regular slice of bread, because wraps are more condensed." You could argue that some wraps—like Mission, which clocks in at 210 calories—have less calories than two slices of bread, which typically hover between 160 to 240 calories total.

Are wraps better than bread for diabetes? ›

One slice of bread has 15 grams of carbohydrate; likewise, one 6” wrap has 15 grams of carbohydrate. This means wraps are no better for us than bread. So don't simply avoid bread just because it's bread. Instead, look for foods with whole grains, whether that be bread, wraps, crackers, cereals, or pastas.

What is the healthiest tortilla? ›

When it comes to nutrition, corn tortillas have the advantage of being made from whole grains, with fewer calories, sodium, and carbs but more fiber than flour tortillas. They're also gluten-free. As for cooking and eating, some people complain that corn tortillas break easily.

What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›

Next time you're at the store, look for the following options to find a healthy bread you like.
  • Wholegrain bread. Wholegrain bread is minimally processed and made with flour from fully intact grains. ...
  • Multigrain bread. ...
  • Dark rye bread. ...
  • Authentic sourdough bread. ...
  • Flaxseed, or linseed, bread. ...
  • Ezekiel, or sprouted grain, bread.
Mar 19, 2024

What is the best bread to eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

What bread can you eat on a Mediterranean diet? Is sourdough bread allowed on the Mediterranean diet? Any bread that is made from whole wheat, whole grains, sprouts, and sourdough is recommended while on a Mediterranean diet.

Which is healthier rice or bread? ›

Which is healthier: bread or rice? When looking at the nutritional content of a single serving of bread and rice, bread may be considered the healthier option. This is due to bread containing fewer calories and carbohydrates than rice. However, rice does contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to bread.

Are wraps healthier than bread at Subway? ›

Wraps, on the other hand, are Subway's highest calorie and carbohydrate option despite getting a health halo. “If someone wants a wrap, that's okay, but don't choose the wrap just because diet culture says that they're healthier in your sandwiches,” Benson says.

What is healthier, pita or wrap? ›

The nutritional content of a wrap depends on its ingredients, not just how it looks. Pitas are similar to a wrap, but are a little thicker. Pita breads are relatively low in fat content, and have a similar protein and carbohydrate content to a slice of bread.

Is eating wraps every day good for you? ›

However, they can actually contain more calories and fat than two slices of bread, so they aren't necessarily healthier than a sandwich. That being said, wraps are of course perfectly healthy when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Stuffing it with a range of vegetables is definitely a great lunch choice.

What is the safest food wrap? ›

Plastic wrap is commonly made out of PVC (Polyvinylidene Chloride). In recent years other PVC alternatives have become more popular. The most popular option in recent years is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) because it is considered to be safer for the body.

Are bagels healthier than bread? ›

Unfortunately there's no simple answer to this question. In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.

Are thins healthier than bread? ›

Energy (calories): The calorie content is roughly the equivalent of one slice of normal sized bread, however this is because the thins are roughly the size of one slice of bread. Protein: One thin contains 3.6g of protein which is relatively similar to what you might find in 2 slices of normal sized bread.

Is pita healthier than bread? ›

Despite their difference in shape, pita and bread have similar ingredients - largely water, yeast, flour, and salt. Because of the similarity in ingredients, the nutrient profiles of pita and normal bread are basically identical.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

Which carbs don't spike blood sugar? ›

Carrots. These are considered non-starchy (as are string beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower) and good in a diabetes diet. High-fiber grains. Farro, quinoa and barley keep sugars more stable than white rice or pasta.

What bread does not spike blood sugar? ›

Sourdough bread is made through a slow fermentation process, which may cause this type of bread to raise blood sugar more slowly than other breads. As a result, sourdough bread could be a great choice for those with diabetes. Whole grain sourdough bread is the best sourdough bread for diabetics.

What is a healthy alternative to a tortilla? ›

For a low-calorie alternative to tortillas, try lettuce wraps. Comprised of 95% water, lettuce contains minimal carbs, with half of its carb content derived from dietary fibers.

Is it healthy to eat tortillas everyday? ›

In short, tortillas are indeed good for you. They are a good source of nutrients and minerals and are more versatile than bread. However, you should keep in mind differences between corn tortillas and flour tortillas and also be mindful of the food you eat with them.

Which taco shell is the healthiest? ›

For most people, corn is the healthiest tortilla. They're naturally gluten-free and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Is pita bread better than bread for weight loss? ›

While similar in calorie content, one slice of wheat bread (29g) is higher in sugar and lower in dietary fiber than one small pita bread. It is also slightly higher in sodium and fat content. Since most people eat two slices of bread in one sitting and only one pita bread, pita bread may be a healthier option.

Does pita have more carbs than bread? ›

Side-by-side, bread contains a little more fiber and slightly fewer carbs than a pita, making it a somewhat more nutritious option. Pitas are lower in sodium than bread, so that it may be the best option for those eating a low-salt diet.

Is pita or naan healthier? ›

Both have comparable amounts of sugar ( 2 , 9 ). With naan, you get more carbs, but also much more protein and fiber, both essential in keeping you feeling full while maintaining a healthy weight. On the other hand, naan contains about 80% more carbs and roughly 200% more protein than a 45-gram serving of pita.

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