Food
Kroger White Corn Tortillas
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains emulsifiers studied for gut effects
Why it scores 71
Kroger White Corn Tortillas scores 71 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose): In a small randomized feeding trial, carboxymethylcellulose modestly increased abdominal discomfort and reduced gut microbiota diversity; in mice it promoted low-grade inflammation. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Guar gum: An ingredient class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better tortillas and wraps
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Corn Tortilla Trader Joe's · 12 oz Not ultra-processed · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Corn/Maiz Tortillas El Milagro · 10 oz Not ultra-processed · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Corn tortillas El Molino · 24 oz Not ultra-processed · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Corn Tortillas Vista Hermosa · 7.2 oz Not ultra-processed · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher -
Organic corn tortillas Masienda · 9 oz Not ultra-processed · No gut-studied emulsifiers Score 100 out of 100 , 29 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
White Corn Tortillas
Ingredients
- Cellulose gum (carboxymethylcellulose) minus 7.5 points
- Guar gum minus 2.5 points
- Propionic acid minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Energy 222 kcal / 100 g minus 1 points
- Fiber 4.4 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 29.5 = 70.5 → 71
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 222 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44.4 g |
| Sugars | 4.4 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g |
Serving: 1 portion (45 g)
Ingredients
- corn masa flour
- water
- cellulose gum (moderate concern)
- guar gum
- propionic acid and benzoic acid and duoric acid (preservatives)
Label text, as published
corn masa flour, water, contains 2% or less of: cellulose gum, guar gum, propionic acid and benzoic acid and duoric acid (preservatives).
Allergens and diets
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More from Kroger
Sources
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“Relative to control subjects, CMC consumption modestly increased postprandial abdominal discomfort and perturbed gut microbiota composition in a way that reduced its diversity.”
doi.org
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Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome
“carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80, induced low-grade inflammation and obesity/metabolic syndrome in wild-type hosts and promoted robust colitis in mice predisposed to this disorder.”
doi.org
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“This study found positive associations between risk of CVD and intake of five individual and two groups of food additive emulsifiers widely used in industrial foods.”
doi.org
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“The Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical ADI and that there would be no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels for the unmodified and modified celluloses”
doi.org
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11. List of Permitted Preservatives (Lists of Permitted Food Additives)
“B.2 Butylated Hydroxyanisole n/a (a) Active dry yeasts (a) Preservative (a) 1,000 ppm n/a”
canada.ca
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org