As more people adopt plant-based diets or avoid animal products for health or ethical reasons, checking labels for hidden animal ingredients has become an important part of grocery shopping. For those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding certified gluten-free products is also a top priority.
Mission is one of the most popular brands of gluten-free tortillas on the market. But are Mission gluten-free tortillas vegan? Let’s take a look at the ingredients and find out.
The Short Answer
Yes, Mission gluten-free tortillas are vegan. They do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Ingredients in Mission Gluten Free Tortillas
Mission has several varieties of gluten-free tortillas, but the main ingredients are generally the same:
- Water
- Modified Tapioca Starch
- Rice Flour
- Olive Oil
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Salt
- Xanthan Gum
None of these ingredients are derived from animals. The main ingredients are plant-based starches and flours made from rice and tapioca. Oils, salt, and natural gums are used to provide moisture, flavor, texture, and structure.
While these main ingredients are completely vegan, some Mission gluten-free tortillas also contain minor additional ingredients that deserve a closer look:
Cultured Dextrose
Some varieties contain cultured dextrose, which is a vegan ingredient produced by fermenting the plant-based sugar dextrose with harmless bacteria to enhance flavor. The bacteria feed on the sugars and produce lactic acid, which gives a tangy, yogurt-like taste.
Natural Flavors
Mission gluten-free tortillas also contain “natural flavors.” Since the specific natural flavors are not disclosed, there is a chance these could potentially be animal-derived. However, they are most likely plant-based considering the products are vegan-certified (see next section).
Soybean Oil
Some varieties use soybean oil instead of or in addition to olive oil. Soybean oil is nearly always vegan.
Vegan Certification
Mission gluten-free tortillas are certified vegan by BeVeg International. This independent certification ensures the products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or use animal products during processing.
The BeVeg vegan logo can be found on Mission gluten-free tortilla packaging:
Vegan certification provides an extra level of confirmation that Mission gluten-free tortillas are 100% plant-based and animal-free.
Are All Mission Tortillas Vegan?
While Mission’s gluten-free tortillas are vegan, not all of their products are.
Mission’s regular (non-gluten-free) flour tortillas contain milk and whey. These animal-derived ingredients make them non-vegan.
However, Mission does offer vegan regular tortillas as well. Look for “Vegan” clearly labeled on the packaging to ensure you’re choosing an animal-free option.
Nutrition of Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas
One serving (1 tortilla) of Mission Gluten Free Tortillas provides:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
The main nutrients provided by Mission gluten-free tortillas are carbohydrates and fiber. As expected, they are not a significant source of protein or fat since they are made with vegan ingredients.
Each tortilla also contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
The exact amounts of vitamins and minerals will vary between Mission’s gluten-free tortilla varieties.
Where to Buy Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas
Mission gluten-free tortillas are sold in major grocery stores nationwide. They can typically be found in the gluten-free section or along with other tortillas.
Some of the major retailers that carry Mission gluten-free tortillas include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- HEB
Mission gluten-free tortillas can also be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart.com.
A 6-pack of Mission gluten-free tortillas generally costs between $4-6 USD depending on the variety.
Reviews of Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas
Most reviews of Mission gluten-free tortillas are positive. People who avoid gluten often say these are the best gluten-free tortillas they have tried in terms of taste, texture, and flexibility.
Positive reviews mention:
- Soft, flexible texture
- Do not crack or break apart easily
- Pleasant flavor
- Easy to roll and fold without cracking
- Hold up well when filled and eaten
- One of the better gluten-free tortilla options
Critical reviews of Mission gluten-free tortillas mention:
- Too sticky or gummy
- Not as flexible as regular flour tortillas
- Odd chemical taste
- Fall apart too easily
- Too thick and doughy
Overall, most gluten-free consumers say Mission gluten-free tortillas are one of the better options compared to other brands. While they may not be exactly the same as traditional tortillas, they make a good substitute.
How to Use Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas
Mission gluten-free tortillas can be used in all the same ways as regular tortillas. Here are some ideas:
Sandwich Wraps
Wrap up your favorite sandwich fillings like sliced veggies, deli meat, hummus or bean spreads using Mission gluten-free tortillas.
Burritos and Enchiladas
Make burritos stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite burrito fillings. You can also roll them up with fillings for enchiladas.
Quesadillas
Load the tortillas with cheese, beans, salsa and other fillings to make quesadillas. Grill or toast them until the cheese melts.
Tostadas
Top the tortillas with beans, lettuce, salsa, avocado and cheese to make crunchy tostadas.
Nachos
Cut the tortillas into wedges and load with cheese, beans, guacamole, and salsa for nachos.
Tacos
Shape Mission gluten-free tortillas into taco shells and fill them with all your favorite taco fillings.
Pizza Crust
Use the tortillas as the crust for gluten-free pizza. Top with sauce and vegan cheese for pizza night.
Do Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas Contain Xanthan Gum?
Yes, Mission gluten-free tortillas do contain xanthan gum. It is listed among the ingredients on the label.
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent commonly used in many gluten-free products. It helps give the tortillas a doughy, stretchy texture and helps hold them together.
The xanthan gum used in food today is made by fermenting sugars with a harmless bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. This bacteria produces xanthan gum as a byproduct. The xanthan gum is then extracted and dried into a powder.
Some people avoid xanthan gum due to concerns about digestive side effects like bloating and gas. However, it is generally recognized as safe by food regulatory agencies.
The amount of xanthan gum per tortilla is likely to be very small and unlikely to cause issues for most people. But it is something to be aware of if you have sensitivities.
Xanthan Gum-Free Options
If you wish to avoid xanthan gum completely, there are some xanthan gum-free gluten-free tortilla options on the market. Brands like Siete Foods make grain-free, paleo tortillas without gums or starches.
However, gum-free options tend to be less flexible and more expensive. For most gluten-free consumers, Mission products strike a good balance of quality, cost, and widely availability. But gum-free tortillas are an alternative for those who need them.
Can You Freeze Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas?
Yes, you can freeze Mission gluten-free tortillas for longer term storage. Here are some tips for freezing them:
Steps for Freezing
- Ensure tortillas are cooled completely after purchasing.
- Stack tortillas with parchment paper between each one.
- Place stack in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Label package with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing
To thaw, simply take out the needed number of tortillas and leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours until pliable.
Do not try to hasten thawing in the microwave, as this can make the tortillas rubbery.
Reheating After Thawing
Once thawed, Mission gluten-free tortillas can go straight from the freezer into a hot pan or skillet to warm up.
Heat over medium for 20-60 seconds per side until warm and flexible again. Add any desired fillings after reheating.
Mission Gluten-Free Tortilla Recipes
Here are some delicious recipe ideas using Mission gluten-free tortillas:
Gluten-Free Breakfast Burritos
Loaded with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and bacon, these breakfast burritos provide a nutritious start to the day. Wrap them up tight and freeze a batch for quick mornings.
Baja Fish Tacos
Baked or fried white fish, crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy sauce come together for flavorful Baja-style tacos. Serve with lime wedges.
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Sautéed ground chicken with Thai peanut sauce, carrots, bell peppers, and crispy lettuce makes a fresh, lighter hand-held meal.
Gluten-Free Pizza
Use Mission tortillas as the crust for homemade gluten-free pizza night. Load up with your favorite toppings and vegan cheese.
Black Bean Enchiladas
Filled with spicy black beans, salsa verde, and dairy-free cheese sauce, these enchiladas are flavor-packed comfort food.
Are Mission Tortillas Made in a Facility with Wheat?
Yes, Mission Foods discloses that their gluten-free products are made in facilities that also process wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients. This increases the risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
However, Mission states that all their gluten-free items are produced with protocols to avoid cross-contamination. This includes:
- Thorough cleaning of equipment between gluten and gluten-free production runs
- Dedicated gluten-free preparation and storage areas
- Gluten-free employee training programs
- Extensive product testing to ensure no detectable gluten
Mission gluten-free products contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten from wheat, rye, or barley. This is considered gluten-free by FDA standards.
However, the made-in-shared-facility warning means there is a slight chance of trace gluten exposure. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy should use caution and check with their doctor.
Bottom Line
Mission gluten-free tortillas provide a convenient option for those avoiding gluten. And the verification of vegan ingredients makes Mission products suitable for many plant-based, gluten-free, and restricted diets.
The tortillas are widely available at major grocers and reasonably priced compared to other specialty gluten-free items. Reviews indicate Mission gluten-free tortillas have a better texture and taste than many competing products.
While they may not be an exact replica of traditional tortillas, Mission gluten-free tortillas make an accessible and budget-friendly substitute. They can be used to create almost any tortilla-based meal to bring variety and flexibility to gluten-free, plant-based eating.