Want to cook it yourself? See our how to make tacos.
The short answer
Corn itself doesn’t contain gluten. A traditional corn tortilla is made from just corn masa, water and sometimes salt, so it is naturally gluten-free. That’s why tacos on corn tortillas are a popular choice for people with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance.
But “naturally gluten-free” isn’t the same as “safe for a coeliac”. Some tortillas have wheat added, some are made in factories that also handle wheat, and in a kitchen they can pick up gluten from other food. The detail matters.
How corn tortillas are made
Traditional tortillas start with dried corn that’s cooked and soaked in water with lime (calcium hydroxide, not the fruit). This process is called nixtamalisation. It softens the kernels, loosens the skins, improves the nutritional value and gives tortillas their distinctive flavour.
The softened corn is ground into a dough called masa. Many cooks and makers use masa harina, a flour made from dried nixtamalised corn, which is mixed with water to make the dough. The dough is pressed into thin rounds and cooked on a hot griddle. None of these steps needs wheat.
Learn more in corn vs flour tortillas.
Where gluten can sneak in
Blended tortillas
Some shop-bought “corn” tortillas are a blend of corn and wheat flour, which makes them softer and less likely to crack. They can look almost identical. Read the ingredients.
Shared production lines
Tortillas made in a factory that also produces flour tortillas may carry a “may contain” warning. Products labelled gluten-free in the UK must contain 20 parts per million of gluten or less.
Cross-contact in the kitchen
If corn and flour tortillas are warmed on the same hotplate, or handled with the same tongs, gluten can transfer. The same goes for fryers: corn tortilla chips fried in oil also used for battered food may not be suitable.
Fillings and toppings
Some spice mixes, stock cubes and sauces contain wheat. Beer, often served with tacos, is usually made from barley.
What to check
- The ingredients list says corn (or maize) and no wheat flour.
- Ideally, the pack is labelled gluten-free.
- There’s no “may contain gluten” warning, if the guest is coeliac.
- The caterer can explain how they keep corn tortillas apart from flour tortillas.
- Fillings, salsas and toppings have been checked too.
For coeliac disease specifically, Coeliac UK has reliable guidance on eating out and checking food.
What about tortilla chips and tostadas?
Tortilla chips and tostadas are made from corn tortillas, so the same rules apply. Check the ingredients, the label and how they were fried. Nachos are often a good gluten-free option when the chips and toppings are checked.
Burritos and quesadillas
Burritos and quesadillas are usually made with large flour tortillas, which contain wheat. A gluten-free guest can usually have the same fillings as a burrito bowl, with rice and toppings instead of a wrap. Read burrito vs taco vs quesadilla for the differences.
Our approach
We offer gluten-free options with corn tortillas, planned carefully. We give allergen information for every dish, including which contain cereals with gluten. Our truck kitchen is small, so we keep options separate and plan service around them, but we can’t promise a kitchen where gluten is completely absent. If any of your guests are coeliac, tell us when you book so we can talk it through.
For more on catering for every diet, see Mexican food and dietary needs, or contact us for a quote.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote for your event.