The Short Answer
Yes, Siete tortillas are clean, but the situation is changing. They are free from the "Big Three" tortilla sins: hydrogenated oils, bleached flour, and artificial preservatives.
However, since PepsiCo acquired the brand, ingredients are shifting. The popular Almond Flour tortillas have been reformulated to include "natural" preservative extracts (berry, oregano, flaxseed) to extend shelf life. While these aren't toxic chemicals, they signal a shift away from the simple 5-ingredient recipe that made the brand famous.
Verdict: Buy the Cassava Flour variety for the cleanest ingredient list.
Why This Matters
Most store-bought tortillas are a health nightmare. Brands like Mission and Guerrero rely on hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fat risks) and preservatives like calcium propionate to sit on shelves for months. Is Mission Tortillas Clean
Siete disrupted this by using nutrient-dense flours (cassava, almond, chickpea) and clean fats (avocado oil, coconut oil). Cleanest Tortillas
But corporate acquisitions often lead to "ingredient drift." When a giant like PepsiCo spends $1.2 billion on a brand, they need to scale production and extend shelf life. We are already seeing this happen with Siete's Almond Flour line.
What's Actually In Siete Tortillas
Siete has several lines. Here is the breakdown of the Almond Flour (reformulated) and Cassava Flour (original) versions.
Almond Flour Tortillas (The Reformulated One)
- Almond Flour ā The base. High in healthy fats and protein.
- Tapioca Starch ā Provides elasticity (chew).
- Water ā Hydration.
- Sea Salt ā Flavor.
- Xanthan Gum ā A binder needed because there is no gluten. Is Xanthan Gum Bad
- Apple Cider Vinegar ā Acidity for preservation.
- Berry, Oregano, & Flaxseed Extracts ā The new additions. These are natural preservatives used to prevent mold and extend shelf life.
Cassava Flour Tortillas (The Cleanest One)
- Cassava Flour ā A root vegetable flour (yuca).
- Water ā Hydration.
- Coconut Flour ā Adds fiber and structure.
- Coconut Oil ā A stable, saturated fat. Much better than soy or canola oil.
- Apple Cider Vinegar ā Natural preservative.
- Sea Salt ā Flavor.
- Xanthan Gum ā Binder.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Fat Source: Uses Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil. No seed oils.
- Flour Source: Whole food flours like Cassava or Chickpea.
- Storage: Sold frozen or refrigerated (historically). If you see them on a room-temp shelf for weeks, check the label for new preservatives.
Red Flags:
- Price: At $8ā$10 per pack (8 tortillas), you are paying ~$1.20 per taco.
- Fragility: Without gluten, these break easily. You must heat them before rolling.
- "Natural Flavors": Keep an eye out. PepsiCo loves adding these to "standardize" taste.
The Best Options
If you are buying Siete, be selective. The Cassava line currently retains the simplest ingredient profile.
| Variety | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cassava Flour | ā Best | No preservative extracts yet. Clean coconut oil fat source. |
| Burrito Size | ā Great | Uses avocado oil and yeast for a pliable texture. Very clean. |
| Chickpea Flour | ā Good | Uses olive oil. Stronger flavor profile but clean ingredients. |
| Almond Flour | ā ļø Caution | Reformulated with extracts. Still better than Mission, but not as clean as before. |
The Bottom Line
1. Check the label every time. With the PepsiCo acquisition, formulas are rolling out in batches. Do not assume the pack you buy today is the same as last month.
2. Heat them up. Siete tortillas are inedible cold. They crack and crumble. 15 seconds on a hot skillet is mandatory.
3. Stick to Cassava. Itās the closest texture to a flour tortilla and currently has the cleanest ingredient list of the bunch.
FAQ
Did PepsiCo change Siete ingredients?
Yes. The Almond Flour tortillas now contain berry, oregano, and flaxseed extracts to preserve freshness. This allows them to stay on shelves longer, a common move after a corporate acquisition.
Are Siete tortillas gluten-free?
Yes. All Siete products are certified gluten-free and grain-free. They are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, making them safe for Celiacs. Cleanest Gluten Free Bread
Why are Siete tortillas so expensive?
You are paying for almond and cassava flour, which cost 5-10x more than cheap wheat flour. You are also paying for the absence of cheap fillers like corn syrup and soy oil.
Do Siete tortillas have seed oils?
No. They use avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. This is their biggest advantage over brands like Mission, which use soybean or cottonseed oil. Oils In Crackers
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