Craving tacos but worried about carbs? You’re not alone. Many people on keto, low carb, or sugar-free diets find themselves searching for the best low carb taco shells. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, control blood sugar, or simply make healthier choices, swapping regular taco shells for low carb taco shells can make a huge difference. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about low carb taco shells, including homemade recipes, store-bought options, and creative filling ideas. Learn more about low-carb alternatives by checking out our Keto Tuna Casserole.
Understanding Low Carb Taco Shells
What Are Low Carb Taco Shells?
Low carb taco shells are a smart choice for anyone following a low carb or keto diet. Unlike traditional taco shells made from corn or flour, low-carb taco shells use ingredients like cheese, almond flour, or coconut flour. These alternatives help lower the total carbs per serving.
People often ask, are taco shells low carb? The truth is, most regular taco shells are not. They can contain over 15 grams of carbs each. In contrast, low carb taco shells usually have less than 5 grams of net carbs, making them perfect for keto-friendly meals.
Table of Contents
Low Carb Taco Shells
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 taco shells 1x
Description
These low carb taco shells are perfect for keto and low carb diets. Made with simple ingredients like cheese or almond flour, they offer a crispy or soft alternative to traditional high-carb taco shells.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for hard shells) OR
1 cup almond flour (for soft shells)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F for cheese shells or prepare a non-stick pan for almond flour tortillas.
2. For cheese shells, spread small piles of cheese onto parchment paper and bake until golden. Shape while warm.
3. For almond flour tortillas, whisk almond flour with eggs and spices, then cook on a non-stick pan like a pancake.
4. Let shells cool before filling.
5. Add your favorite low carb fillings and serve.
Notes
Store leftover low carb taco shells in an airtight container.
Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add seasonings for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco shell
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
How Are Low Carb Taco Shells Different from Traditional Taco Shells?
The main difference is the carbohydrate content. Traditional taco shells come with high carbs from corn or wheat flour. Low-carb taco shells reduce carbs by using keto-approved ingredients like cheese or almond flour.
If you enjoy crunch, low carb hard taco shells made from baked cheese are a great option. For a softer texture, almond flour taco shells work well. Either way, low-carb taco shells help you enjoy tacos without breaking your carb limit.
Types of Low Carb Taco Shells
Low Carb Hard Taco Shells vs Soft Low Carb Taco Shells
When choosing low-carb taco shells, you’ll find two main types: hard and soft. Low carb hard taco shells are usually made from baked cheese or low carb flour blends. They provide a satisfying crunch and work well for traditional taco fillings.
Soft low-carb taco shells use ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour. These offer flexibility for wrapping and folding. Whether you prefer low carb hard shell tacos or soft low-carb taco shells, both help keep your carb count low.
Popular Materials: Cheese, Almond Flour, Lettuce, and More
Low carb taco shells come in various materials. Cheese taco shells are a popular zero-carb option. Almond flour shells offer a soft texture and are gluten-free. Coconut flour provides another low carb choice with a unique flavor.
For ultra-low carb or keto diets, lettuce leaves make a great substitute for taco shells. No matter the material, each low carb taco shell option helps reduce carbs while keeping your tacos delicious.
Best Store-Bought Low Carb Taco Shells
Top Brands Offering Low Carb Hard Shell Tacos
If you prefer convenience, several brands now offer store-bought low-carb taco shells. Popular choices include cheese-based low carb hard taco shells and almond flour options. These low-carb taco shells provide fewer carbs than traditional varieties and are perfect for keto diets.
Low carb hard taco shells from brands like Whisps offer crunch with almost zero carbs. Almond flour taco shells give a softer texture while keeping carb counts low.
Price Comparison and Where to Buy Low Carb Taco Shells
Low-carb taco shells are available at grocery stores, health food markets, and online shops like Amazon. Prices usually range from $5 to $10 depending on the brand and quantity. For quick meals, store-bought low carb hard shell tacos are a great time-saving option.
Homemade Low Carb Taco Shell Recipes
Simple Cheese-Based Low Carb Taco Shell Recipe
One of the easiest ways to make low-carb taco shells at home is by using shredded cheese. Spread small circles of cheese on a baking sheet, bake until golden, then shape them while warm. These low carb hard taco shells are crispy and contain almost zero carbs.
Almond Flour Low Carb Hard Shell Tacos Recipe
For a softer low-carb taco shell, almond flour works well. Mix almond flour with eggs and seasonings, then cook like a tortilla. These low carb taco shells are flexible, gluten-free, and perfect for holding your favorite fillings.
Making low-carb taco shells at home gives you full control over ingredients and carb counts.
Nutritional Breakdown: Are Taco Shells Low Carb?
Total Carbs, Net Carbs, and Calories in Low Carb Taco Shells
Low-carb taco shells stand out because of their low net carb content. Most cheese-based low carb hard taco shells contain less than 1 gram of net carbs per serving. Almond flour low-carb taco shells usually have around 2 to 4 grams of net carbs, making them suitable for keto diets.
Comparing Regular Taco Shells vs Low Carb Hard Shell Tacos
Traditional taco shells made from corn typically contain 15 to 20 grams of carbs each. In comparison, low carb taco shells offer a huge reduction in carbs. Low carb hard shell tacos made from cheese or low carb flour blends help you stay within daily carb limits while still enjoying taco night.
Creative Low Carb Taco Filling Ideas
Keto-Friendly Protein Fillings
Low carb taco shells pair perfectly with keto-friendly proteins. Popular options include grilled chicken, ground beef, pork, and shrimp. These high-protein fillings help keep your meal satisfying while maintaining low carb counts.
Low Carb Vegetables and Toppings for Your Taco Shell
Top your low carb taco shells with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Add healthy fats with avocado or sour cream for extra flavor. Using sugar-free salsa and shredded cheese keeps your low carb hard taco shells both tasty and keto-approved.
Tips for Making Crunchy Low Carb Hard Taco Shells
Cooking Methods: Baking, Frying, and Air Frying
To make low carb hard taco shells extra crunchy, baking is the most popular method. Spread shredded cheese into circles, bake until crispy, and shape while warm. Frying is another option for almond flour low-carb taco shells, giving them a golden finish. Air frying also works well for fast, crispy low-carb taco shells.
How to Keep Your Low-Carb Taco Shell Crispy
To keep your low carb taco shells crunchy, let them cool completely before filling. Avoid adding wet ingredients too early, as moisture can soften low carb hard taco shells. Serve right after assembly for the best texture.
Low Carb Taco Shell Alternatives
What to Use Instead of Taco Shells
If you don’t have low carb taco shells on hand, there are great alternatives. Large lettuce leaves make a fresh, carb-free wrap. Cheese crisps also serve as crunchy low carb hard taco shells.
Lettuce Wraps, Cheese Crisps, and Other Creative Solutions
Lettuce wraps are ideal for light, low carb meals. Cheese crisps offer a crunchy texture similar to low carb hard shell tacos. Some people even use thin slices of grilled vegetables as a low carb taco shell substitute.
Conclusion: Enjoy Delicious Tacos with Low Carb Taco Shells
Switching to low carb taco shells is a simple way to enjoy tacos while keeping your carb intake low. Whether you prefer homemade low carb hard taco shells or convenient store-bought options, there’s a tasty solution for every diet. From cheese crisps to almond flour taco shells, the choices are endless.
Low carb taco shells let you enjoy flavorful fillings, creative toppings, and all the satisfaction of a classic taco. Keep exploring different low carb taco shell recipes and make taco night a healthy part of your low carb lifestyle.
For more low carb recipe ideas, don’t miss our delicious Keto Graham Crackers.
FAQ About Low Carb Taco Shells
Are there low carb taco shells?
Yes, many low carb taco shells are available both in stores and for homemade recipes. Options like cheese-based low carb hard taco shells and almond flour versions keep carb counts low.
What to use instead of taco shells?
You can use lettuce leaves, cheese crisps, or even grilled vegetables as low carb taco shell alternatives. These options help reduce carbs while keeping your meal tasty.
Are Old El Paso Taco shells keto friendly?
No, Old El Paso taco shells are not keto friendly. They are made from corn and contain high levels of carbs, making them unsuitable for a low carb or keto diet.
Can you eat corn taco shells on keto?
Corn taco shells are not recommended for keto. They contain too many carbs per serving. It’s better to stick with low carb taco shells made from cheese or almond flour.