Corbion announced it is working with manufacturers of corn tortillas to fortify their products with folic acid, which is good news for expectant mothers and their babies at risk for neural tube defects such as spina bifida. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple studies have demonstrated that, along with a healthful diet, consuming folic acid before and during the first weeks of pregnancy helps lower the risk of neural tube defects.
IRI Scan Data shows that in 2023, corn tortillas and taco kits are driving nearly half of total tortilla volume in the U.S., and are growing faster than flour tortillas (2.3% growth). That trend, coupled with the fact that folic acid fortification of masa-based products was approved just a few years ago, means the door is open for manufacturers who want to respond to this market need.