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A wrap is a variant of a taco or burrito which includes traditional sandwich fillings wrapped in a pita or soft flour tortilla, a lavash or other soft flatbread. The wrap, also known as a "tortilla panacea," has gained popularity as a low-carbohydrate alternative to sandwiches made with bread.

Wraps have recently become popular with burger and sandwich restaurants. The tortilla is similar in size to those used for burritos. Sometimes the tortillas are flavored, such as spinach-herb, chipotle, or tomato-basil. The most popular wraps contain chicken, but shrimp and beef are served. Typical toppings include: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pico de gallo, guacamole, saute mushrooms, grilled onions, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.

Restaurants such as Sonic drive-in, Jason's Deli, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Subway serve wraps. KFC now serves its chicken in a wrap as menu choice, with lettuce, mayonnaise and salsa. McDonalds has recently introduced a snack wrap, with a fried chicken strip, lettuce, cheddar, and ranch dressing. This wrap is smaller than typical wraps, it is the same size as their breakfast burrito. Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill has recently introduced a Portobello Chicken Wrap to broaden their selection of grilled menu items.

James Beaton, Chairman of Discovery Foods, a UK based tortilla manufacturer, is credited with introducing wraps to the UK and is the only non Mexican or American to be a member of the hallowed "Tortilla Hall of Fame".^{[citation needed]} The UK wrap market has grown substantially since 2004 with all major sandwich and fast food stores now selling wraps, as well as the emergence of Wrap it up!, the UK's first wrap restaurant.

Beaton, however, did not actually invent the sandwich. Instead, Bobby Valentine, former New York Mets manager, is credited with having first put a "sandwich in a tortilla" or a wrap sandwich on the menu of his Stamford, Connecticut restaurant. The sandwich and restaurant, Bobby V's, were featured on the Food Network in a segment during which he was credited with the invention. ^[2] However, it should be pointed out that Mexicans have been filling flour tortillas with various foods (including those typically associated with the wrap) for over a hundred years.

1. ^ O'Malley, Tim. "Seizing the burning idea", American Venture Magazine, Q3 2005. Retrieved on 2007-08-18. 
2. ^ Chapman, Sharon. KCMets. February 18, 2007.[1]