Many people believe that eating arepas is less healthy than eating wheat flour-based bread, but both offer a similar caloric content and can be considered a part of a balanced diet. Corn, however, contains a gluten-free protein called Zein, which makes it much healthier for celiacs.

An arepa has a mild taste to them. They have a mild corn flavor, thanks to the cornmeal. As they taste mild, it's perfect for filling with flavorful stuffing such as shredded cheese, black beans, shredded pork, and more.

The arepa is a pre-Columbian dish from the area that is now Colombia, Panama and Venezuela. Instruments used to make flour for the arepas, and the clay slabs on which they were cooked, were often found at archaeological sites in the area.