The Ultimate Guide To Takis

When picking out a spicy snack, one could purchase a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Spicy Nacho Doritos, or even Andy Capp's Hot Fries. All of these are viable options, especially for on-the-go snackers. However, Takis are often considered the king of spicy chips. 

Takis consist of rolled corn tortilla chips. These tube-shaped chips are coated in spices, which turns them bright red. The Mexican snack was invented in 1999 and introduced to the United States in 2006. People know Takis as that purple bag of chips you can find at most gas stations. But not everyone knows how many variations of Takis exist. 

In addition to the original Takis, the brand also sells similar chips in varying shapes and textures. Most of these variations come in different flavors, with differing degrees of spiciness. Wondering about all of the Takis styles and flavors out there? Read on to discover them, as well as Takis' nutritional information, unique recipes, and more.

Original

Takis' most classic offering is the brand's original chips. These consist of rolled tortilla chips that are crunchy, thin, and packed with flavor. These chips come in many different flavors. The original flavor, Fuego, is pretty hot. Blue Heat is also spicy, but with an aggressively blue coloring. Guacamole is made with light spice and a green food dye. Similar to Guacamole, the Crunchy Fajitas flavor is pretty mild in terms of spice. Nitro Takis contain a similar spice level to the Fuego and Blue Heat flavors.

In addition to these classic flavors, Takis has released harder-to-find, sometimes limited-edition versions of the original snack over the years. These include Angry Burger, Authentic Taco, Scorpion BBQ, Volcano Queso, and Xtra Hot. They all taste pretty much how you'd expect them to, based on their names. There are even more fun flavors. These include the chipotle cheese flavor Lava, the habanero flavor Zombie Nitro, the salsa-flavored Salsa Brava, the buffalo sauce-flavored Wild Takis, and the cheesy Xplosion. The original line of Takis chips is not kosher, halal, or gluten-free. 

Stix

Takis also makes a line of chips called Stix. These are very similar to Takis, except they are stick-shaped. This gives them a smoother appearance than Takis' original line of rolled-up tortilla chips. However, this variation of the Takis brand is probably the closest to the original Takis' texture and shape. Takis's Stix comes in two flavors. One flavor, Flare, tastes of chili pepper and lime. The other flavor, Fuego, is a spicier variation version of this chili pepper and lime flavor.

Some people online think that Stix gives the original line of Takis a run for their money. One Twitter user wrote, "Why do the takis stix taste better than regular takis?" Based on the responses, they were not alone in their appreciation for this type of Takis. While Stix might not be anything too exciting — especially if you are already a fan of original Takis — they are still definitely worth a try.

Chippz

Chippz are another type of snack made by Takis. This line consists of thinly-sliced potato chips coated in the brand's classic chili lime seasoning. You could liken the size and texture of these chips to classic Lay's. Takis Chippz are offered in one flavor: Fuego. We could see Chippz being one of the less popular products made by Takis. This is because the chips only come in one flavor, so there isn't much variety. 

However, if you want that Takis flavoring combined with the crunch of a classic potato chip, then you might like Chippz. Also, the Chippz line contains slightly fewer calories per bag than Takis' original line. One Twitter user noticed this, writing, "who was gonna tell me the new Takis Chippz calories arent that bad." However, readers should note that this is only a difference of approximately 10 calories per serving. While Takis Chippz are worth the purchase, they might not excite you as much as some other Takis products. 

Waves

Takis Waves is an exciting product line, in our eyes. Not only do they have a potato chip shape, but that potato chip shape comes with crunchy ridges. This wavy texture provides an extremely satisfying crunch. Although these chips are thick, they're not as sturdy as the original line of Takis. Takis Waves only come in the signature Fuego flavor, which consists of chili pepper and lime. 

Some Twitter users noted that the lime flavoring is less noticeable in Takis Waves, compared to other variations. Many Twitter users thought that the Waves line was very enjoyable. One Twitter user wrote: "Yo them Takis Waves go crazyyyyy with my tastebuds." Takis Waves are a great snack, especially when you want a ruffled potato chip and a spicy taste at the same time. We would even say that Takis Waves is the best spicy variation of a ruffled potato chip on the market.

Crisps

Another version of Takis potato chips is called Crisps. These stackable, thinly-cut chips are extremely similar to those made by the famous Pringles brand, right down to the canned packaging. However, Pringles won't be able to give you that signature Takis taste. Takis Crisps come in one flavor — the trademark Fuego — which is packed with intense spice in each bite. 

The consensus among social media users seems to be that Takis Crisps provide a light crunch that is easy for more sensitive mouths to bear. This is because the chips are thinner than Takis' original line. One Twitter user loved this aspect of Takis Crisps so much that she felt the snacks were made for her. "It's like they knew I was fiendishly craving the hard cronch and spicy goodness of those delectable chips but couldn't enjoy them because of my fear of ruining my braces," the social media user wrote. For those who favor a softer chip, we recommend giving Takis Crisps a try. 

Hot Nuts

Takis Hot Nuts consists of individual peanuts coated in the signature flavors of the brand. These are unique, though, because the spicy coating is not just the snack's flavoring, but the actual makeup of the snack itself. This seasoning becomes an outer layer, creating a snack with double the crunch. Takis Hot Nuts come in only two flavors: Flare and Fuego. Both are made with the flavors of chili pepper and lime, but Fuego is a bit spicier. 

The appeal of this snack comes from its double crunch. As you bite into one, there is crunch provided by the nut, plus its seasoned coating. It is a step up from your average nut snack, as well as your average Takis snack. One Twitter user said: "Have you had Takis Hot Nuts? Prob the best Takis related product. So good." This variation is not for everyone, particularly those who are allergic to nuts. But if you are a big peanut fan, Takis Hot Nuts are the way to go.

POP!

Move over regular popcorn, because Takis POP! is here to stay. This is one of the more creative styles within the brand. It is essentially a bag of popcorn, with each piece coated in the signature Takis flavoring. These ingredients make Takis POP! a lighter snack than other product lines. Each piece contains an easy crunch, as well as a fluffy finish. Like many of the other Takis brand variations, Takis POP! comes in one flavor: the signature Fuego. If you've ever wanted to eat popcorn doused with Takis' classic seasoning, this is your chance. 

Some people have tried to make their own Takis-flavored popcorn at home. The combination is a clear winner. One Twitter user wrote, "Tried Takis Popcorn today... lemme tell ya .. that was the most perfect popcorn I have ever tried." The flavor of the Takis POP! is a great way to enjoy the classic snack of popcorn, but with a spicy and citrus-flavored twist. By buying Takis POP! you don't even have to make it yourself. 

Kettlez

Kettlez is yet another type of Takis. They are essentially the Takis version of kettle chips, which are typically thicker and contain a bumpy surface. Takis Kettlez has a few different kinds of flavors to choose from. There is the signature spicy Fuego, Jalapeño Typhoon, and Habanero Fury. These seasonings take these kettle chips to the next level. 

Many Twitter users agree that Takis Kettlez are not that creative, but they still are a great option for fans of Takis. Even people who've never tried Takis original rolled tortilla chips have eaten the Takis Kettlez. That's how enticing they are. One Twitter user wrote, "I don't like Takis but lemme tell you 'bout them Jalapeño Kettle chips mmm." The various flavors of the Takis Kettlez provide some variety for fans of Takis, and the texture is varied enough to make it a great addition to the brand.

Other uses

We love that there are so many different uses for Takis. Though the several varieties sold by the brand are excellent on their own, there are many ways you can use Takis to spice up your everyday foods. One great way to use these chips is as a topping. You use a Takis topping to spice up a casserole, by adding a top layer to the chips. You could do the same while making a macaroni and cheese recipe. You could also put them into a sandwich in order to add a little crunch. You could even put them in a salad, to use them like croutons. We recommend carefully choosing a Takis flavor that you like to make sure the flavors do not clash. 

There are some additional ways to eat Takis that require less preparation. Try dipping the chips in cream cheese or ranch. The sky's the limit on uses for Takis. There are probably at least a few foods out there that Takis could make better. 

Brand partnerships

Because Takis are so versatile, it's only natural that the brand would acquire many partnerships. Brands seem eager and able to easily marry the idea of Takis with their particular product. 

One such partnership took place with the brand Old El Paso. The company released its iconic hard taco shells, but with the addition of Takis classic chili pepper and lime seasoning on the food's exterior. These taco shells are a great way to spice up your tacos, literally and figuratively. Another Takis partnership occurred with the brand Popcornopolis. The snack company partnered with Takis to create a Takis Fuego-flavored popcorn. This product is similar to the Takis brand POP!, but with the Popcornopolis popcorn recipe.

Takis found a way to have some protein through the brand's partnership with Cattleman's Cut. Together, the two companies released Takis-flavored Cattleman's Cut Meat Sticks. It will be interesting to see what brands partner with Takis next.

Celebrity endorsements

Celebrity endorsements are another way that Takis attempts to further its notoriety. The brand even enlisted American internet personality Tyler Blevins, also known as Ninja, who is known for his professional video gaming and livestreaming career. Blevins has appeared in promotional content for Takis. The snack company also hired social media star Charli D'Amelio, who is famous for her TikTok presence. 

Both creators are well-versed in the digital space, which is why Takis wanted to use them for its digital campaign. According to a Takis press release, D'Amelio said of the chips: "The Fuego flavor is my favorite, where every bite is intensely hot, yet amazing. I even have a hidden stash in my bedroom, just so I never run out." Ninja also spoke on the brand, saying, "I can never say no to an open bag. Crunchy, spicy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends." The partnership began in 2021. These are just a few of the celebrities who've agreed to try Takis for promotional purposes. Actor and professional wrestler John Cena has, as well.