The 15 Unhealthiest Store-Bought Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips have secured a top spot in the hearts (and pantries) of many. Whether accompanying a bowl of salsa, enhancing a cheesy nacho platter, or simply enjoyed on their own, these corn-based delights have become the life of the party or our best friend in a Netflix marathon. With their widespread popularity, they have become easily accessible in stores and available in a myriad of brands, flavors, and compositions. However, the nutritional quality of tortilla chips can vary significantly depending on their composition and preparation.

Some chips may be fried in oils that contain higher levels of saturated and trans fats, which are considered harmful to cardiovascular health. The seasoning blends found in some chips can add extra sodium and artificial flavors. Chemicals like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and various preservatives are often used to enhance taste and extend shelf life. Lastly, some tortilla chips may contain added (hidden) sugars in their seasoning and flavor mixtures. When grabbing a bag of tortilla chips next time, here are a few plain and flavored brands you might want to avoid.

Takis Blue Heat chips are considered unhealthy for several reasons. Firstly, they contain high levels of total fat (8 grams per serving) and saturated fat (2 grams per serving), which can potentially increase the risk of heart-related issues per WebMD. Additionally, the chips are loaded with sodium (180 milligrams per serving), which can also increase risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Note that the nutritional information mentioned on the packaging is based on a single serving size of approximately 12 chips. A standard container of Takis Blue Heat contains 10 servings, enlarging the bag of chips' potential health impact when consumed as a whole.

In the list of ingredients, we've found MSG listed as a flavor enhancer, among other components. While MSG is generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities, some individuals may be sensitive to it and experience adverse reactions like headaches, nausea, or sweating as explained by Mayo Clinic.

Obviously, the biggest elephant in the room here is the blue color. While the use of Blue 1 Lake as a food coloring agent in the chips may not have immediate and direct health impacts, it's essential to note that this artificial color is derived from chemicals to achieve the blue hue, as seen in Cosmetics Info. Consumers concerned about artificial food colorings may prefer naturally occurring colors for more health-conscious choices.

Tostitos Crispy Rounds contains 7 grams of total fat per serving, contributing 9% of the recommended daily intake among which, 1 gram of saturated fat per serving (5% of the recommended daily intake) plays a part. As an essential macronutrient, fat plays a vital role in bodily functions. However, as voiced by WHO, excessive fat consumption from less healthy sources may potentially increase the risk of obesity, heart-related issues, and even cancer. The chips also carry a moderate sodium of 115 milligrams per serving, making up 5% of the recommended daily intake. While not excessively high, regular consumption of salty snacks like these can add up and potentially lead to health issues. The nutrition facts provided are taken from a 12-ounce bag, with a serving size of 28 grams or about 13 chips. The bag contains 12 servings in total. 

While it may take some self-control to stop at just 13 chips and limit potential damage, it's equally important to take into account other nutritional aspects. This snack provides minimal amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin D (all 0% of the recommended daily intake), which further highlights its limited nutritional value. As a result, these chips should not be regularly consumed as a substantial part of one's diet.

On the Border Fiesta Dippin' Chips may appear to have positive features, being gluten-free, free from artificial colors, flavors, and MSG, and using sea salt as a seasoning. However, a closer look reveals unhealthy aspects. Each serving of these chips contains 9 grams of total fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat (5% of the recommended daily intake). Additionally, the chips are relatively high in sodium, with 115 milligrams per serving (5% of the recommended daily intake). The nutritional data is based on a serving size of approximately 1 ounce or about 13 chips, with 12 servings per 12-ounce bag.

These chips lack dietary fiber, a crucial nutrient for digestive health and blood sugar level control as emphasized by the CDC. Additionally, they only provide minimal amounts of essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin D (all 2% or less of the recommended daily intake), underscoring their limited nutritional value. Moreover, we also found the usage of vegetable oils, such as canola, corn, cottonseed, safflower, and/or soybean oil, which Healthline highlights as concerning due to their higher omega-6 fatty acid content. This is especially important since the Western diet contains an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3s, leading to inflammation and other health issues.

When assessing the nutritional profile of Tostitos Black Bean & Garlic, several elements stand out. At 150 calories for roughly eight chips, one might easily consume multiple servings in a single sitting without realizing it. Indulging in excessive chips can rapidly rack up calories, preventing you maintaining a balanced diet. Fat contributes the most calories per gram when compared to carbohydrates and proteins. The chips derive 42% of their calories from fat. While fat isn't inherently bad, the type and source matter. Here, the sources are vegetable oils, which might contain a mixture of unsaturated and saturated fats. Although the saturated fat content is relatively low, the type of fat in vegetable oils can vary, and some types, like omega-6 fatty acids, might contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from corn and is often used as a filler or thickener. Per Healthline, It has a high glycemic index, which means it can rapidly spike blood sugar levels. Frequent consumption of high glycemic foods can lead to insulin resistance and potentially type 2 diabetes. 

The term "natural flavors" used in the ingredients list is quite vague. It refers to flavors derived from natural sources but might undergo extensive processing. It doesn't provide much information about what it specifically contains or how it might impact health and for this reason, it's best to limit or completely avoid consumption of this snack.

At 140 calories for about 10 chips, the caloric content in Paqui Haunted Ghost Pepper is in line with many processed snacks. The chips contain 7 grams of fat per serving. Per the FDA, at has more than twice the calories per gram as carbohydrates and protein, so it contributes significantly to the calorie content. The chips use expeller-pressed canola or sunflower oil. While these oils are better than some alternatives, as they contain unsaturated fats, their nutritional value is subject to the way they are processed. Expeller-pressed is generally a better method than chemical extraction, but it can still involve heat, which might degrade the oil. With a relatively low 1 gram of saturated fat per serving, repeated consumption can still add up to daily intake limits.

With 210 milligrams of sodium per serving, the chips are notably high in salt. Excessive sodium consumption has been associated with reduction in kidney function per Healthline.

At 18 grams per serving, carbs make up a significant portion of the chip's nutritional profile. Since these are mainly from ground corn, they're primarily simple carbohydrates that could lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar. Dietary fiber is present only at 1 gram per serving, a low amount considering they're made from corn. Fiber helps with digestive health and satiety. Even though there's no added sugars, the inclusion of cane sugar in the ingredient list implies some level of sugar, albeit minor.

Hilo Life Ultimate Taco chips offer 150 calories per serving of approximately 14 chips. While this may appear standard for a snack, it might add up quickly for those enjoying more than one serving at a time, contributing to excessive calorie intake. A closer look at the fat content reveals that these chips contain 11 grams of fat per serving. While some of the fat is attributed to heart-healthy monounsaturated sources, the total quantity is on the higher end compared to many other chips on the market. This may be a concern for those watching their overall fat consumption.

The sodium content in these chips stands at 210mg per serving, an amount that could be considered high. For individuals concerned with their sodium intake, especially those monitoring their blood pressure, this level of sodium might be problematic. The taco seasoning in Hilo Life Ultimate Taco chips comprises several ingredients, including natural flavors, yeast, onion powder, tomato powder, yeast extract, garlic powder, sunflower oil, paprika extract, acacia gum, among others. The term "natural flavors" is somewhat nebulous and can encompass a wide array of ingredients.

Lastly, the presence of milk and almonds in the ingredients might pose a risk for those with allergies to these substances. While this may not be a concern for the general population, for those with specific food allergies, this is a critical aspect to be aware of when considering these chips as a snacking option.

The Organic Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips, while presenting under an organic banner, have specific nutritional and ingredient facets warranting a closer look. Starting with the fats, the chips provide 7 grams of total fat per serving, which is 9% of the daily value. Of this, 0.5 gram is saturated fat. The presence of 1 gram of polyunsaturated and 4.5 grams of monounsaturated fats provides some relief, given that these are typically viewed as healthier fats. Still, the source of these fats is essential. The chips utilize sunflower or safflower oil, which are predominantly high in omega-6 fatty acids. 

Sodium is another aspect to be considered at 120 milligrams per serving. On the carbohydrate front, each serving packs 18 grams of carbs, 2 grams of which are dietary fiber, and 1 gram as sugars. The modest sugar content is a minor concern, but the type of carbohydrate and its potential glycemic impact might matter to some consumers, especially those with specific dietary conditions.

Delving into the ingredients, we found whey. Whey is a milk byproduct, often used in food processing for its flavor-enhancing properties. However, it could be problematic for lactose-intolerant individuals. Yeast extract, a recurrent additive in many processed foods, is rich in free glutamates – a compound similar in effect to MSG.