Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips 11 Ounce Bag
Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips received a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **ultra-processed nature** and **high sodium content**.
This product has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A 100g serving contains 964.29mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
Compared to air-popped popcorn, Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips are much higher in fat and sodium.
Consider this product for occasional consumption in controlled portions rather than a regular snack.
Scores -2 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
964.29mg
42% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.6g)-1
Sodium (964.3mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 39
Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips earned a FoodScore of 39 out of 100, which is categorized as poor. The primary factor driving this low score is its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating an ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. The product also receives a substantial penalty of -5 points for its high sodium content, at 964.29mg per 100g. Additionally, the presence of 3.57g of saturated fat per 100g results in a -1 point penalty, and the concentrated ultra-processed fat contributes another -3 points. While the product does offer some positive attributes, such as 3.61g of fiber (+3 points) and 7.14g of protein (+3 points) per 100g, these are outweighed by the penalties. It also receives +2 points for its Vitamin A content (40% DV). Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, Doritos offers significantly less nutritional density and higher levels of sodium and fat. Ingredients like monosodium glutamate and maltodextrin are characteristic of ultra-processed foods.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in doritos spicy sweet chili tortilla chips 11 ounce bag actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Fiber
Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips provide 3.61g of fiber per 100g. While not a primary source, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber intake, which is important for digestive health and maintaining regularity. Fiber also helps promote a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in satiety management when consumed as part of a balanced snack.
Protein Contribution
With 7.14g of protein per 100g, Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips offer a moderate amount of this macronutrient. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it plays a role in numerous bodily functions. While not a high-protein food, this contribution can complement other protein sources in your diet, especially when consumed in combination with other protein-rich foods.
Vitamin A Content
This product contains Vitamin A, providing 40% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth. While the source of Vitamin A in this product is likely from the extractives of paprika, it still contributes to your overall intake of this important vitamin.
Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips received a FoodScore of 39/100 (Poor), primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
How to eat it
Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips are typically consumed as a standalone snack or alongside meals like sandwiches. A common portion size is around 28-30g, which is significantly less than the 100g nutritional reference. The main pitfall is overconsumption due to their palatable nature.
To improve the nutritional balance, pair a small portion of Doritos with a source of lean protein like grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg.
Combine with fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices or bell pepper strips to add fiber and micronutrients to your snack.
Measure out a single serving (approximately 11 chips) to help with portion control and avoid excessive intake of sodium and fat.
Consider using crushed Doritos as a flavorful topping for salads or baked dishes, rather than eating them as a primary snack.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients common in ultra-processed foods. The presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are flavor enhancers, which some individuals may choose to limit. The ingredient list also declares soy and wheat ingredients, making it unsuitable for individuals with allergies to these common allergens. Due to its high sodium content (964.29mg per 100g), individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should consume this product in very limited quantities. The vegetable oil blend includes corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil, which are common refined oils.
Is Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips healthy?
With a FoodScore of 39/100, Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips are considered to have a poor nutritional profile. This is largely due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content. While it provides some fiber and protein, these benefits are outweighed by other factors, suggesting it is not a healthy choice for regular consumption.
How does Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili compare to other snack chips?
Compared to a generic plain potato chip, Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips often have a similar caloric and fat density, but may contain more complex flavorings and additives. For example, a brand like Lay's Classic Potato Chips might have slightly less sodium per 100g, but both are considered ultra-processed snacks. Healthier alternatives would be air-popped popcorn or plain whole-grain crackers.
What is maltodextrin and why is it in this product?
Maltodextrin is a common food additive derived from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat. It is used in Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips as a thickener, filler, and preservative, and can also contribute to the product's flavor and texture. It is a rapidly digestible carbohydrate and contributes to the overall carbohydrate content.
What is a reasonable portion size for these chips?
A typical serving size for Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips is around 28-30g, which is significantly less than the 100g used for the nutritional data provided. This smaller portion would contain approximately 270-290mg of sodium and 7-8g of total fat. Adhering to this smaller portion size is crucial for managing intake of sodium and calories.
Are there any artificial colors in Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili?
The ingredient list for Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips includes caramel color and extractives of paprika. Extractives of paprika provide natural color, but caramel color is a food additive used for coloring. The label does not list artificial food dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 5, but caramel color is a processed coloring agent.