Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips

Common questions

Is Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips healthy?

Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips scores 1/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This product is highly processed and contains multiple harmful ingredients, including industrial seed oils, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers like MSG.

Does Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips contain seed oils?

Yes — Scout's ingredient analysis flags seed oils in Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips, and that is reflected in its score.

How processed is Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips?

Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips compare to other salty snacks?

Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips ranks #115 of 118 salty snacks in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Jesse & Ben's House-Cut Fries Tallow & Sea Salt at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Powder count in its favor; Vegetable Oil, Maltodextrin, Sugar are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Doritos Flamas Tortilla Chips

Doritos
Contains seed oils
1 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 11
Owned by PepsiCo
Category Salty Snacks
Summary

This product is highly processed and contains multiple harmful ingredients, including industrial seed oils, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers like MSG. The presence of artificial dyes and maltodextrin further contributes to its low nutritional value and potential health risks. The combination of these factors, along with its ultra-processed nature, results in a very low health score.

Key ingredients 23

Vegetable Oil
Very Bad

Vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. These oils are highly processed and often extracted using chemical solvents. They are considered unhealthy due to their high omega-6 content and processing methods.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

See more about Vegetable Oil →
Artificial Color
Very Bad

Artificial colors such as Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake are synthetic dyes derived from petroleum. They are used to enhance the visual appeal of foods. These dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other health concerns.

Risks

Linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions.

See more about Artificial Color →
Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate derived from corn. It has a high glycemic index and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is often used as a filler or thickener in processed foods.

Risks

May cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is a simple carbohydrate that can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. It is often added to processed foods to enhance sweetness. Excessive consumption is linked to various health problems.

Risks

Excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

See more about Sugar →
Monosodium Glutamate
Bad

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. It is commonly used in processed foods to enhance umami flavor. Some people report headaches and other symptoms after consuming MSG.

Risks

May cause headaches and other symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances umami flavor in foods but has no nutritional benefits.

See more about Monosodium Glutamate →
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Bad

Hydrolyzed corn protein is a processed ingredient used to enhance flavor. It can contain free glutamates similar to MSG. It is often used in processed foods and may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause adverse reactions similar to MSG in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances flavor but has no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Hydrolyzed Corn Protein →
Yeast Extract
Bad

Concentrated glutamate source — MSG-adjacent flavor enhancer.

Risks

May cause reactions in individuals sensitive to glutamates.

Benefits

Enhances umami flavor in foods but has no significant nutritional benefits.

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Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavors are a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources. They are often used to enhance flavor in processed foods. The lack of transparency about their composition can be concerning.

Risks

Lack of transparency about composition may pose concerns for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Benefits

Enhances flavor but has no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Natural Flavor →
Corn Syrup Solids
Bad

Corn syrup solids are a form of sugar derived from corn. They are used as a sweetener and can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Excessive consumption is linked to various health problems.

Risks

Linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease when consumed in excess.

See more about Corn Syrup Solids →
Disodium Inosinate
Bad

Disodium inosinate is a flavor enhancer often used in conjunction with MSG. It is derived from nucleotides and can enhance umami flavor. It may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with MSG.

Benefits

Enhances umami flavor but has no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Disodium Inosinate →
Disodium Guanylate
Bad

Disodium guanylate is a flavor enhancer often used with MSG to enhance umami flavor. It is derived from nucleotides and can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. It is commonly used in processed foods.

Risks

May cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with MSG.

Benefits

Enhances umami flavor but has no significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Disodium Guanylate →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a common ingredient in processed foods. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium for bodily functions but should be consumed in moderation.

See more about Salt →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is commonly used in food products to add acidity and preserve freshness. It is generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical amounts.

Benefits

Helps preserve freshness and enhance flavor in food products.

See more about Citric Acid →
Sodium Diacetate
Neutral

Sodium diacetate is a salt of acetic acid used as a preservative and flavoring agent. It helps to inhibit microbial growth and enhance flavor. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food products.

Benefits

Helps preserve food and enhance flavor.

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Modified Corn Starch
Neutral

Modified corn starch is used as a thickener and stabilizer in processed foods. It is derived from corn and is highly processed. It is generally recognized as safe but offers no significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability in food products but has no nutritional benefits.

See more about Modified Corn Starch →
Onion Powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onion used to add flavor. It retains some of the nutritional properties of fresh onions. It is generally considered safe and adds flavor without significant health risks.

Benefits

Adds flavor and some nutritional properties of fresh onions.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is a source of protein. It is often used in processed foods to enhance nutritional content. While it provides protein, it is not a significant source of other nutrients in this context.

Benefits

Provides protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

See more about Whey →
Romano Cheese
Neutral

Romano cheese provides protein and calcium but is high in saturated fat and sodium. It is a common ingredient in flavored snacks. While it offers some nutritional benefits, it should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.

See more about Romano Cheese →
Buttermilk
Neutral

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that provides some protein and calcium. It is used in processed foods for flavor and texture. While it offers some nutritional benefits, it is not a significant source of nutrients in this context.

Benefits

Provides some protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.

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Corn
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Corn may contain pesticide residues and lacks essential nutrients found in whole grains.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates for energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

See more about Corn →
Cheddar Cheese
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to cardiovascular issues if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.

See more about Cheddar Cheese →
Garlic Powder
Good

Concentrated whole-food seasoning.

Benefits

Adds flavor and some nutritional properties of fresh garlic.

See more about Garlic Powder →
Whey Protein Concentrate
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

See more about Whey Protein Concentrate →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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