Doritos nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips are an iconic snack food enjoyed by many. But with growing concerns over processed foods and their health effects, some may wonder – are Doritos nacho cheese chips actually healthy?
The Ingredients in Doritos Nacho Cheese
To determine if Doritos nacho cheese chips are healthy, we first need to look at what’s actually in them. The main ingredients are:
- Corn – This is used to make the tortilla chips themselves. Corn is a whole grain and contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Vegetable oil – Doritos are fried in a mix of sunflower, corn, and/or canola oils. These processed oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.
- Cheese seasoning – Contains milk ingredients, whey, cheese cultures, and seasoning. Provides a cheesy flavor but little nutritional value.
- Salt – Doritos contain a considerable amount of sodium, with about 250mg per serving.
- Artificial colors – Nacho cheese Doritos get their bright orange color from Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5 food dyes.
- Preservatives – Includes MSG and citric acid.
- Artificial flavors – Helps create their intense cheese flavor profile.
As you can see, Doritos nacho cheese chips are highly processed and contain concerning ingredients like artificial colors, MSG, and vegetable oils.
Nutrition Facts for Doritos Nacho Cheese
Looking at the nutrition label also provides insight into how healthy Doritos nacho cheese chips are:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 oz (About 14 chips) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 2g |
Right away you can see that a 1 ounce serving (about 14 chips) contains 140 calories, 250mg sodium, and 8g of fat. It also has minimal fiber, protein, or other valuable nutrients.
Pros of Doritos Nacho Cheese Nutrition
- Low in sugar and calories per chip
- No cholesterol or trans fats
- Contain a bit of protein and fiber
Cons of Doritos Nacho Cheese Nutrition
- High in sodium
- High in fat for such a small serving
- Lacks nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Overall the nutritional profile of Doritos nacho cheese chips is quite poor. They are more of an indulgent snack rather than a healthy option.
Health Effects of Eating Doritos Nacho Cheese
What does science have to say about how eating Doritos nacho cheese chips impacts your health?
Weight Gain
Doritos have a high calorie density, meaning there are a lot of calories packed into a small serving. This makes it easy to overeat and the chips don’t properly satisfy hunger. Studies show that frequently eating calorie-dense foods promotes weight gain over time.
High Blood Pressure
The high amount of sodium in Doritos nacho cheese can negatively affect blood pressure, especially for those with hypertension or heart problems. Sodium causes the body to retain water, putting stress on your cardiovascular system.
Inflammation
The vegetable oils and artificial ingredients in Doritos can trigger inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The preservatives and additives may also cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
Nutrient Deficiencies
When you fill up on Doritos, you’re missing out on healthier whole foods. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber can develop over time, hurting immunity and energy levels.
Are Doritos Nacho Cheese Vegan/Vegetarian?
No, Doritos nacho cheese flavored chips are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. While the chips themselves contain no animal products, the cheese seasoning includes milk ingredients like whey and other milk derivatives. Those avoiding dairy for health or ethical reasons will want to avoid this Doritos flavor.
Alternatives to Doritos Nacho Cheese
If you want to satisfy your cheesy tortilla chip craving in a healthier way, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Baked tortilla chips – Try restaurant-style chips baked instead of fried, without artificial flavors and colors.
- Homemade tortilla chips – Make your own by cutting corn tortillas and baking with just a bit of oil and salt.
- Bean or veggie chips – Swap regular chips for chips made from black beans, lentils, kale, or other veggies.
- Popcorn – Air-popped popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast and spices makes for a crunchy, low-calorie snack.
- Queso dip – Pair homemade baked chips with real cheese-based queso dip for a treat.
Conclusion
To summarize, Doritos Nacho Cheese chips are highly processed and contain many unhealthy ingredients like MSG, artificial colors/flavors, and vegetable oils. They are low in nutrients yet high in fat, sodium, and calories. Eating them regularly may contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. While fine in moderation, most health experts would not recommend Doritos as a regular part of your diet. Choosing lower-calorie baked chips and making your own snacks at home are much healthier alternatives to keep your cheese chip cravings in check.