When it comes to snacking, many people enjoy munching on crispy tortilla chips like Doritos. With so many flavor varieties to choose from, it can be tempting to indulge. However, Doritos are often high in calories, so you may wonder how many chips you can eat while still staying within a reasonable calorie range.
The Calorie Content of Doritos
Most standard-size bags of Doritos contain about 150-170 calories per serving, with the typical serving being around 15-16 chips. So if you’re aiming to consume 100 calories worth of Doritos, the quick answer is:
Around 6-7 Doritos chips contain roughly 100 calories.
However, the specific calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact flavor and size of the chips. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the calorie content in different varieties of Doritos:
| Doritos Variety | Calories per Serving (15-16 chips) | Chips per 100 calories |
|---|---|---|
| Nacho Cheese | 160 | 6 |
| Cool Ranch | 150 | 7 |
| Spicy Nacho | 170 | 6 |
| Sweet Chili Heat | 160 | 6 |
| Salsa Verde | 170 | 6 |
As you can see, depending on the exact flavor, 6-7 chips generally provides about 100 calories. The Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch varieties tend to be slightly lower in calories, so you may be able to fit in an extra chip or two of those.
Tips for Managing Your Doritos Portion Size
When snacking on calorie-dense foods like Doritos, portion control is key. Here are some tips to help you enjoy Doritos in moderation:
Read the Nutrition Facts
Pay attention to the serving size and calorie content listed on the Nutrition Facts label. This will give you a better sense of how many chips make up a single portion.
Measure Your Serving
Use a measuring cup or food scale to portion out a serving instead of eating straight from the bag. About 1 ounce of chips is equal to around 15-16 chips.
Portion Into Baggies
Divide your Doritos into 100-calorie baggies or small bowls. Consuming Doritos from pre-portioned containers can make it easier to limit your quantity.
Balance With Vegetables
Pair your Doritos with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices to add fiber and volume. This enhances satisfaction and reduces calorie density.
Avoid Mindless Munching
Sit down and savor your Doritos. Be present as you eat them instead of absentmindedly grabbing more chips while doing something else.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water before and during snacking to prevent overeating. Proper hydration also curbs false hunger signals.
Healthier Ways to Enjoy Doritos
If you want to keep your Doritos cravings in check but don’t want to give them up entirely, there are some healthier ways you can incorporate them into your eating plan:
Crush Them Up
Sprinkle crushed Doritos over tacos, salads, soups, or baked potatoes for extra crunch and flavor. The smaller pieces help decrease overall portion size.
Make Nachos
Build a nacho platter with just a handful of chips and load up on veggies, beans, avocado, and Greek yogurt instead of cheese sauce.
Bake Chip-Crusted Foods
Coat chicken, fish, or vegetables with crushed Doritos before baking for a crispy, flavorful crust.
Use Them as Croutons
Toss broken Dorito pieces into your salad rather than high-calorie croutons.
Make Healthy Trail Mix
Combine a few mini Doritos with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a protein- and fiber-filled snack mix.
The Bottom Line
When snacking on Doritos, a good rule of thumb is that around 6-7 chips provides about 100 calories, though the exact amount varies slightly depending on flavor and chip size. Pay attention to portion sizes, balance Doritos with healthier foods, and look for creative ways to incorporate them into meals and snacks to keep your calorie intake on track.
With a little mindfulness and moderation, you can satisfy your Doritos craving without going overboard on calories.