5 Best Tortilla Chips, Ranked

Crunch, salt, and the perfect scoop – the holy trinity of an excellent tortilla chip. In a world where chips are much more than mere vehicles for guacamole and salsa, finding the best tortilla chips has become an art form. From the crispness of the first bite to the delicate balance of salt and corn, a great tortilla chip can elevate your snacking game to new heights. Join us as we embark on a tantalizing journey through the best tortilla chips on the market, uncovering those golden triangles that not only hold up to the heftiest dips but also stand out on their own as snack-time superstars. Whether you’re a purist who loves them plain or an adventurous foodie seeking bold flavors, we’ve got the ultimate list to satisfy your crunch cravings. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

1. On the Border

On the Border crunches down on the top spot on our list due to its consistently high reviews by experts. “…it was the chip that guests finished immediately as they raved about its crispiness and the fact that it was the only chip you could munch on without a sauce or dip,” says Today. 

Plus, the brand has their own salsa line, making for the perfect pair. Washington Post takes note of the little details that make this chip special: “Fresh tasting… Nice curl for salsa retention.”

Restaurant Clicks likes its affordability, “These chips are priced right compared to many of the other big brands – thin, flaky, crispy, and delicious.”

2. Santitas 

At number two sits the ever-popular Santitas Tortilla Chip. This Frito-Lay product is wildly popular and deserves this spot on the list. “Santitas chips are large triangles, with a lot of surface area for scooping up salsa and a thickness that can hold up to any sauce and makes for a great base for nachos,” says Uproxx.

According to Anoumanzer, you get a lot of crunch for your buck, “This was one of the most lasting chips, so if your guacamole is essentially avocado pieces with a few drops of lime juice and finely chopped onions, this is the chip for you. You can feel secure in the knowledge that you won’t fall victim to price gouging by greedy businesses.”

Serious Eats writes, “Santitas takes the win for best value brand. The size of the chips is a much more reasonable 2 bites per triangle as well, making them ideal for grabbing and dipping.”

3. Xochitl

While it may be the hardest brand to say, it makes up for how delicious they are. Xochitl hits at number three and hails from the Southwest state of Texas. 

All Recipes sings their graces, “These tasted like chips fresh from the fryer at our favorite Mexican restaurant. The light corn flavor paired perfectly with salsa. As a plus, these chips are gluten-free, certified organic, Non-GMO, and made with no preservatives. Although they are on the thinner side, they have an excellent crunch.”

“Xochitl’s tortilla chips are made from yellow corn and palm oil, and they’re so light and thin, they’ll remind you of fresh chips from your favorite Mexican restaurant. The almost-airy texture still comes with great corn flavor and evenly distributed sea salt seasoning,” says The Spruce Eats. 

“Wow, what a surprise (said no chip enthusiast ever). With a premium chip that impresses with an authentic maize flavor, a well-balanced texture, the presence of sea salt, and even a tinge of lime, Xochitl takes home the top prize in this taste test,” adds Anoumanzer.

4. Late July

Late July creates and serves many flavors of tortilla chip, but we’re giving special attention to their original blend. There’s little doubt that a bag of these won’t go unfinished. “One staffer captured our sentiments perfectly: ‘These chips are made by angels.’ They’re not, but you get the idea. Organic whole-ground corn gives these chips some flavor of their own, but it’s subtle enough to still be a blank canvas for beans and guac,” raves Bon Appétit.

Restaurant Clicks says, “For those who like a lighter chip that somewhat melts in your mouth, this is the tortilla chip for you. The ingredients include organic whole ground corn, organic sunflower oil and/or organic safflower oil, and sea salt.”

What makes them so good? Washington Post reviewers are head-over-heels for this snack: “‘The uber-chip,’ one fan declared. ‘Tastes light and crunchy, but sturdy enough to get the guac.'”

5. Tostitos Original

The big boy at the supermarket gets the number five spot on our list due to its pure dedication to consistency. Simple and effective, “These chips were so perfectly balanced with just the right amount of corn flavor and saltiness,” says All Recipes.

These blue, red, or purple bags are found all across the country and would be missed if they were not represented among the greats. Today mentions their foundational attributes to get-togethers everywhere, “These are solid. They’re a staple at most picnics and barbecues because they always deliver in lightness, salt content, and size.”

“​​I love these chips for their versatility – they are thin and crispy enough to munch on as a snack but are strong enough to dip in salsas and cheese sauces,” adds Restaurant Clicks.

Sources:

• Tasting Table 
• Today
• Washington Post
• Restaurant Clicks
• Uproxx
• Anoumanzer
• Serious Eats
• All Recipes
• The Spruce Eats
• Bon Appétit

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.