Photo:
Ashia Aubourg
Whether you’re dipping tortilla chips into spicy corn salsa, creamy artichoke dip, or using them as the base for cheesy, beefy nachos, these corn-based crisps add a satisfying crunch and a hint of saltiness to so many classic comfort foods. But when you head to the grocery store, you’ll find a vast array of options lining the shelves, and it can get pretty overwhelming to know which one to buy.
I’ll admit, I usually don’t put much thought into choosing tortilla chips when grocery shopping and often just grab whatever bag is on sale. Though there have definitely been times when I’ve picked up a chip that seems appealing, only to find it lacks flavor. Or worse, a crisp that’s so flimsy it practically disintegrates as soon as I dip it into a creamy dip or load it up with cheese and toppings. To help you avoid that fate, I tested 11 different types. Below, you’ll discover my subjective ranking of the ones I think truly deserve a spot in your cart.
How I Chose the Tortilla Chips
Like potato chips, tortilla chips come in many different varieties. For this experiment, I tested options with a plain, original, or some version of a just seasoned with salt flavor. While some brands may label their chips as “cafe-style” or “restaurant-style,” I included them as long as they met my flavor criteria. Lastly, I chose picks available at major retailers, so you can easily find them in stores without needing to order online.
How I Tested the Tortilla Chips
I first checked whether the tortilla chips made it home from the store in one piece. Chips that didn’t have sturdy packaging to prevent crushing didn’t rank high on my list. Next, I tested them all with the packaging hidden, noting which chips had a satisfying crispiness and a good balance of saltiness and corn flavor. Finally, I dipped the picks in salsa and guacamole to see which ones held up well and which fell apart after a dunk.
The Best Tortilla Chip Brands, Ranked
11th Place: On The Border Café Style Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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There’s nothing worse than grabbing a bag of tortilla chips for chili nachos or to dip into Buffalo chicken dip, only to find that all the pieces are broken and shattered. Unfortunately, this happened twice with the ones from On The Border. They didn’t perform well in the taste test either—my immediate reaction was how dry they were, even when paired with a refreshing salsa.
10th Place: Santitas White Corn Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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These tortilla chips had a texture and flavor that oddly resembled a Dorito but without the cheese or ranch dust. They offered a serious crunch, making them decent for dipping in guacamole and salsa. However, they lacked the delicate, layered texture that makes you want to keep eating them by the handful. (I had to be careful when biting into these, as they were sharp enough to potentially hurt my gums if I wasn’t careful!)
9th Place: Mission White Corn Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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These chips from Mission seemed promising at first, especially with their unique rectangular shape. However, the design ended up being a drawback. The flat, square-like form made it challenging to scoop up thick dips like guac without the crisps cracking each time. Flavor-wise, they were overly salty, which overshadowed their subtle corn taste.
8th Place: Garden of Eatin’ White Corn Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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I was hoping the flavor of the grains in these chips would really stand out, but unfortunately, an oily aftertaste overpowers it. They have a good snap, but after a few servings, the flavor starts to feel flat. As for the dip test, they hold up fine in salsa, but when it comes to thicker spreads like guacamole, they can’t quite handle it and break apart.
7th Place: Tostitos Original Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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As soon as you bite into one of these Tostitos chips, you’re hit with a sharp, salty flavor. These crisps can work well if you pair them with a refreshing tomato salsa, but after a while—especially if you’re eating them on their own or with a savory bacon cheese dip—the saltiness can become overpowering. They passed the sturdiness test, as I was able to drag these chips through a bowl of thick dip without them cracking. Plus, they made it home from the store, remaining whole without breaking.
6th Place: Frontera Thin and Crispy Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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When I lived in Chicago, I always looked forward to flying out of O’Hare airport where there’s a Frontera stall in the food court that serves delicious tortas and tortilla chips. So, I was excited to try the store-bought version of these chips from this brand. While they have a tasty, subtly sweet, and salty flavor, they’re missing the vibrant corn notes that come through when the chips are made fresh at the restaurant. However, when paired with fresh salsa and guacamole, they come to life.
5th Place: Late July Organic Sea Salt Dippers
Ashia Aubourg
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The dippers from Late July have a unique, cup-like shape that’s perfect for scooping up generous amounts of salsa and guacamole (and they pass the dip test with flying colors!). Despite their distinct shape, they hold up well and don’t get crushed during transport. They have a nice, subtle corn flavor, but where they fall short is in the taste—there simply isn’t enough salt. Pairing them with a savory spinach artichoke or a creamy crab spread would definitely help make up for the lack of seasoning.
4th Place: Mi Niña Sea Salt White Corn Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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If you love tortilla chips with a strong, grainy corn flavor, you’ll really enjoy this pick from Mi Niña. These crips are sturdy enough to pass the dip test, and when I first opened the bag, only a few chips were crushed. They’re pleasant enough to eat on their own, but the taste could get a bit repetitive after a while. Pairing them with a spicy salsa or creamy spread like hummus can help balance it out and keep things interesting.
3rd Place: Calidad Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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I loved the subtle balance of sweetness and saltiness in these Calidad tortilla chips, partnered with their bold, corn-forward flavor. They’re delightfully crispy, with a satisfying snap that makes them easy to munch on but strong enough to hold up to hearty scoops of salsa or guac. Thanks to their wide surface area, these chips are perfect for nachos—you’ll have no issues layering beans, shredded chicken, and cheese on top.
2nd Place: Siete Sea Salt Grain Free Tortilla Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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The tortilla chips from Siete stand out because they’re so deliciously snackable that you can enjoy them on their own. Made with a blend of cassava flour, coconut flour, avocado oil, chia seeds, and salt, they don’t even contain corn, but they still capture that rustic, subtly sweet taste found in many other traditional brands. They offer a delicate crunch and hold up well on the way from the grocery store and when dunked in dip. The best part? They’re gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo, so guests with all kinds of dietary restrictions can gobble them up. If you're looking for corn chips, the brand's Maiz Totopos Corn Tortilla Chips are also pretty perfect.
1st Place Winner: Xochitl White Corn Chips
Ashia Aubourg
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Made with a blend of white corn, oil, water, lime, and sea salt, these tortilla chips taste as though they’re fresh from a restaurant or homemade by a grandmother with years of experience milling grains and frying them just right. They’re sturdy enough not to get crushed in the bag and can easily scoop up generous amounts of tomato salsa and thick guacamole. Despite their sturdy build, these corn-forward crisps are surprisingly delicate and light, offering a satisfying texture that melts in your mouth, making it nearly impossible to stop at just one.
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