Tortilla Chips — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Tortilla chips nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 500 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 63 g | 22.91% |
| Fiber | 5 g | 17.86% |
| Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
| Glycemic Index | 68 | - |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
| Sodium | 500 mg | 21.74% |
| Total Fat | 25 | 32.05% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
5 g
🥔 Good Fiber Content
1 g
🍏 Low Sugar Content
Tortilla chips facts & tips
Health benefits
- Provides quick energy due to their carbohydrate content, making them a source of rapid energy.
- Can be a source of fiber if made from whole-grain corn, supporting digestive health and promoting regular bowel movements.
- Contains essential minerals such as magnesium and iron, which support overall health and well-being.
- Versatile snack that can be paired with nutritious dips like guacamole, salsa, or hummus, which add healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
- Encourages social interaction when shared during gatherings and parties, promoting social bonding.
Health risks
- High fat content particularly in fried tortilla chips, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed frequently.
- High sodium content in most commercial tortilla chips, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large portions, especially when paired with high-calorie dips or toppings.
- Low nutrient density as tortilla chips are typically made from refined corn flour and offer limited vitamins or minerals.
How to choose tortilla chips
Tortilla chips should be crisp and have a golden color, with a light, airy texture that crunches satisfyingly when eaten. The flavor should be fresh, slightly corny, and not overshadowed by excess salt or seasoning.
Avoid tortilla chips that are overly greasy or have a stale, rancid taste. Chips that are broken or excessively salty should also be avoided, as they will not provide an enjoyable snacking experience.
How to store tortilla chips
Tortilla chips should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. This preserves their crunchiness and freshness for several weeks.
Moisture causes sogginess. Avoid humid environments and proximity to strong odors. Ensuring the container is tightly sealed prevents contamination and maintains quality. Proper storage keeps tortilla chips crispy and ready to enjoy.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Tortilla chips can last for 2-3 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it is best to consume them within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover tortilla chips can be used in a variety of crunchy and creative dishes. Crumble them and use as a topping for salads, soups, or casseroles to add texture, or mix them into a taco salad with lettuce, beans, cheese, and salsa. Tortilla chips are also great when used as a base for nachos with melted cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings.
Use tortilla chips to make a tortilla crust for baked chicken or fish by crushing the chips and pressing them onto the meat before baking. If you have a lot of tortilla chips, consider making a batch of tortilla chip crumbs by crushing them and using them as a coating for fried foods. Tortilla chips can also be layered in a casserole with ground meat, cheese, and salsa, or used as a topping for chili or stew. For a quick snack, enjoy tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, or queso dip, or mix them into a trail mix with nuts and dried fruits.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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