Search our database for specific doritos nacho cheese products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Doritos Nacho Cheese products →Doritos vs Lay's Comparison
One of the largest processing gaps between two chips from the same company (Frito-Lay). Lay's Classic is a simple 3-ingredient chip. Doritos Nacho Cheese contains over 30 ingredients including MSG, maltodextrin, artificial colors, and multiple cheese powders.
SnacksQuick Answer
Lay's Classic (Level 2, 3 ingredients: potatoes, oil, salt) is dramatically less processed than Doritos Nacho Cheese (Level 4, 30+ ingredients). The seasoning blend on Doritos accounts for the vast majority of the processing difference.
Doritos Nacho Cheese vs Lay's Classic
Doritos Nacho Cheese
Lay's Classic
Search our database for specific lay's classic products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Lay's Classic products →Our Verdict
Lay's Classic (Level 2, 3 ingredients: potatoes, oil, salt) is dramatically less processed than Doritos Nacho Cheese (Level 4, 30+ ingredients). The seasoning blend on Doritos accounts for the vast majority of the processing difference.
Important Note
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Doritos have so many more ingredients than Lay's?
Lay's Classic gets its flavor from the potato itself plus salt. Doritos Nacho Cheese requires an elaborate seasoning blend to create its flavor profile: multiple cheese powders, MSG (monosodium glutamate), maltodextrin, artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1), buttermilk solids, and whey protein concentrate.
Are plain tortilla chips less processed than Doritos?
Yes, significantly. Plain tortilla chips like Tostitos Original (corn, oil, salt — 3 ingredients, Level 2) are comparable to Lay's Classic in simplicity. It is the flavoring and seasoning system that makes Doritos ultra-processed.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.