Is Doritos Ultra Processed?
Yes — Ultra-Processed
Doritos are ultra-processed (Level 4). The classic Nacho Cheese flavor contains over 30 ingredients including corn, vegetable oils, maltodextrin, MSG (monosodium glutamate), artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5), and multiple flavor enhancers. Even the simplest Doritos varieties have significantly more ingredients than basic tortilla chips.
Key Findings
- •Doritos Nacho Cheese contains over 30 ingredients — roughly 10 times more than basic tortilla chips
- •The seasoning system uses maltodextrin as a carrier, MSG with synergistic flavor potentiators, and multiple artificial colors
- •Even "simpler" Doritos flavors like Lightly Salted contain more ingredients than plain tortilla chips due to processing aids in the corn base
Why Is Doritos Ultra-Processed?
Doritos start with ground corn formed into triangular chips and fried in vegetable oil — similar to basic tortilla chips. What pushes them to Level 4 is the seasoning system. The Nacho Cheese coating contains maltodextrin (a highly processed starch used as a flavor carrier), MSG and its potentiators (disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate), multiple artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 1 in some varieties), and spray-dried cheese powder. This complex seasoning blend is engineered for maximum palatability.
Doritos Processing Level Distribution
How 265 doritos products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 35.4 · Average nutrition score: 5.1/10
Doritos Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed doritos products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doritos, Tortilla Chips, Toasted Corn, Toasted Corn | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 3.0 | 5 |
| Doritos Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips 11 Ounce Bag | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 3.0 | 5 |
| Doritos Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips 11 Ounce Bag | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 3.0 | 5 |
| Doritos, Tortilla Chips, Toasted Corn, Toasted Corn | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 3.0 | 5 |
| Doritos, Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 4.0 | 6 |
| Doritos, Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips | Doritos | Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed | 4.0 | 6 |
| Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Popcorn | Smartfood | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 6.7 | 32 |
| Doritos Cool Ranch Flavored Popcorn | Smartfood | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.6 | 26 |
| Doritos Cool Ranch Flavored Popcorn | Smartfood | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.7 | 27 |
| Doritos Cool Ranch Flavored Popcorn | Smartfood | Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed | 7.7 | 27 |
How to Read Doritos Labels
- 1
Compare Doritos (30+ ingredients) to basic tortilla chips (corn, oil, salt — 3 ingredients)
- 2
Maltodextrin appears multiple times in the ingredient list as a flavor carrier
- 3
MSG is listed as "monosodium glutamate" along with potentiators disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate
- 4
Artificial colors Red 40, Yellow 6, and Yellow 5 are used for the orange cheese coating
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Doritos ultra-processed?
The seasoning system is the primary factor. Maltodextrin (processed starch), MSG with flavor potentiators, artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5), and spray-dried cheese powder create a complex industrial formulation. Basic tortilla chips need only corn, oil, and salt.
Do Doritos contain MSG?
Yes. Doritos Nacho Cheese lists monosodium glutamate along with disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate — two MSG potentiators that amplify the umami flavor effect. These are standard in heavily seasoned snack foods.
Are there less processed alternatives to Doritos?
Plain tortilla chips (corn, oil, salt) are Level 2. For flavor, try salted tortilla chips with salsa on the side. Siete brand and some organic tortilla chips offer flavored versions with fewer additives, though they still contain more ingredients than plain chips.