Doritos have truly become a snack legend. As a go-to for parties, movie nights, and general snacking, these chips have earned their place on the top shelf. With bold flavors and a cult-like following, Doritos have transformed from simple corn tortilla chips to something so much more.
However, not all Doritos flavors are created equal, so I tried nine popular flavors to determine the ultimate chip. Spoiler: There’s one flavor I’ll keep buying again and again.
How Doritos Became a Snack Icon
Believe it or not, Doritos started with a simple idea from a Disneyland restaurant called Casa de Fritos in the 1950s. When staff noticed leftover tortillas piling up, they fried them into chips instead of tossing them.
This little experiment was a hit, and by 1966, Frito-Lay officially launched Doritos with its first Taco flavor. Nacho Cheese followed a few years later in 1972, and the rest is history. Today, Doritos come in various flavors, each with its loyal fanbase.
Ranking the 9 Most Popular Doritos Flavors
1. Simply Organic Doritos White Cheddar
While an “organic” Dorito might sound appealing, this flavor doesn’t deliver in the taste department. It has the same calorie and fat content as regular Doritos but less of that signature crunch and flavor.
The White Cheddar flavor is subtle, almost too subtle. It’s not as exciting as other flavors, and I wouldn’t choose this one again.
2. Sweet & Tangy BBQ
Doritos went for a classic barbecue flavor with this one, but it didn’t quite work for me. The BBQ flavor clashed with the corn chip base, making it taste like a BBQ Lay’s chip that eventually ended up in the Doritos bag.
It’s not terrible, but I’ll stick to regular potato chips if I want BBQ.
3. Spicy Nacho
Spicy Nacho promises a twist on the classic Nacho Cheese, but it feels unnecessary. The mild heat level doesn’t add much to the flavor profile. Other flavors do better if you’re looking for a spicy kick. For me, this one was a bit of a letdown.
4. Blazin’ Buffalo & Ranch
There are big fans of this flavor, but I found it disappointing. With “Buffalo” and “Ranch” on the label, I expected a balanced mix of heat and coolness. Instead, I got more Buffalo sauce than ranch.
It’s not bad, but I want that classic, cool, herby taste when I think of Doritos and ranch. I’d pass on this one next time.
5. Taco Flavor
As the first-ever Doritos flavor, Taco holds a special place in Doritos history. The taco seasoning offers a nice zest without overpowering the corn crunch, and it doesn’t leave a ton of powder on your fingers.
Plus, the retro packaging adds a nostalgic touch. This is a solid option for those who appreciate classic flavors.
6. Nacho Cheese
Even though Tacos were technically first, Nacho Cheese is what I think of as the true OG. It’s the quintessential Dorito—cheesy, salty, and a little spicy. This red-bagged classic has defined the Doritos brand for years and remains a crowd-pleaser. It’s hard to go wrong with Nacho Cheese.
7. Salsa Verde
This flavor surprised me. Unlike other flavors that offer a vague interpretation of real foods, Salsa Verde tastes like fresh salsa verde. It’s tangy, sweet, and has a medium heat that’s just right. If you’re into salsa, this is a chip you’ll want to try.
8. Spicy Sweet Chili
This one packs a punch! Spicy Sweet Chili perfectly balances heat and sweetness, and it feels like eating General Tso’s chicken from a great Chinese restaurant. The complexity of flavors is impressive, and the taste is incredibly addictive. If you’re into bold, complex flavors, Spicy Sweet Chili won’t disappoint.
9. Cool Ranch
And the winner is… Cool Ranch. This flavor has stood the test of time, bringing creamy, herby goodness to every chip. Since its debut in 1986, it has become an iconic snack. The flavor is tangy and refreshing, with hints of onion and garlic that make it irresistible.
If you’re ever wondering what “cool” tastes like, grab a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. It’s the ultimate Dorito flavor that keeps me coming back for more.
Conclusion
While each flavor brings something unique, Cool Ranch takes the crown as the best Doritos flavor. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, zesty, and slightly tangy, making it a chip I’ll always buy. If you’re a Doritos fan looking to explore new flavors, start with this classic blue bag—you won’t be disappointed.
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