Doritos are the ultimate snack food. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, these triangular treats bring a bold and satisfying flavor to every bite. Unlike your average potato chip, Doritos has built a cult following and transformed how we think about snacking.
But when you break it down, they’re just flavored tortilla chips. How did Doritos reach this level of fame?
The story of Doritos is just as unique as their flavors. They started as a way to use leftover tortillas at Disneyland’s Mexican-themed restaurant, Casa de Fritos, back in the 1950s. By 1966, Frito-Lay officially launched Doritos, which means “little golden things” in Spanish.
Their first flavor was Taco, released in 1968, and Nacho Cheese followed in 1972. From there, the journey of Doritos has been all about flavors—some that fans love and some that didn’t quite hit the mark.
To settle the debate on which Doritos flavor is best, I tried nine popular varieties and ranked them. Here’s my take on each one, from least to most favorite.
The Most Popular Doritos Flavors, Ranked
1. Simply Organic Doritos White Cheddar
While organic options are plentiful, these chips missed the mark. Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos may sound like a healthier option, but they offer no nutritional benefits compared to regular Doritos.
The flavor is subtle, with only a hint of white cheddar that doesn’t quite satisfy. The chips are also less crispy, making this flavor a bit disappointing.
2. Sweet & Tangy BBQ
Barbecue-flavored chips are a classic, but the Sweet & Tangy BBQ Doritos don’t quite work. The sweetness clashes with the corn tortilla chip base; these should be on Lay’s potato chips instead.
While the taste might remind you of barbecue potato chips, it doesn’t complement the Doritos experience.
3. Spicy Nacho
Doritos claims that Spicy Nacho is an “upgrade” on the classic Nacho Cheese. However, this flavor delivers little heat, making it feel unnecessary.
The original Nacho Cheese flavor is already fantastic, and the slight increase in spice isn’t worth it. It’s not a bad chip, but it adds nothing remarkable to the lineup.
4. Blazin’ Buffalo & Ranch
Many fans dub Blazin’ Buffalo & Ranch, one of the best Doritos flavors ever created. However, the Buffalo flavor overpowers the Ranch, which was disappointing.
This might be a winner if you’re a fan of robust Buffalo sauce, but this flavor needs to be revised for those who expect a balanced mix of Buffalo and Ranch.
5. Taco Flavor
As the first-ever Doritos flavor, Taco holds a special place in the lineup. It has a perfect amount of taco seasoning that doesn’t overwhelm the classic corn crunch.
Plus, it doesn’t leave as much residue on your fingers, which is a bonus. If you’re a fan of taco seasoning, this flavor is worth trying out.
6. Nacho Cheese
Nacho Cheese Doritos are an icon. Even though they technically came after Taco Flavor, most people think of this bright red bag when they hear “Doritos.” They’re cheesy, zesty, and salty, with a spice that perfectly complements the corn tortilla chip.
Nacho Cheese Doritos have earned their place in the chip aisle and have stood the test of time.
7. Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde Doritos deliver an authentic salsa taste. Each chip captures the tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors of salsa verde with surprising accuracy. If you love dipping chips into salsa, you’ll enjoy how closely this flavor matches the real deal. It’s a delightful balance of flavors, making it one of the best choices for those who like their chips to taste fresh and vibrant.
8. Spicy Sweet Chili
Spicy, Sweet Chili Doritos are the way to go if you’re looking for a complex chip. They’re a unique blend of sweetness and spice, creating a flavor that resembles General Tso’s chicken. A lot is going on with this chip, and every bite is packed with flavor.
It’s a fantastic choice for those who want something different from the usual Doritos experience.
9. Cool Ranch
They changed the game when Cool Ranch Doritos hit the market in 1986. Ranch dressing was less famous then, but Cool Ranch Doritos made it a household flavor.
Each chip is packed with creamy, herby, and slightly tangy goodness. Excellent Ranch has become a timeless classic, earning its spot as the best Doritos flavor. When it comes to a satisfying snack, nothing beats the iconic blue bag of Cool Ranch Doritos.
Conclusion
Doritos has created an impressive range of flavors, each offering something different. While every flavor has its fans, Cool Ranch takes the top spot for its distinctive and enduring flavor.
Whether you’re a fan of the classics like Nacho Cheese and Taco or prefer the more adventurous options like Spicy Sweet Chili, there’s a Doritos flavor for every taste. Try them all and see which one becomes your favorite go-to snack!
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