Bushra Griffith
Doritos are an American brand of flavored tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The original flavor was toasted corn, followed by taco in 1967, and nacho cheese in 1972. The nacho cheese flavor is made from 26 separate ingredients, including corn, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, cheddar cheese, and romano cheese. The corn is soaked in water and lime, ground into a flour, pressed into the famous Dorito shape, and fried in vegetable oil. The chips are then flavored with powdered cheddar and spices. In recent years, there have been reports of a change in the taste of the nacho cheese flavor, with some consumers noticing a fishy taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Launch | 1972 |
| Number of Ingredients | 26 |
| Main Ingredients | Corn, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Maltodextrin, Whey, Monosodium Glutamate, Buttermilk Solids, Romano Cheese |
| Recent Reviews | Starchy, Fishy, Stale |
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What You'll Learn
Doritos' history and flavours
Doritos are an American brand of flavoured tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The idea for Doritos was conceived at a restaurant in Disneyland, which was managed by Frito-Lay. In 1966, Doritos became the first national tortilla chip brand in the United States, with its original flavour being toasted corn. This was followed by taco flavour in 1967 and nacho cheese in 1972, which is now one of the brand's ubiquitous flavours.
Doritos are made from corn, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, cheddar cheese, buttermilk, romano cheese, and monosodium glutamate, among other ingredients. The corn is soaked in water, combined with lime, ground into a corn flour called masa, pressed into the famous 'Dorito' shape, and then fried.
Over the years, Doritos has introduced a variety of flavours, including Sour Cream and Onion in 1978, Cool Ranch in 1986, and limited editions like Rainbow Doritos in 2015. The brand has also partnered with Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to create unique flavours.
In recent years, some consumers have noticed changes in the taste of Nacho Cheese Doritos, with some describing a fishy taste and others attributing it to reduced 'Dorito dust' or the use of cheaper ingredients. Despite this, Nacho Cheese remains a popular flavour, with collaborations like Empirical x Doritos creating a Nacho Cheese-flavoured distilled spirit.
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Ingredients and their order
Doritos are an American brand of flavored tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The original flavor was toasted corn, followed by taco in 1967, and nacho cheese in 1972.
The ingredients for Nacho Cheese Doritos are listed below, in order of percentage of product:
- Whole Corn: Raw yellow corn kernels are soaked in near-boiling water and combined with lime (the chemical, not the fruit). The lime loosens the husks, adds calcium to the corn, and releases niacin (vitamin B3). The now-hydrated corn is then ground into a corn flour called masa, pressed into the famous Dorito shape, and fried in vegetable oil.
- Vegetable oil (corn, soybean, and/or sunflower oil): This is used to fry the corn tortillas.
- Salt: A common ingredient in chips.
- Cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes): The main ingredient providing the nacho flavor.
- Maltodextrin: An artificial sugar made from maltose and dextrose, used as a thickener or filler to add bulk and increase shelf life.
- Whey: A byproduct of churning butter out of cream, added to provide texture.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer that occurs naturally but is also commonly added to processed foods.
- Buttermilk: Another byproduct of churning butter, added for texture.
- Romano cheese (part-skim cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes): A second type of cheese, undergoing the same process as the cheddar cheese.
In 2022, some consumers noticed a change in the taste of Nacho Cheese Doritos, describing it as "fishy" or having a "buttery taint." This change may be due to the removal of wheat ingredients or the use of cheaper ingredients.
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Changes to the recipe
Doritos are an American brand of flavoured tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. The original flavour was toasted corn, followed by taco in 1967, and nacho cheese in 1972. The nacho cheese flavour is created using a combination of 26 ingredients, including corn, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and romano cheese.
Over the years, there have been some reported changes to the recipe for Nacho Cheese Doritos. In 2022, several Reddit users reported that the chips had a "'fishy' taste, with some speculating that the chips were fried in oil that had previously been used for fish. Others described the taste as "stale" and "buttery", with a nasty aftertaste. Some commenters attributed the change in taste to a reduction in the amount of "Dorito dust", allowing the flavour of the chip itself to come through rather than the intended flavour.
One commenter noted that the chips had gone gluten-free, and speculated that the removal of wheat ingredients from the cheese dust flavouring had negatively impacted the taste. This change may have been influenced by the increasing popularity of gluten-free diets and the desire to cater to consumers with gluten intolerances or allergies.
It is worth noting that taste preferences are highly subjective, and some individuals may not have noticed a significant difference in the recipe. Additionally, companies like Frito-Lay may occasionally make slight adjustments to their recipes to improve production processes or meet changing consumer preferences and dietary needs.
While Frito-Lay has not released an official statement confirming changes to the Nacho Cheese Doritos recipe, the speculation and feedback from consumers highlight the strong connection between taste and flavour perception. Even subtle adjustments to ingredients or preparation methods can alter the overall sensory experience and affect consumer satisfaction.
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Customer reviews
Doritos Nacho Cheese has been a popular snack option for many years, and customer reviews reflect the enduring popularity of this flavour. Many customers have praised the intense cheese flavour and the satisfying crunch of the tortilla chips. The combination of whole corn, vegetable oil, and cheddar cheese delivers a tasty snack experience that has become a favourite for many.
Some reviews highlight the unique flavour profile of Nacho Cheese Doritos, with the blend of cheese, milk, and buttermilk solids creating a creamy and tangy taste that sets them apart from other tortilla chips on the market. The use of romano cheese also adds a distinct sharpness that keeps customers coming back for more.
Customers have also commented on the versatility of Nacho Cheese Doritos, noting that they pair well with a variety of dips and toppings, making them a great choice for parties and gatherings. The triangular shape of the chips also makes them ideal for dipping, and many customers appreciate the convenience of having a snack that can be easily enjoyed on the go.
However, some reviews have criticised the high content of vegetable oil and salt in the ingredient list, with concerns about the health implications of consuming these ingredients in large quantities. Nevertheless, the majority of customer feedback for Nacho Cheese Doritos has been positive, with many praising the flavour and texture of these iconic tortilla chips.
Overall, customer reviews for Doritos Nacho Cheese reflect a high level of satisfaction with the product. The unique flavour combination, satisfying crunch, and versatility of these tortilla chips have made them a popular choice for snackers of all ages. While there are some concerns about the nutritional content, the majority of customers enjoy the taste and convenience that Nacho Cheese Doritos offer.
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Health concerns
Nacho Cheese Doritos are made from 26 separate ingredients, with corn, vegetable oil, and cheddar cheese as the main components. While some of these ingredients are considered generally healthy, such as corn, which releases niacin (vitamin B3) known to improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risks, others have been flagged as potential health hazards.
One of the ingredients, maltodextrin, is an artificial sugar used as a thickener or filler to increase the shelf life of the product. While it is commonly found in many processed foods, some people may prefer to limit their consumption of artificial sugars. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), another ingredient, has a controversial reputation. Although researchers have not reached a consensus on its effects, some people are sensitive to MSG and may experience headaches or seizures after consuming it.
In addition, some consumers have reported a change in the taste of Nacho Cheese Doritos, describing an unpleasant "fishy" taste and a "nasty buttery taint aftertaste." This change in taste may be due to the removal of gluten, as the original recipe used wheat flour in the cheese dust flavoring. The new recipe may have introduced alternative ingredients that have altered the flavor and potentially affected the health profile of the product.
The high salt content in Nacho Cheese Doritos is also a health concern. Excessive salt intake is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Finally, the cheese in Nacho Cheese Doritos is processed and contains additives such as cheese cultures and enzymes, which may be undesirable to those seeking more natural or organic food options.
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Frequently asked questions
Doritos are an American brand of flavored tortilla chips produced by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo.
Doritos were launched nationally in the United States in 1966 with only one flavor: toasted corn.
There are 26 separate ingredients in Doritos Nacho Cheese, including corn, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, cheddar cheese, whey, monosodium glutamate, buttermilk, romano cheese, whey protein concentrate, onion powder, and more.
Raw yellow corn kernels are soaked in large vats of near-boiling water, combined with lime, ground into a corn flour called masa, pressed into the famous "Dorito" shape, and fried in vegetable oil.
Some of the ingredients in Doritos Nacho Cheese, such as artificial colors and flavors, may be of concern to some consumers. Additionally, the product contains ingredients derived from animals that may have been treated with antibiotics or growth promoters.
