Snacks

Snacks, tortilla chips, nacho cheese

FDC 167559oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 42 · -2 vs Snacks median

Nacho cheese tortilla chips score 42 of 100, ranking 36th of 60 in the Snacks category, a shade below the group's median of 44. The nutrient profile leans on vitamin E, at 42% of the Daily Value per 100 g, alongside 18% for both dietary fiber and magnesium and 15% for protein, a broader spread than most flavored chips manage.

These are eaten straight from the bag or alongside dips like salsa and guacamole, an ounce (28 g) being the standard chip serving. The cheese-and-corn combination pushes calories to 519 per 100 g and sodium to 691 mg per 100 g, so portion control matters; unsalted soft pretzels sit in the same category with a notably lighter sodium load for anyone looking to swap.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around snacks, tortilla chips, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 7.4 g · 6%Carb 60.8 g · 47%Fat 27.4 g · 47%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories519 kcal26%
Total fat27 g35%
Saturated fat3.9 g19%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium691 mg30%
Carbohydrate61 g22%
Dietary fiber5.1 g18%
Sugars2.6 g
Protein7.4 g15%
Potassium223 mg5%
Calcium137 mg11%
Iron1.2 mg6%
Magnesium75 mg18%
Vitamin C0.4 mg0%
Vitamin A6 µg1%
Vitamin E6.2 mg42%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 167559

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin E42% DV
Dietary fiber18% DV
Magnesium18% DV
Protein15% DV
Calcium11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density42 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g7.4 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g5.1 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g691 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Pretzels, soft, unsaltedDensity 42 vs 42Snacks, potato chips, sour-cream-and-onion-flavorDensity 43 vs 42Snacks, cornnuts, barbecue-flavorDensity 43 vs 42

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Nacho cheese tortilla chips are fried corn chips coated in a tangy, cheesy seasoning blend, eaten straight from the bag, scooped through salsa or guacamole, or piled with melted cheese, beans and jalapenos for loaded nachos. Their bold seasoning and crunch make them a common party or game-day snack rather than an everyday staple, and they also crumble well as a crunchy topping for taco soup or casserole, or get blitzed into crumbs to bread chicken tenders for a spicy, cheesy crust.

Keep the bag tightly resealed, or transfer chips to an airtight container after opening, since the seasoning coating and corn oil can turn stale or lose crunch when exposed to air. A 28g ounce works out to about 145 calories, so it's easy to eat well past one serving straight from a large bag, especially since the bold seasoning encourages continued snacking. Per 100g they carry vitamin E at 42% DV, fiber at 18% DV, magnesium at 18% DV and 7.36g protein, all notable for a corn-based snack, alongside 691mg sodium and 27.4g fat per 100g reflecting the seasoning coating and frying oil, with 60.8g carbohydrate and 2.59g sugar rounding out the nutrient profile for this fried corn snack.

Frequently asked questions about snacks, tortilla chips

How many calories are in nacho cheese tortilla chips?

519 calories per 100g, about 145 calories per 28g ounce serving.

Do nacho cheese tortilla chips have fiber?

Yes, they provide about 18% DV fiber per 100g, coming from the whole corn used to make the chips.

What do nacho cheese tortilla chips pair well with?

Salsa, guacamole and melted cheese are classic pairings, and they're a common base for loaded nachos.

View the USDA source record