Snacks

Tortilla chips, low fat, baked without fat

FDC 168859oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 45 · +1 vs Snacks median

Baked without added fat, these low-fat tortilla chips register a Nutrient Density Score of 45 of 100, Fair band, ranking 29th of 60 in Snacks. Magnesium leads at 23% DV, excellent, with protein close behind at 22% DV, plus dietary fiber at 19% DV and calcium at 12% DV, an unusually well-rounded lineup for a chip.

Made from corn tortillas cut and oven-baked rather than fried, they're a reasonable dipping chip for salsa or guacamole. Portion by the ounce, since the crunch invites overeating. The catch is sodium: 517 milligrams per 100 grams puts this firmly in high-sodium territory, worth watching if salt intake is already a concern.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 11 g · 11%Carb 80.2 g · 77%Fat 5.7 g · 12%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories448 kcal22%
Total fat5.7 g7%
Saturated fat0.85 g4%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium517 mg22%
Carbohydrate80 g29%
Dietary fiber5.3 g19%
Sugars0.67 g
Protein11 g22%
Potassium272 mg6%
Calcium159 mg12%
Iron1.6 mg9%
Magnesium97 mg23%
Vitamin C0.2 mg0%
Vitamin A5 µg1%
Vitamin E0.77 mg5%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168859

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.

Magnesium23% DV
Protein22% DV
Dietary fiber19% DV
Calcium12% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density45 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g5.3 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g517 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Snacks, plantain chips, saltedDensity 45 vs 45Snacks, pita chips, saltedDensity 45 vs 45Rice crackersDensity 45 vs 45

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

These are corn tortilla chips made without the usual fry step: corn masa is pressed into rounds, cut into triangles, and baked until crisp instead of dropped in oil. The result is a lighter, drier crunch than a fried chip, with a clean corn flavor that takes well to salsa, guacamole, bean dip, or melted queso. They also work as a base for baked nachos, crumbled over taco salad, or scattered on top of tortilla soup for texture, since the sturdier bake holds up under wet toppings better than a delicate fried chip.

Store them the same way as any chip, sealed airtight at room temperature away from humidity, so they do not go stale or chewy. Baking instead of frying keeps fat down to just 5.7 grams per 100 grams, well below most fried tortilla chips, while calories land at 448 per 100 grams. Protein is unusually high for a chip at 11 grams per 100 grams (22% of the Daily Value), and fiber comes in at 5.3 grams (19% DV), making this a snack that can genuinely help round out a light meal rather than just filling space. Sodium runs higher at 517 milligrams per 100 grams, so it is worth watching portion size if sodium is a concern.

Frequently asked questions about tortilla chips, low fat

How many calories are in low-fat baked tortilla chips?

They have 448 calories per 100 grams, noticeably less than most oil-fried tortilla chips.

Are baked tortilla chips a good source of protein?

Yes, per 100 grams they provide 11 grams of protein, about 22% of the Daily Value, which is high for a corn-based snack.

What do baked tortilla chips pair well with?

They pair well with salsa, guacamole, bean dip, or queso, and can be crumbled over taco salad or tortilla soup.

View the USDA source record