Tortilla chips, yellow, plain, salted
FDC 173143oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 42 · -2 vs Snacks medianPlain salted yellow tortilla chips score 42 of 100, a Fair rating that lands them 37th of 60 in the Snacks category, just under the median of 44. 100 g carries 20% of the Daily Value for both magnesium and vitamin E, plus 17% for fiber and 13% for protein, a corn-based nutrient mix rather than an empty-calorie one.
These are the everyday dipping chip, scooped through salsa or queso, with an ounce (28 g) being the standard handful. At 497 calories per 100 g they're calorie-dense for a snack, and unsalted soft pretzels offer a comparable snack option with less fat for anyone comparing choices within this category.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around tortilla chips, yellow, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 497 kcal | 25% |
| Total fat | 22 g | 29% |
| Saturated fat | 2.8 g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 310 mg | 13% |
| Carbohydrate | 67 g | 25% |
| Dietary fiber | 4.7 g | 17% |
| Sugars | 1.2 g | |
| Protein | 6.6 g | 13% |
| Potassium | 206 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% |
| Magnesium | 84 mg | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 3 mg | 20% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 139 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 6.2 g | 8% |
| Saturated fat | 0.78 g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 87 mg | 4% |
| Carbohydrate | 19 g | 7% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.3 g | 5% |
| Sugars | 0.34 g | |
| Protein | 1.9 g | 4% |
| Potassium | 58 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.37 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 24 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 2.2 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.83 mg | 6% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 173143Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the snacks median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Snacks, tortilla chips, nacho cheeseDensity 42 vs 42Pretzels, soft, unsaltedDensity 42 vs 42Snacks, potato chips, sour-cream-and-onion-flavorDensity 43 vs 42Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Plain salted yellow corn tortilla chips are fried triangles of corn masa, seasoned simply with salt, used for scooping salsa, guacamole and queso, crumbled over taco salad, or layered into casseroles like enchiladas and chilaquiles. Their neutral corn flavor makes them a more versatile base than heavily flavored chip varieties, equally at home next to a bowl of chili, crushed as a crunchy breading for baked fish or chicken, or fried a second time with sauce for migas-style scrambled eggs. Many cooks also warm and pile them with cheese, beans and salsa as a homemade nacho platter.
Store opened bags tightly sealed or in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them from going stale or soft; they don't need refrigeration. An ounce runs about 139 calories, and per 100g they carry a notable amount of magnesium and vitamin E, each around 20% DV, along with 4.7g fiber and 6.62g protein, all coming from the whole corn base and frying oil. Sodium at 310mg per 100g and fat at 22.3g per 100g are moderate for a salted chip, both lower than the nacho cheese version, with 67.4g carbohydrate and 1.21g sugar per 100g reflecting the corn base and light frying oil coating.
Frequently asked questions about tortilla chips, yellow
How many calories are in plain salted tortilla chips?
497 calories per 100g, or about 139 calories per 28g ounce.
Are plain tortilla chips a good source of vitamin E?
Yes, they provide about 20% DV vitamin E per 100g from the corn and frying oil.
What are plain tortilla chips typically used for?
They're a classic dipper for salsa and guacamole, and are often crumbled into casseroles like chilaquiles.