Tortilla chipsandsalsaare one iconic food pairing.
The combination is so natural in American culture that you might sometimes forget its Mexican roots.
The availability and affordability of chips and salsa help with popularity.
Photos by brands. Design by Eat This, Not That!
Both are low-expense foods to manufacture.
But, what if there was something better out there?
This is one of the most economical choices for your snacking needs.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
The bag ofWhite Corn ChipsI purchased did not carry this emblem.
But, it did ring up for $1.99 for an 11-ounce bagthe cheapest option in my haul.
They match the coloring on the bag rather well.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
In terms of shape, each chip has a classic triangular cut.
The taste:Too stiff to the point that they tasted stale even fresh out of the bag.
The chips are also a bit grainy and corn-forward, while the salt is mild.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
I would say Santitas is still a great option considering its budget price, but it’s not outstanding.
Its chips are always sold in its “original” brown bag for a more authentic experience.
Multiple styles are available, including the 11-ounce bag ofTortilla StripsI bought for $2.99.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
These strips consist of four ingredients: corn masa flour, water, vegetable oil, and sea salt.
The look:Off-white and stamped out into 3-inch long by 1-inch rectangles.
All tortillas and tortilla chips typically have some brown spotting.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
Here, they almost look burnt.
The taste:Dry and not as authentic tasting as the brand would have you believe.
They have a very subtle corn flavor that reminds me of popcorn, but salt levels are low.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
On the bright side, each strip is hefty and firm.
12 Store-Bought Salsas With the Highest Quality Ingredients
Tostitos Scoops!
But, we won’t let that detail cloud our judgment.
Megan Hageman / Eat This, Not That!
Available forms include Restaurant-Style, Rounds, Hearty Dippers, and the infamousScoops!.
The latter is the bag I picked up at a cost of $3.99 for 10 ounces.
The look:Sporting a one-of-a-kind tiny bowl shape with sturdy ridges all around.
The color is on the lighter side for a corn tortilla chip.
Aside from their scoopability, I wasn’t impressed.
They’re also the most unique in terms of ingredients with a nixtamalized corn blend at the forefront.
Siete has a collection of other products in addition to its tortilla chips.
The look:These look like classic corn tortilla chips in a shade of deep golden yellow.
Shape and size are standard, and thickness is average.
Something is a little bit off, despite appropriate crispiness and salt levels.
I can’t identify any standout elements to justify the inflated price.
Since every salsa needs a snack buddy, Xochitl grew into the business of tortilla chips, as well.
I ended up with the brand’s 12-ounceWhite Corn Chipsfor $4.49.
The look:Pale, yellow trianglessimilar in look to Santitas, but with less defined brown speckles.
They fall somewhere in between thick and thin.
The taste:Extra salty, but I can see how they could be addicting.
I’m thinking the garlicky chipotle salsa with a medium spice would be a great place to start.
The look:Triangular shaped and in a darker champagne color with the slightest yellow tint.
All in all a very customary look for a tortilla chip.
The taste:Crisp and thin with air pocketssomething I hadn’t seen in any chip prior.
I am late to the party on this brand.
I can see them turning into one of my go-to’s in the future.
But, does that same indescribable feeling carry over when those chips are enjoyed at home?
I included a bag of On the Border’s tortilla chips in my taste test to find out.
The look:Three-sided and sizabledefinitely the largest chip in the bowl.
They’re also a deeper saffron or even mustard yellow, as the corn flour takes over.
These are light, airy, and a bit oily but not overly so.
I think On the Border did a great job recreating this essential in-restaurant menu item for retail.
