Are Doritos Made Out of Potato Chips?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Despite a common misconception, Doritos are not made from potatoes. In fact, the crunchy, triangular snack is made from corn, and its iconic shape and texture are achieved through a unique manufacturing process. This fundamental ingredient difference sets Doritos apart from the classic potato chip and gives them their signature flavor and crunch.

Quick Summary

Doritos are made from corn, not potatoes, setting them apart from traditional potato chips. Their production involves grinding corn into masa, shaping it into triangles, and then frying and seasoning the chips for their distinct flavor profile. The key distinction lies in the primary ingredient: corn for Doritos versus potatoes for potato chips.

Key Points

Corn, Not Potatoes: Doritos are made from ground corn masa, not potatoes, a key distinction from potato chips.
Masa Dough: The process involves cooking and grinding corn into a dough called masa, which is then shaped and fried.
Invented at Disneyland: Doritos were inspired by fried, seasoned tortilla scraps served at a Disneyland restaurant in the 1960s.
Distinct Texture: The corn base and manufacturing process give Doritos a hearty, dense crunch, unlike the lighter crisp of potato chips.
Flavor Evolution: The first nationally sold Doritos were plain toasted corn, with the iconic Nacho Cheese flavor introduced years later.
Different Snack Categories: Doritos are a type of corn or tortilla chip, occupying a different snack category than potato chips.

Doritos: A Corn-Based Creation

Doritos are an American brand of flavored tortilla chips, a fact that is often overlooked due to their popularity and bold flavors. The process begins with cooking whole corn kernels, which are then ground into a dough known as masa. This masa is flattened, cut into the familiar triangle shape, and then toasted before being fried and dusted with seasoning. This detailed, multi-step production is what gives Doritos their characteristic crispiness and hearty texture, a stark contrast to the simple slicing and frying of a potato chip.

The Birth of the Dorito

Interestingly, the inspiration for Doritos came from a resourceful observation at Disneyland in the 1960s. At the Casa de Fritos restaurant, a salesman noticed that stale, leftover tortillas were being discarded. He suggested that the restaurant fry and season them instead, creating a popular new snack. Frito-Lay marketing executive Arch West saw the potential of this fried corn chip and brought it to a national market in 1966, forever changing the snack landscape. The first flavor was a simple toasted corn, with the famous Nacho Cheese flavor following in 1972.

How Doritos are Made: The Production Journey

Sourcing the Corn: The journey begins with selecting specific varieties of corn, such as dent corn, which are ideal for producing a consistent, high-quality masa dough.
The Masa Dough: The corn kernels are cooked, soaked in water, and then ground into a delicate, pliable masa.
Shaping and Cutting: The masa is rolled out into large, thin sheets and precisely cut into triangles using specialized equipment.
Toasting and Frying: The triangles are toasted to reduce moisture before being fried in vegetable oil, which gives them their final crunch.
The Flavoring Process: After draining the excess oil, the chips are tumbled in a seasoning drum where the bold, powdered flavors are applied.

Comparison Table: Doritos vs. Potato Chips


Feature	Doritos (Corn Chips)	Potato Chips
Primary Ingredient	Corn (Maize)	Potatoes
Base Preparation	Cooked, ground into masa, and shaped	Sliced thinly and directly fried or baked
Texture	Dense, crunchy, and hearty	Light, delicate, and crispy
Flavor Profile	Intense, bold, and heavily seasoned	Often simple, salty, or lightly flavored
Shape	Iconic uniform triangles	Varied, irregular round slices

Doritos and The Broader Snack Market

The confusion between Doritos and potato chips is understandable given their shared category as a popular, fried snack food. However, they belong to two distinct subcategories: corn chips (or tortilla chips) and potato chips. The different ingredients, preparation methods, and resulting textures are clear indicators of their unique identities. This distinction is important for consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions or preferences based on ingredients. The corn base for Doritos, for instance, makes many varieties suitable for those avoiding potatoes, but it is important to check the seasoning ingredients for common allergens like dairy.

Furthermore, the evolution of the Doritos brand has highlighted its corn-based heritage. From the original unseasoned chips to the vast array of global flavors, the corn chip has served as the perfect canvas for Frito-Lay's bold seasoning strategies. The success of Doritos has not only cemented its place in snack history but also distinguished the corn chip as a dominant force in the snack aisle, proving that a humble corn kernel can compete with the traditional potato.

For more information on the history of Frito-Lay and their snack creations, you can visit their official website for brand-specific details.

Conclusion

In summary, the popular snack known as Doritos is definitively not made from potato chips. They are a brand of flavored corn chips, or tortilla chips, created from a masa dough that is shaped, cooked, and seasoned to perfection. The foundational difference in the main ingredient—corn versus potato—is the key to understanding why these two beloved snack types have such different textures, flavors, and histories. So, the next time you enjoy a bag, you'll know that you are snacking on a triangular piece of corn-based culinary history, not a humble potato slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doritos are primarily made from corn, specifically a type of corn dough called masa, along with vegetable oil and various seasonings that vary by flavor.

Yes, Doritos are a brand of flavored tortilla chips. A tortilla chip is a snack food made from corn tortillas, which are typically cut into triangles and fried.

The confusion likely stems from the fact that both are popular, fried, and heavily seasoned snacks found in the same aisle. However, they are made from entirely different main ingredients.

The main difference is the primary ingredient: corn chips, like Doritos, are made from corn, while potato chips are made from thinly sliced potatoes. This also results in different textures and flavor characteristics.

The first flavor of Doritos sold nationally in 1966 was a simple Toasted Corn. The now-ubiquitous Nacho Cheese flavor was introduced in 1972.

Yes. Doritos are made by cooking and grinding corn into masa, shaping the dough, and then frying and seasoning. Potato chips are made by slicing potatoes and then frying or baking the slices.

Both are processed snack foods high in fat and sodium. However, a nutritional comparison reveals differences in specific nutrients, with corn and potatoes offering slightly different profiles. Neither is considered a health food.