How many carbs are in a bag of Doritos?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to official Frito-Lay nutrition data, a standard snack-size bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos (1 oz) contains 18 grams of total carbohydrates. The total carb count in a bag of Doritos, however, can vary significantly depending on the size and flavor you choose, which is a crucial detail for dietary planning.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate count in a bag of Doritos differs based on both the flavor and package size. Standard Nacho Cheese bags contain around 18g of total carbs per serving, while larger packs offer more.

Key Points

Check the Label: The carb count for Doritos varies significantly by flavor and bag size, so always check the specific product's nutrition label for accurate information.
Standard Carb Count: A typical 1-ounce snack-size bag of Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch Doritos contains approximately 18 grams of total carbohydrates.
Net vs. Total Carbs: For low-carb diets, understand that total carbs include fiber. While Doritos contain a small amount of fiber, the net carb count remains high.
Bag Size Matters: Larger bags contain multiple servings, and consuming a full larger bag will result in a much higher carbohydrate intake than a snack-size portion.
High-Carb Snack: Due to their primary ingredient of corn and oil, Doritos are considered a high-carbohydrate snack that requires careful portion control for those on restrictive diets.
Keto Alternatives: For strict low-carb diets, homemade alternatives using ingredients like almond flour and specific seasonings are available as a substitute.

Decoding Doritos' Carbohydrate Content

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of popular snacks like Doritos is a common concern for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. The simple answer to how many carbs are in a bag of Doritos is that it varies widely by the specific product. Snack-size, party-size, and various international flavors all have different nutritional profiles. The following guide breaks down the carb information for the most popular Doritos products, helping you make an informed snacking decision.

Carb Count by Bag Size and Flavor

The most common and recognizable flavor is Nacho Cheese. For this classic, a standard 1-ounce (oz) snack bag has about 18g of total carbohydrates. However, as the bag size increases, so does the overall carbohydrate content. It's important to pay attention to the serving size listed on the nutrition label, as even larger bags contain multiple servings.

Nacho Cheese vs. Cool Ranch: A Carb Comparison

While both flavors are made from corn, the unique seasoning blends can lead to minor differences in the final carbohydrate count per serving. For instance, a 1 oz serving of Nacho Cheese Doritos has 18g of total carbs, while a similar serving of Cool Ranch Doritos also typically contains around 18g. It's always best to check the specific product label, as formulations can change over time. The key takeaway is that for a standard serving size, the core flavors are quite comparable in their carbohydrate contribution.

The Difference Between Total and Net Carbs

For those on low-carb diets, understanding the distinction between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates is essential. Total carbs include all carbohydrates, while net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber (and sometimes sugar alcohols) from the total. Doritos contain a small amount of dietary fiber. For example, a 1.75 oz bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos has 31g total carbs and 29g net carbs, as it contains 2g of fiber. While this difference is small, it's a detail worth considering for strict dietary plans.

International and Other Flavors

Doritos offers a diverse range of flavors globally, each with its own specific nutrition facts. A good example is the Spicy Sweet Chili flavor, which has 18g of total carbs per 30g serving. Other variations, such as Zesty Cheese in Canada, come in at 30g total carbs for a larger 50g serving. These differences underscore the importance of reading the label for the specific product you are consuming.

Navigating Doritos on a Low-Carb Diet

For individuals following a ketogenic or very low-carb diet, even a snack-size bag of Doritos can consume a significant portion of their daily carb allowance. Some popular low-carb diets recommend limiting daily carb intake to 20-50 grams, making a single serving a substantial carbohydrate load. However, for those on less restrictive diets, a small bag can be incorporated as an occasional treat by budgeting for it in their daily intake. For a truly low-carb experience, many people opt for homemade, keto-friendly versions using ingredients like almond flour and alternative seasonings.

Comparison Table: Doritos Carb Breakdown


Product	Size	Serving Size	Total Carbs (approx.)	Notes
Nacho Cheese Doritos	Snack Bag	1 oz (28g/11 chips)	18g	Standard US variety
Nacho Cheese Doritos	Small Bag	1.75 oz (49.6g)	31g	Sold in some markets; higher total carbs
Cool Ranch Doritos	Snack Bag	1 oz (28g/11 chips)	18g	Similar carb count to Nacho Cheese
Cool Ranch Doritos	Snack Pack	32g	20g	Slight variation based on regional packaging
Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos	Snack Size	30g	18g	Varies slightly by region
Zesty Cheese Doritos (CAN)	N/A	50g	30g	Canadian flavor with higher serving size

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbohydrates in a bag of Doritos is not a fixed number and is dependent on the flavor and size of the package. A standard 1 oz snack bag of Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch Doritos contains around 18g of total carbohydrates. For individuals managing their carb intake, it is vital to check the product's nutrition label for accurate information and to be aware of the difference between total and net carbs. While a small bag can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, those on stricter low-carb plans may find it necessary to limit consumption or seek out alternative recipes. For specific product details, consumers should always consult the manufacturer's official nutrition information. A reliable source for US products is the PepsiCo SmartLabel website.

Note: The nutritional data can change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the nutrition facts panel on the specific bag of Doritos you purchase.

For further details on specific products, please visit Frito-Lay's official SmartLabel site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Doritos are considered a high-carb snack. A standard 1-ounce snack bag contains around 18g of carbohydrates, which can be a significant portion of the daily carb allowance for those on restrictive diets like keto.

A 1 oz snack-size bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos contains 18 grams of total carbohydrates, as listed on the official product nutrition information.

For a standard 1 oz serving size, Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch Doritos typically have a very similar total carbohydrate count, both around 18 grams. Any minor differences would be due to variations in the seasoning.

The net carb count is the total carbs minus the fiber. Since Doritos have a small amount of fiber (e.g., 2g in a 1.75 oz bag), the net carb count is slightly lower than the total carbs. For most standard servings, the difference is minimal.

Due to their high carbohydrate content, traditional Doritos are not compatible with a strict ketogenic diet. A single serving would likely exceed the daily carb limit for most keto plans. However, low-carb alternatives or homemade keto recipes exist.

The carbohydrate count can vary depending on the bag size, flavor, and regional formulation. The serving size is the most important factor to consider. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific package you are buying.

Reduced-fat Doritos primarily have less fat, not necessarily fewer carbohydrates. In some cases, the total carb count per serving may be similar or slightly different, but they remain a high-carb snack.