Is Simply Doritos Healthy? The Surprising Truth

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some Simply Doritos products are classified as ultra-processed foods, raising questions about their health halo. Given the branding, many consumers assume that 'Simply' Doritos are a healthy alternative to the original, but the nutritional reality is more complex.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at whether Simply Doritos are a genuinely healthy snack option or merely a slightly cleaner version of junk food. This article details ingredient differences, nutritional facts, and explores whether marketing claims align with reality.

Key Points

Not a health food: Simply Doritos are still a processed snack, high in calories, fat, and sodium, despite the 'healthier' branding.
Cleaner ingredients, not lower calories: The main difference is the use of organic ingredients and no artificial colors, not a significant reduction in overall calories or fat.
Mindful snacking is key: Because they are still a processed food, moderation is essential to prevent excess calorie and sodium intake.
Superior alternatives exist: For genuinely healthy snacking, opt for whole foods like air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or fruit.
The 'Simply' name is marketing: The label is meant to attract health-conscious consumers but does not equate to a truly healthy snack choice.

Understanding the 'Simply' Label

Frito-Lay introduced its 'Simply' line to appeal to health-conscious consumers, offering versions of popular snacks with fewer artificial ingredients and, in some cases, organic components. For example, a bag of Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos is made with organic corn and expeller-pressed sunflower oil, avoiding some of the artificial colors found in their conventional counterparts. The packaging and brand messaging create an impression of a healthier choice. However, the term 'Simply' refers more to the ingredient sourcing and avoidance of certain additives rather than an overall improvement in the snack's nutritional profile.

Simply Doritos Ingredients vs. Regular Doritos

One key difference is the use of organic ingredients. For instance, Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos may use organic corn, cheese, and spices, as well as expeller-pressed sunflower oil. In contrast, regular Nacho Cheese Doritos contain a longer list of non-organic ingredients, including artificial food colors like Yellow 6 and Yellow 5.

Ingredient Quality: While organic ingredients are often preferable, they don't inherently make the final product a health food. The primary components remain corn, oil, and cheese flavoring.
Flavorings: The 'Simply' line avoids artificial flavors and MSG, instead opting for natural flavors. However, the nebulous term "natural flavors" can still refer to complex, proprietary mixtures of chemicals designed to enhance taste and addictiveness.
Additives: The absence of artificial colors like Yellow 6 and Red 40 is a significant difference for those seeking to avoid specific additives.

The Nutritional Reality Check

Despite the cleaner ingredient list, Simply Doritos are still calorie-dense and high in sodium and fat—key markers of a processed snack food. A single serving of Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos can have 150 calories, 8 grams of total fat, and 170 milligrams of sodium. This places it nutritionally close to or even slightly less favorable in some areas than other snack options.

Comparison Table: Simply Doritos vs. Regular Doritos (White Cheddar vs. Nacho Cheese)


Nutrient (per 1oz serving)	Simply Doritos White Cheddar	Regular Doritos Nacho Cheese
Calories	150	~140
Total Fat	8 g	~8 g
Saturated Fat	1 g	~1 g
Sodium	170 mg	~190 mg
Total Carbohydrates	17 g	~18 g
Protein	2 g	~2 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g	~1 g

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by product and region. The table uses data available for comparable products.

As the comparison shows, the core nutritional values like calories, fat, and sodium are very similar. The primary 'health' distinction is in the ingredient sourcing and absence of synthetic additives, not a significant reduction in overall calorie or fat content.

Better Snack Alternatives for a Health-Conscious Lifestyle

For those seeking truly healthy snack options, shifting away from all processed chips is the most effective strategy. Here are some alternatives:

Air-popped popcorn: A whole-grain snack that is high in fiber and low in calories when prepared without excessive butter and salt.
Roasted chickpeas: A great source of protein and fiber, offering a satisfying crunch.
Nut and seed mixes: Provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Look for unsalted varieties to control sodium intake.
Apple slices with almond butter: A classic combination of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips: An expert-recommended chip made with clean ingredients and healthy oils, like avocado oil, offering a better processed chip option.

Conclusion

While the 'Simply' branding may suggest a fundamentally healthier product, Simply Doritos are not a health food. They remain a processed snack, relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium, with minimal nutritional value beyond basic carbohydrates and fat. The key difference lies in the use of organic ingredients and the absence of certain artificial colors and additives, which may appeal to some consumers. However, this does not make them a free pass for unrestrained snacking. As with all chips, moderation is essential. For true health benefits, whole-food alternatives or specially designed cleaner-label chips are a more responsible choice. The ultimate decision depends on your dietary goals and priorities, but it's important to make that choice with a clear understanding of what you're actually consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the use of organic ingredients and the absence of some artificial additives, such as food colors and MSG, in Simply Doritos. However, the nutritional profile in terms of fat, sodium, and calories is very similar.

Not significantly. The calorie count per serving is very comparable between the Simply and regular versions. For example, a 1oz serving of Simply Doritos has about 150 calories, while regular Doritos Nacho Cheese has around 140.

Yes, several products in the 'Simply' line, like Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos, are certified organic. However, some variants may not be, and ingredients are subject to change over time, so it is best to check the label.

While they contain cleaner ingredients, Simply Doritos are still a processed snack high in fat and sodium. They can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat, but they should not be a staple in a truly healthy diet.

Simply Doritos are not considered a health food because they are still a highly processed product that is calorie-dense and lacks significant nutritional value like fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are found in whole foods.

Yes, there are numerous healthier alternatives. Options like air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or certain chips made with healthy oils and whole ingredients, such as Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips, are better choices.

The 'Simply' label can be misleading for consumers who equate 'organic' or 'natural' ingredients with a product being low-calorie or genuinely healthy. It's a marketing term that highlights certain ingredient choices, but it doesn't transform a processed snack into a health food.