What are On the Border chips made of?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official On the Border Chips website, their Café Style tortilla chips are made with just three simple ingredients: corn, vegetable oil, and sea salt. This simple composition is key to their signature flavor and texture, which mimics the fresh, warm chips served at their restaurants.

Quick Summary

On the Border tortilla chips are primarily made from corn, vegetable oil, and sea salt, with the exact oil blend varying by product. They are known for their crispy, bubbly texture, which is achieved through a specific baking and frying process. The brand also offers organic and flavored varieties with slightly different ingredient lists.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The primary ingredients for most On the Border tortilla chips are corn, vegetable oil (a blend of different types), and sea salt.
Corn Blend: The classic Café Style chips use a blend of yellow and white corn flour to achieve their signature flavor and flaky, bubbly texture.
Vegetable Oil: The frying oil consists of a mix that may include canola, corn, cottonseed, safflower, and soybean oils, though organic varieties use different specific oils.
Two-Step Process: On the Border chips are both baked and fried to produce their ideal crispy and bubbly texture.
Gluten-Free: The standard tortilla chips are certified gluten-free, using corn as their main component.
Organic Options: The company also offers organic chips made from organic corn flour, expeller-pressed organic oil, and sea salt.

Core Ingredients of On the Border Chips

For many of their core products, including the popular Café Style, the ingredient list is intentionally simple to create an authentic, restaurant-style chip. The three main components are corn, a blend of vegetable oils, and sea salt.

The Role of Corn

The foundation of any great tortilla chip is the corn. On the Border chips use a blend of yellow and white corn flour to achieve their unique flavor profile and crispy, flaky bite. This specific blend contributes to both the chip's texture and its subtle, sweet corn taste, which serves as the perfect base for dips and salsas.

The Importance of Vegetable Oil

After the corn flour is mixed and shaped, the chips are cooked using a blend of vegetable oils. The oil is crucial for creating the signature bubbly texture and golden-brown color. The brand's products may use one or more of the following: canola, corn, cottonseed, safflower, and/or soybean oil. The specific combination can vary depending on the product line, such as their organic versions which use different expeller-pressed oils.

Seasoning with Sea Salt

To finish, the chips are seasoned with sea salt. Sea salt is chosen for its clean, pure flavor that enhances the natural taste of the corn without overpowering it. This simple seasoning is a key part of the classic, authentic taste that has made the brand a favorite.

The Manufacturing Process: Baking and Frying

The crispy texture of On the Border chips is not solely dependent on their ingredients but also on the unique two-step manufacturing process. The chips are first baked and then fried, which achieves a great flavor and the desirable, bubbly finish.

Baking: The shaped corn tortillas are baked to remove moisture and set their structure. This helps create the light, flaky layers that define the chips.
Frying: A quick fry in vegetable oil gives the chips their final crispness, color, and signature bubbly appearance. This combination ensures a satisfying crunch that holds up well for dipping.

Different Varieties and Their Ingredients

While the classic Café Style chip has a simple list, other varieties have tailored ingredients for different flavor profiles and dietary needs. The brand offers several lines, including organic options and flavored chips.

Comparison of On the Border Chip Varieties


Chip Variety	Primary Ingredients	Key Feature	Notable Ingredients
Café Style	Corn, vegetable oil, sea salt	Classic restaurant-style crunch	Blend of yellow and white corn flours
Organic Blue Rounds	Organic blue corn flour, organic vegetable oil, sea salt	Certified organic, non-GMO	Organic sunflower, safflower, and/or palm oil
Queso Flavored	Corn, vegetable oil, queso seasoning	Cheesy flavor coating	Whey, cheddar cheese, spices, and natural flavors
Lightly Salted	Corn, vegetable oil, sea salt	Reduced sodium	Fewer sodium crystals added after frying

Are On the Border Chips Gluten-Free?

Yes, On the Border's standard and organic tortilla chips are confirmed to be gluten-free. The primary ingredient, corn, is naturally gluten-free. The company uses dedicated processes to ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients are used in the production of these specific chips. This makes them a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It's always best to check the product's packaging for the most current information, as is recommended by experts like Gluten Free Watchdog.

Conclusion

At its core, the delicious flavor and texture of On the Border chips come from a minimal and carefully selected list of ingredients: a specific blend of corn, a mix of vegetable oils for frying, and sea salt. The brand's commitment to this simple recipe, combined with a unique bake-then-fry process, creates the authentic, restaurant-quality taste that has made them a popular choice. Whether you prefer the classic Café Style or a specialty organic version, the fundamental formula remains rooted in high-quality, straightforward components.

Visit the official On The Border Chips website for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

On the Border tortilla chips are fried in a blend of vegetable oils, which can include canola, corn, cottonseed, safflower, and/or soybean oil. Organic versions use a blend of organic sunflower, safflower, and/or palm oil.

Yes, On the Border’s tortilla chips are gluten-free, and this claim is verified on their product packaging.

The chips are made using a unique two-step process where they are first baked and then fried. This method helps them achieve their crispy, bubbly, and flaky texture.

The standard and organic tortilla chips are made from corn, vegetable oil, and sea salt, making them suitable for a vegan diet. However, flavored varieties should always be checked, as they may contain dairy ingredients.

On the Border selects ingredients for its chips to craft authentic flavors. The brand's focus is on simple, familiar ingredients, including a special blend of yellow and white corn flours.

On the Border's Café Style chips are advertised as having 0g of trans fat per serving. The brand is committed to avoiding trans fats in its products.

Yes, On the Border offers an organic line of chips, including Organic Blue Rounds, which are made with organic blue corn flour, organic vegetable oil, and sea salt.