What Tortilla Chips Are Made With Healthy Oil? Your Ultimate Guide

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Overconsumption of vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, such as sunflower and corn oil, has been linked to inflammation. Choosing tortilla chips made with healthier alternatives like avocado or coconut oil can be a better choice for mindful snacking. So, what tortilla chips are made with healthy oil?

Quick Summary

This guide details which healthy oils are used in tortilla chip production, highlighting brands that prioritize ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, and grass-fed tallow over processed seed oils.

Key Points

Choose Healthier Oils: Prioritize tortilla chips made with avocado oil, coconut oil, or grass-fed tallow over chips fried in common seed oils like canola or sunflower oil.
Avoid Seed Oils: Many common seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. Look for brands that explicitly state they are 'seed oil-free.'
Check for Nixtamalization: Some brands use nixtamalized corn, a traditional process that enhances the nutritional value and authentic flavor of the chips.
Consider Your Cooking Method: Baked chips are a low-fat alternative to fried chips, but versions fried in healthy, stable oils can still be a good choice for taste and texture.
Read the Label: The best way to ensure you're getting a healthier snack is to read the ingredient list carefully and avoid products with long lists of additives and preservatives.
Mind Portion Sizes: Even with healthy oil, moderation is key. Portion control helps manage calorie and fat intake.

Why the Right Cooking Oil Matters for Your Chips

Traditional mass-produced tortilla chips are often fried in inexpensive, highly processed vegetable or seed oils like corn, canola, and sunflower oil. While these are common, they are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in disproportionate amounts compared to omega-3s. Healthier alternatives are more stable when heated to high temperatures, meaning they are less likely to oxidize and produce harmful free radicals. They also provide a better fatty acid profile, with higher monounsaturated fat content that supports heart health.

Healthy Oil Alternatives Found in Tortilla Chips

For those seeking a healthier snack, several superior oil options are available:

Avocado Oil: High in monounsaturated fats (like olive oil), avocado oil has a very high smoke point, making it exceptionally stable for frying. It also has a neutral flavor, allowing the authentic corn taste to shine through. Brands like Siete and Boulder Canyon utilize avocado oil in some products.
Coconut Oil: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil is a plant-based option that is very stable at high heat due to its high saturated fat content. It adds a subtle sweetness and crispiness. Brands such as Gilly Loco and Cabo Chips are known for using coconut oil.
Grass-Fed Beef Tallow: This traditional fat is stable at high temperatures and imparts a unique, rich flavor. Brands like MASA and Hola Mija fry their chips in grass-fed tallow, catering to those who prefer an animal-fat-based product.
Olive Oil: While excellent for moderate-heat cooking, olive oil has a slightly lower smoke point than avocado oil, which makes it less ideal for deep frying. However, some brands like Boulder Canyon use it in their kettle-cooked chips.

The Importance of Nixtamalization

Beyond the oil, the corn itself matters. Nixtamalization is an ancient Mesoamerican process where corn kernels are soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution. This process releases nutrients like niacin and improves the flavor and texture of the corn. When choosing tortilla chips, look for brands that specify 'nixtamalized corn' on their ingredient list for a more authentic and nutritious option.

Comparison of Healthy Oil Tortilla Chip Brands

To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of some popular healthier tortilla chip brands:


Brand	Primary Healthy Oil	Key Features	Notes
Siete	Avocado Oil	Grain-free options (cassava flour), organic corn versions, paleo-friendly	Widely available, good for those with sensitivities.
MASA	Grass-Fed Tallow	Seed-oil free, organic corn, nixtamalized	Appeals to consumers seeking traditional ingredients.
Gilly Loco	Coconut Oil	Clean ingredients, stone-ground corn	Provides a distinct flavor profile from coconut oil.
Boulder Canyon	Avocado or Olive Oil	Non-GMO, distinct kettle-cooked texture	Offers a variety of oil options across its chip lines.
Hola Mija	Grass-Fed Tallow	Organic nixtamalized corn, Celtic sea salt	Focuses on traditional and minimal ingredients.

How to Choose the Healthier Option

Finding a healthier chip option involves more than just glancing at the front of the bag. Follow these steps:

Read the Ingredient List: Look specifically for oils like avocado, coconut, or tallow. Avoid labels that list 'vegetable oil,' 'canola oil,' or 'soybean oil.'
Check for Processing: Seek out brands that emphasize minimal processing. Phrases like 'stone-ground' or 'organic nixtamalized corn' can indicate higher quality.
Consider Baked vs. Fried: While chips fried in healthy oils are a significant step up, baked chips will naturally have a lower overall fat content. However, some find the taste and texture of baked chips less satisfying. You can even try making your own healthier baked chips at home using avocado oil: https://www.thehealthytoast.com/baked-tortilla-chips
Prioritize Quality Over Claims: Don't be swayed by buzzwords alone. The ingredient list is the most reliable source of information about what's actually in your chips.

Conclusion: Making a Mindful Crunch

While snacking on tortilla chips is a delicious pastime, making mindful ingredient choices can significantly impact your health. By understanding the differences between common seed oils and healthier alternatives like avocado, coconut, or tallow, you can select products that align better with your nutritional goals. Brands such as Siete, MASA, and Gilly Loco provide excellent options for those looking to avoid highly processed oils. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your dietary preferences and taste, but knowing what tortilla chips are made with healthy oil empowers you to make a more informed and health-conscious decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

For frying tortilla chips, avocado oil is often considered the healthiest due to its high smoke point and excellent fatty acid profile, being rich in monounsaturated fats. Coconut oil is another healthy option, rich in MCTs and stable at high temperatures.

Seed oils like sunflower, canola, and corn oil are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. When consumed in excess, a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Yes, many grain-free tortilla chips, such as those made by Siete, are fried in healthy oils like avocado oil. They often use alternative flours like cassava or coconut flour.

Nixtamalization is a traditional process where corn is soaked in an alkaline solution, which improves its nutritional value and makes it more digestible. It can also enhance flavor. Chips made with nixtamalized corn are often seen as a higher-quality option.

Baked tortilla chips typically have a lower fat content than fried versions, but whether they are 'healthier' depends on the oil used in the fried chips. Chips fried in a healthy oil (like avocado) are often a better choice than baked chips that still contain unhealthy seed oils.

Yes, many brands that use healthier oils, like Siete and MASA, also offer organic options. Some brands use organic corn to avoid GMOs and pesticides.

Beef tallow is a traditional, stable cooking fat that provides a rich flavor and is free from the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids found in many seed oils. Brands like MASA and Hola Mija use grass-fed tallow for their chips.