18 Best Spicy Corn or Tortilla Chips with Heat and Flavor

Corn chip vs Tortilla chip

Corn chips are a snack food made from cornmeal fried in oil or baked, usually in the shape of a small noodle or scoop. Corn chips are thick, rigid, very crunchy, have the strong aroma and flavor of roasted corn and are often heavily seasoned with salt.

In the United States, Fritos is one of the oldest and most widely recognized brands of corn chips.

While corn chips and tortilla chips are both made from corn, the corn in tortilla chips is subjected to the nixtamalization process, resulting in a milder flavor and aroma, and a less rigid texture. Tortilla chips also tend to be larger, thinner, less fatty, and less salty than corn chips.

Corn chips are usually eaten alone or with a chip dip.

A tortilla chip is a snack food made from corn tortillas, which are cut into triangles and then fried or baked (alternatively they may be discs pressed out of corn masa then fried or baked). Corn tortillas are made of nixtamalized corn, vegetable oil, salt and water. 

Although first mass-produced commercially in the U.S. in Los Angeles in the late 1940s, tortilla chips grew out of Mexican cuisine, where similar items were well known, such as totopos and tostadas.

Commercial brand names for tortilla chips include Phileas Fogg snacks, Tostitos, Doritos.

The principal difference between the corn in tortilla and corn chips is that the corn in a tortilla chip has undergone a process known as nixtamalization, which involves processing the raw corn with quicklime.

Best Spicy Chips with Heat and Flavor

American snacks fall into many different categories: Sweet, savory, chewy, cheesy, and everything in between. Chips tend to be on the saltier side and are a commonly consumed as a snack in the middle of the day, at lunch, and even at parties. Corn chips, or more specifically, Fritos, are a salty, crunchy variety of chips that graces the pantries and cupboards of many kitchens. Which Fritos flavor is your all-time favorite? Or if you don’t like Fritos at all, which is your favorite, go-to brand? 

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If you like it hot, you’re going to love these ones. But if you’re a chilli novice, hold onto your hat! 

Top 18 Spicy Corn or Tortilla Chips 

#1.                                                       Takis Fuego

($3.97 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Talk about packing the heat. Takis are definitely the hottest chips on our list. 

If you are up for the test to withstand the flavor, brace yourself because Takis is not your ordinary corn chip. 

The most popular and best known flavor of Takis is Fuego. Housed in a bright purple bag, Fuego offers an intense flavor combination of hot chili pepper and lime, guaranteed to make you sweat a bit and turn your fingers red with spicy dust.

We'll admit, the special edition "Hot Chili Pepper & Lime flavored" is for snack lovers who like fiery flavors, such as ourselves.

#2.                                                       Takis Nitro

($3.97 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

There are three actual flavors of Takis Nitro: Havana, Lime, and Cucumber. The result is an intense mix of "wow" after each crunchy bite.

It is spicy, but not as spicy as Fuego. It's sour, even more sour than Fuego.

#3.                                                       TIA LUPITA FOODS Hot Sauce Cactus Tortilla Chips

($12.99 FROM Amazon)

Hot Sauce tortilla chips are packed with flavorful heat from red jalapeno peppers and toasted spices. Tia Lupita uses the same seasonings in these chips as they do in their world-famous hot sauce. Your mouth will be watering for more. Great with salsa, guacamole, queso, nachos, or straight out of the bag.

#4.                                                       Tostitos Hint Of Spicy Queso Tortilla Chip

($20.99 FROM Amazon)

The most popular flavor of Tostitos - Spicy Queso.

Tostitos® Hint of Spicy Queso Flavour Tortilla Chips are inspired by “chips & queso” found at your favourite Mexican Restaurant. 

They are made of white corn cooked to perfection for a light and, crispy crunch on restaurant style chips. 

Each chip has spicy queso flavoring, so who even needs a dipping sauce? The packaging itself says, “Watch out nachos, there’s a new base in town!” Few things go together like carbs and cheese, so we really love this chip!

#5.                                                       Tostitos Habanero Flavored Tortilla Chips

($12.99 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back & Save 20%)

Tostitos isn’t afraid of trying out new chip flavors, and if you haven’t crunched on the hint of guacamole and hint of spicy queso flavors, then you’re missing out. 

However, Tostitos Habanero are the brand's spiciest chips yet! There's more than just a "hint" of spiciness to this flavor - it'll grab your taste buds.

The Tostitos Habanero are seasoned with real habanero pepper, so you’ll get that pop of spice in a bite-sized, round chip. 

Don’t forget to pick up some dips while you’re at it, like Tostitos’ Avocado Salsa or Salsa Con Queso.

#6.                                                       Doritos Flamin’ Hot Limón 

($2.89 FROM Saucey - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Can’t get enough heat? Doritos Flamin’ Hot Limón combines the signature heat, like you find in the Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho, with a tangy lime twist. So if you’re constantly chasing the latest hot flavor, you have to jump on this one!

#7.                                                       Doritos Flamin’ Hot Cool Ranch 

($3.89 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Doritos introduces a mashup of Flamin' Hot Doritos and its popular Cool Ranch flavor, combining zesty flavors with fan-favorite heat for cool and spicy bites.

That said, the tortilla chips combine the satisfying crunch of Doritos, the zesty, cool taste of its Cool Ranch flavor, and the spicy notes of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos that inspired other hot snacks — so basically everything you could ever want.

#8.                                                       Trader Joe's Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

($2.99 FROM Trader Joe's )

Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are spicy, ire-zest-tible little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa. It is a Takis-inspired chip. And these chips are cut & rolled a little thicker for additional crunch. 

We think it's the best savory item at TJ's. Seriously addicting.

The flavors are the perfect combination of tangy and spicy, trying to be as intense as possible without being overpowering.

The blend of spices is amazing - spicy but not too hot, with just enough sourness to make your mouth water. These rolled chips are super crispy and are great with a sandwich at lunch or with a beer at happy hour.

#9.                                                       Julio's Corn Tortilla Chips Freakin' Hot

($25 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back & Save 20%)

The corn chips come from Julio's Corn Chips and Seasoning Inc., a Del Rio, Texas-based Mexican food manufacturing company.

Julio’s manufactures cooked, seasoned corn tortilla chips, pork skins, fresh salsa and queso, jar salsa, seasoning and pepper sauces.

For locals, Julio's Original Corn Tortilla Chips are a classic. Their famous "yellow bag" and the deliciousness within has gained a nation-wide following. No advertising necessary...this mom and pop brand spread simply through the old-fashioned "word of mouth" rave customer reviews. 

With the addition of habanero peppers to the original Julio's Chips, these Freakin' Hot Chips are for the "heat seekers". Julio's original blend of garlic, paprika, cumin, and lime, provide the flavor that will keep you coming back for more. 

The tortilla chips aren't as crispy as Doritos, but they have a nice crunch and lend a pleasant, rustic taste to the corn tortillas.

#10.                                                       Garden of Eatin' Corn Tortilla Chips, Red Hot Blues

($24.90 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back & Save 20%)

Spicy, salty snacks is a big area within the category, but there was really nobody doing it in a healthy way. The Hain Celestial Group did it with Sensible Portions, Terra and Garden of Eatin’ as well.”

Garden of Eatin’ Red Hot Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are an authentic crispy chip with the spicy twist of cayenne peppers, but made as always with organic whole corn kernels and expeller-pressed oils. Even though these chips are free from GMOs, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, they taste great.

#11.                                                       Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips

($4.38 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

If you can combine chili and cheese into one flavor of chips, you've got yourself a delicious snack. You can actually find this flavor combination in Fritos' Chili Cheese Corn Chips.

When it comes to Frito flavors, this one is the absolute best. If these are your favorite chips, you've definitely got good taste.

Fritos lovers agree that these chips are incredible, describing them as having a nice, slightly spicy flavor and a crunchy texture.

They're bursting with saltiness and a hint of spice, and they're delicious. They have the classic texture of traditional Fritos with a little extra to make your mouth water.

#12.                                                       Fritos Flamin' Hot Flavored Corn Chips

($4.38 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Some people like it hot while others like it fiery hot. If you're of the latter group, then the Flamin' Hot Corn Chips from Fritos might just be the chips you need in your life.

These chips scream "hot," with a fiery, flaming graphic on each bag and bright red chips that remind you of fire. 

There's no doubt that Flamin' Hot Fritos are truly packed with fiery flavor in every bite, and they taste good enough to keep you coming back for more after the first.

These chips are not for the faint of heart. They are very spicy and the taste lingers long after you eat them.

These chips have a cheesy, salty taste to them, although it wasn't as hot or spicy asa hot sauce or spicy curry.

While these aren't the spiciest chips on the market, they are spicier than regular corn chips, and we recommend these chips to anyone who loves something spicy.

#13.                                                       Fritos Scoops Spicy Jalapeno Flavored Corn Chips

($3.98 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

You're probably wondering the difference between Fritos Scoops and the original Fritos, and you'd be right in guessing that flavor-wise, these two are exactly the same. 

However, the shape of the Fritos Spoons does give them a slight edge over the original, as these snack-friendly chips are perfect for (as the name suggests) scooping dip, salsa, or whatever condiment you like onto your chips.

That alone makes them better than the original Fritos, especially since they have a similar, memorable crunch, and impeccable flavor.

While Fritos' other flavors, like Barbecue and Chili Cheese, are delicious, if you're looking for something with a little more heat, Spicy Jalapeño Scoops will satisfy your snacking cravings.

These chips take the flavor of jalapenos and use them to create nice, slightly spicy chips. While not quite as spicy as the Flamin' Hot Fritos, they still have enough jalapeno flavor to satisfy.

#14.                                                       Fritos Corn Chips BarBQ

($2.48 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Want a classic side to serve with burgers or hot dogs, or as a snack when you're hungry and want a crisp, smoky twist?

Fritos does offer a variety of BBQ products, one of which is the Bar-BQ Flavored Corn Chips. These chips are just like your typical serving of the original Fritos, except with a twist of BBQ flavor and a slightly darker, more fiery color to match that flavor.

They're a little sweeter than the original Fritos and have an irresistible flavor. They're not as sweet as Honey BBQ Fritos, but still have that classic corn flavor.  The Bar-B-Q Fritos are great on their own or as a topping for chili.

#15.                                                       Chile and Lime Fritos

The chile flavor isn’t too spicy but adds just enough heat to make things interesting, while the saltiness of the chips ties everything together.

Chile and Lime Fritos taste great right out of the bag or with dip. I like to crumble them as a topping on salads or tacos.

They’re also great for parties because they’re easy to eat and everyone loves them.

#16.                                                       Xochitl Mexican-Style Tortilla Chips

($4.48 FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

We love these Xochitl Mexican-Style Tortilla Chips for their premium chips with authentic corn flavor, balanced texture, presence of sea salt, and even a hint of lime. 

These are the ones you’ll want to bust out for the dips and salsas that are only worthy of a pairing, much like your fine china with an expensive home-cooked meal. 

#17.                                                       Mi Nina Pico De Gallo Tortilla Chips

https://www.bjs.com/product/mi-nina-pico-de-gallo-tortilla-chips/3000000000004290257

We love Mi Niña chips—especially the pico de gallo and jalapeño agave flavors.

Although these chips are slightly more expensive than other brands, we found that the flavor of these chips beats other chips. The chips themselves weren't overly salty, which in turn allowed the underlying organic flavor of the corn to shine through. Plus, the chips are Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

We recommend trying the pico de gallo flavor. Its mild spice is bursting with flavors of tomato, jalapeño, lime, and cilantro. This chip flavor truly combines the flavors of dip and chip in one. If you're feeling adventurous, the jalapeño agave flavor will have your taste buds swirling through sweet, spicy, and savory.

Mi Nina Pico De Gallo Tortilla Chips are a flavorful snack, perfect for dipping in your favorite salsa or queso dip. 

#18.                                                       Late July Snacks, Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Chips

Let the good times roll with Late July Snacks Jalapeno Lime Tortilla Chips. Made from organic yellow corn, these spicy chips are seasoned with the perfect amount of jalapeno pepper and lime for a mouthwatering snack for anytime.

Late July® is committed to using only high quality organic and non-GMO ingredients without sacrificing taste, making it the leading Organic Tortilla Chip in the U.S. Late July® multigrain tortilla chips were the first organic chips coupling unique, delicious flavors with wholesome grains and seeds. 

In addition to Jalapeno Lime, Late July tortilla chips are also available in Nacho Cheese, Garden Ranch, and more.

Enjoy these bold and spicy jalapeno chips on their own straight out of the bag, or try them with salsa or other dips. Each 7.8-ounce bag contains 8 servings and is perfect for sharing with friends or stashing in your pantry to satisfy your cravings for spicy snacks.

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