If you're a fan of snacks, you're probably familiar with nacho cheese tortilla chips. One of the most popular brands weighs in at 35.4 grams per bag and contains 220 calories. Whether you're counting calories or simply craving a crunchy snack, it's important to understand the nutritional content of your favorite foods.

In addition to the calorie count, a serving of nacho cheese tortilla chips (35.4 g) contains 12 g of fat, 28 g of carbohydrates, and 3 g of protein. The ingredients include corn, vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), maltodextrin (made from corn), salt, whey protein concentrate, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), natural and artificial flavors, onion powder, sugar, lactic acid, garlic powder, whey, citric acid, disodium inosinate, and disodium guanylate.

While nacho cheese tortilla chips may not be the healthiest snack around, they can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional content and potential health benefits of these cheesy chips.

Calories per serving

Each serving of nacho cheese tortilla chips (35.4 g) contains 220 calories. This may not sound like much, but it can add up quickly if you eat several servings at once. It's important to be mindful of your portion sizes and consider the calorie content of your snacks when planning your meals throughout the day.

Serving size

The serving size for nacho cheese tortilla chips is 35.4 grams, which is equivalent to one bag. It's important to pay attention to the serving size when evaluating the nutritional content of your snacks. This can help you make more informed choices and avoid overeating.

Ingredients

The ingredients in nacho cheese tortilla chips include corn, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, whey protein concentrate, cheddar cheese, natural and artificial flavors, onion powder, sugar, lactic acid, garlic powder, whey, citric acid, disodium inosinate, and disodium guanylate. While some of these ingredients may be unfamiliar, they are generally considered safe for consumption. However, it's always a good idea to read ingredient labels and choose snacks made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients whenever possible.

Allergens

Nacho cheese tortilla chips contain milk and may contain traces of other common allergens like wheat or soy. If you have a food allergy, it's important to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid any ingredients that could trigger a reaction.

Fat content

One serving of nacho cheese tortilla chips (35.4 g) contains 12 g of fat, 2.5 g of which is saturated. While dietary fat is an important macronutrient, it's also high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Choosing snacks that contain healthy fats like nuts, seeds, or avocados can be a good way to boost your nutrient intake while satisfying your cravings.

Carbohydrate content

Nacho cheese tortilla chips are a carb-heavy snack, with 28 g of carbohydrates per serving. While carbs are an important source of energy, it's important to choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible. Refined carbohydrates like those found in processed snacks can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can lead to hunger and cravings.

Protein content

While nacho cheese tortilla chips aren't particularly high in protein, they do contain 3 g per serving. Protein is an important macronutrient that helps build and repair muscles, among other functions. Choosing snacks that contain protein, like hummus or edamame, can be a good way to stay satisfied and energized throughout the day.

Sodium content

One serving of nacho cheese tortilla chips (35.4 g) contains 180 mg of sodium. While some sodium is necessary for proper bodily function, most Americans consume too much salt in their diets. High sodium intake has been linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Choosing lower-sodium snack options, or opting for fresh fruits and vegetables as a snack, can be a good way to reduce your sodium intake.

Recommended serving suggestions

While nacho cheese tortilla chips can be a tasty snack on their own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them in a more balanced way. One option is to pair them with a protein-rich dip like guacamole or hummus. This can help balance out the macronutrient content of the snack and make it more satisfying. Another option is to use them as a topping for salads or soups, or to crumble them up as a crunchy addition to tacos or burritos.

Health benefits

While nacho cheese tortilla chips aren't exactly a health food, there are some potential benefits to consuming them in moderation. For example, the corn used to make tortilla chips is a whole grain, meaning it contains all parts of the grain and is more nutrient-dense than refined grains like white flour. Additionally, the cheese flavoring can add some calcium to your diet, which is important for bone health. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are many healthier snack options out there, and that nacho cheese tortilla chips should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.