Are Doritos Bad For You?
Also Known As: Doritos tortilla chips
Short answer
Yes, Doritos are bad for you. They are loaded with artificial flavors, chemicals, GMOs, and many other health hazards.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Doritos proudly advertise about their large variety of flavors, but how do they really get a chip to taste like “Tuna Mayo”, “Winter Crab”, or “Hamburger”? It takes a lot of food additives to create those unusual flavors that so many people savor. The first ingredient on the package is corn. They forgot to add in that it is actually genetically modified corn. In addition to the chips being largely created with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), most of its flavor comes from Mono-sodium glutamate (MSG), salt, and sugar: the trifecta of unhealthy additives. That alone is enough to answer the question at hand, but it doesn’t stop there! Add in some partially hydrogenated oils, Yellow dye 5, Yellow dye 6, and Red dye 40 and fry it up in vegetable oil and they have basically created a completely artificial food.
All of the flavors of those popular chips can quickly increase your pant size. One bag contains an average of (depending on the flavor) 8g of fat, 150 calories, and 18g of carbohydrates. That is a large fat content for a small snack or just a side with your lunch. The sodium content, at 180mg, was actually lower than expected, considering all the additives.
Many of the additives and ingredients are known for causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be the root of numerous ailments such as diabetes, migraines, mental illness, celiac, asthma, body pain, arthritis and many more diseases and symptoms. The number of symptoms and illness that lead to inflammation are extensive. It is important to be cognizant of all foods and additives that contribute to inflammation. In a world with processed food dominating the supermarkets and restaurants, you may be surprised where you might find it.
Many people find Doritos enticing because of the various flavors. Always remember that good flavor comes from real food and in order to make a chip taste like “hamburgers” or “Winter Crabs” you can guarantee it was created in a lab.
Possible short-term side effects
- dehydration
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allergic reaction
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hyperactivity in children
Possible long-term side effects
- inflammation
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obesity
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hypertension
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alzheimer's disease
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parkinson’s disease
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- many flavors to choose from
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Beanitos White Bean Chips
- Good protein source
- High in fiber
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Tasty nacho flavor
- Convenient 6 pack
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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