Snacks, corn-based, extruded, chips, barbecue-flavor
Whole food · Snacks
These are airy, crunchy corn chips puffed through extrusion and dusted with a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue seasoning. Their texture is light and shatteringly crisp, designed to dissolve quickly on the tongue. Nutritionally, they are a high-energy snack, packing over 500 calories and significant fat per 100g.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 41% carbs · 54% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for the intensely satisfying combination of a bold, smoky-sweet barbecue flavor and an addictive, airy crunch. They are a cultural staple for casual gatherings, movie nights, and game days, embodying the ultimate comfort snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Their high fat, calorie, and likely sodium content makes them a poor choice for regular snacking, especially for those monitoring blood pressure or heart health. The refined carbohydrates can cause rapid blood sugar spikes. To counteract, practice strict portion control (e.g., a single serving is about 28g), pair with a protein source like hummus or cheese, and drink water to help manage salt intake.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and fats.
- Contains dietary fiber which can aid in digestion.
- Offers a small amount of plant-based protein.
- Convenient, shelf-stable, and portable snack.
- Satisfies cravings for savory, crunchy, and flavorful foods.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The barbecue flavoring often contains a complex blend of over a dozen ingredients, including tomato powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and various spices, to create its signature smoky-sweet profile.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.2 g |
| Energy | 523 kcal |
| Energy | 2188 kj |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 32.7 g |
| Ash | 2.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 56.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 131 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 77.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 207 mg |
| Potassium, K | 236 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 763 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.17 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.77 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.7 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.21 mg |
| Niacin | 1.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.23 mg |
| Folate, total | 39.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 39.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 39.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 31.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 611 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.5 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.96 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 9.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 16.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 14.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.06 g |
| Threonine | 0.28 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.28 g |
| Leucine | 0.75 g |
| Lysine | 0.28 g |
| Methionine | 0.13 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.33 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g |
| Valine | 0.36 g |
| Arginine | 0.37 g |
| Histidine | 0.20 g |
| Alanine | 0.47 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.59 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.29 g |
| Proline | 0.52 g |
| Serine | 0.34 g |
FAQ
Are these the same as traditional tortilla chips?
No. Traditional tortilla chips are typically sliced from corn masa dough and fried or baked, while these are made from a corn-based dough that is extruded under heat and pressure, creating a puffed, lighter texture.
Why are they so high in calories and fat?
The extrusion process and the need for the seasoning to adhere often require significant oil. Additionally, the barbecue flavoring can contain added sugars, contributing to the high calorie density.
Do they contain gluten?
While corn is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is possible in facilities that also process wheat. Always check the packaging for a certified gluten-free label if you have celiac disease or severe sensitivity.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 5.23 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 5.2 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.23 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.