Snacks, corn-based, extruded, chips, plain
Whole food · Snacks
Photo: Wikipedia
These are the classic, crunchy, golden corn chips made from cornmeal that is extruded through a die and fried or baked until crisp. They offer a satisfyingly loud crunch and a savory, toasty corn flavor, with a nutrition profile that is notably high in fat and carbohydrates, providing a dense energy source.
💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their addictive, savory crunch and the satisfying, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with dips like salsa or guacamole. They are a staple of casual social gatherings, movie nights, and parties, embodying a sense of fun and comfort food culture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and carbohydrate content can lead to overconsumption and potential blood sugar spikes, especially for those managing diabetes or weight. To counteract this, practice strict portion control by using a small bowl, and pair them with protein-rich dips like hummus or bean dip, or healthy fats like avocado, to slow digestion and increase satiety.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Offers a satisfying, crunchy texture for sensory enjoyment
- Can be a convenient, shelf-stable snack option
- Contains some dietary fiber, though in modest amounts
- Serves as a versatile vehicle for dips and toppings
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The extrusion process that creates the iconic shape of many corn chips was originally developed in the 1930s to make breakfast cereals, not snacks.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 1.1 g |
| Energy | 539 kcal |
| Energy | 2256 kj |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 33.4 g |
| Ash | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 57.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.27 g |
| Sucrose | 0.27 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 51.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 138 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 72.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 194 mg |
| Potassium, K | 144 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 514 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.33 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 7.6 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 51.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 0.84 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.19 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.17 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 12.1 mg |
| Betaine | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 3.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 20.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 2.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 41.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 69.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 527 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 7.2 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.35 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 17.8 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.60 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.90 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 6.3 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 16.8 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.55 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.1 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 9.0 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 9.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 16.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 16.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 16.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.28 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.26 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.09 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.02 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.02 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.07 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Stigmasterol | 21.0 mg |
| Campesterol | 51.0 mg |
| Beta-sitosterol | 148 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.05 g |
| Threonine | 0.25 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.23 g |
| Leucine | 0.80 g |
| Lysine | 0.18 g |
| Methionine | 0.14 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.32 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g |
| Valine | 0.33 g |
| Arginine | 0.33 g |
| Histidine | 0.20 g |
| Alanine | 0.49 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.46 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.27 g |
| Proline | 0.57 g |
| Serine | 0.31 g |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Are corn chips the same as tortilla chips?
While both are corn-based, they differ in preparation. Tortilla chips are typically made from corn tortillas cut into wedges and fried, while extruded corn chips are made from cornmeal dough forced through a machine to create a specific shape before cooking.
Why are corn chips so high in fat?
The extrusion process creates a porous structure that readily absorbs oil during frying, resulting in a high fat content per gram. Baking can reduce fat, but many commercial varieties are fried for texture.
Can corn chips be part of a healthy diet?
In moderation, yes. They can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in controlled portions and paired with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, lean proteins, or healthy dips to create a more balanced snack.