10 Fritos Flavors, Ranked From Worst To Best
Fritos have been a salty, crunchy staple in snack drawers for generations, and they’re not going anywhere. With flavors that range from classic and comforting to bold and fiery, there’s a Frito for every craving. But let’s be honest, not all bags are created equal.
Some are forgettable, while others are downright addictive. So grab a seat (and maybe a snack), as we dive into the delicious world of Fritos, ranking the flavors from ‘meh’ to must-have.
1. Fritos Lightly Salted Corn Chips
The wallflower at the Fritos family reunion never quite makes an impression. These chips lack the bold personality their siblings bring to the table.
While they might appeal to folks watching their sodium intake, the reduced salt makes them taste like corn chips that forgot their purpose in life.
They’re the chips you settle for, not the ones you crave.
2. Fritos Flavor Twists Queso Flavored Corn Chips
These spiral-shaped snacks promise cheesy goodness but deliver more of a whisper than a shout. The queso flavor feels artificial, like someone described cheese to a computer that’s never tasted it.
The twisted shape is fun, I’ll give them that. But when you’re craving that rich, creamy queso flavor, these chips leave you wanting the real thing instead of this pale imitation.
3. Fritos Corn Chips – Bar•B•Q Flavored
The smoky-sweet coating on these chips tries hard but never quite captures authentic barbecue flavor. They’re like the barbecue sauce you get at a fast food joint, recognizable but missing depth.
My nephew once collected five empty bags of these for a school project on food dyes. That’s probably their most memorable quality.
The seasoning tends to be uneven, with some chips packing flavor while others taste forgotten.
4. Fritos Flavor Twists Lime & Jalapeño Twists
These twisty green chips deliver a zesty punch that wakes up your taste buds. The lime hits first with bright citrus notes, followed by a mild jalapeño kick that never ventures into uncomfortable territory.
The flavor balance leans heavily toward lime, with jalapeño playing a supporting role. They’re refreshing but inconsistent: some batches bring the heat while others barely register on the spice meter.
5. Fritos Scoops! Corn Chips
Not really a flavor innovation but a shape revolution, these sturdy little bowls transform the dipping game. Their thick walls stand up to the heaviest salsas and densest bean dips without the dreaded mid-scoop snap.
Last Super Bowl, I watched my friend successfully transport guacamole across an entire living room using a single unbroken Scoop. The taste is classic Fritos, but their utility earns them this middle-of-the-pack ranking.
6. Fritos Flavor Twists Honey BBQ Flavored Corn Chips
Sweet meets smoky in these spiral-shaped munchables. The honey notes hit first, creating a pleasant contrast with the savory barbecue undertones.
Unlike their straight BBQ cousins, these twists nail the flavor balance. The sweetness never becomes cloying, while the smokiness adds complexity without overwhelming.
Their unique shape also traps more seasoning in the ridges, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.
7. Fritos Scoops! Spicy Jalapeño Corn Chips
These scoopable snacks bring serious heat to the party. The jalapeño flavor tastes authentic, like actual peppers rather than mysterious “spicy powder.”
Their genius lies in combining the functional scoop shape with bold flavor. You can load them with cool dips to balance the heat or embrace the burn solo.
The spice builds gradually rather than assaulting your taste buds, making them dangerously easy to keep munching.
8. Fritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips
These orange-dusted chips perfectly capture the comfort food magic of a chili cheese dog. The tangy cheese hits first, followed by a mild chili powder warmth that never overwhelms.
During college road trips, these were our go-to snacks. They somehow taste even better when eaten in a moving vehicle.
The flavor coating is generous without venturing into that territory where your fingers look like you’ve been fingerprinted at the police station.
9. Fritos Flamin’ Hot Flavored Corn Chips
Fiery red and unapologetically bold, these chips don’t play games with your taste buds. The heat builds gradually, allowing you to appreciate the complex spice blend before the burn kicks in.
What sets them apart from other spicy snacks is how the corn base balances the intensity. The thick, crunchy chip provides the perfect vehicle for the spice.
They’re addictive in that painful-but-pleasurable way that keeps you reaching for “just one more” despite your watering eyes.
10. Fritos Original Corn Chips
Sometimes the original remains champion for good reason. These simple corn chips showcase three perfect ingredients: corn, oil, and salt – the holy trinity of snacking.
Their robust crunch and straightforward corn flavor make them the ideal blank canvas for dips or toppings. Yet they’re equally satisfying when eaten plain. My grandmother kept these in her pantry for 40 years, proving some classics never go out of style.
They’re the measuring stick against which all corn chips are judged.