Since its release in 1996, Doritos has launched dozens of flavors of its iconic corn chips (and even popcorn!). From classic Nacho Cheese to limited-edition flavors (remember the all-black Doritos?), the brand has never shied away from bold experimentation. With so many options on shelves, though, one question remains: Which Doritos flavor is actually the best?
We assembled a panel of six Doritos fans and taste-tested our way through 16 (!) different flavors, including the O.G.’s and a few revamped recipes. It was a heated afternoon of tasting and ranking as we debated each one. Here’s how every flavor stacked up, from pretty damn good to legend status.
After the test, we all basically agreed there’s really no such thing as an outright bad Dorito. At the end of the day, it’s a crunchy corn chip dusted with seasoning. What hurt this chip ultimately was a case of mismatched expectations — it didn’t really taste like its advertised flavor of sriracha. Chanel, our director of product design, and Celia, our editorial assistant, felt it took on a “honey” soy flavor. Ali, our associate groceries editor, liked it, but the rest of the group believed it fell short.
Buy: Doritos Golden Sriracha, $3 for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
The heat is there on this one, but the lime flavor came off as “sharp and slightly artificial,” according to Ali, and a few other tasters. While fans of sour-spicy snacks may enjoy the punch, several tasters felt like it lacked balance.
Buy: Doritos Flamin’ Hot Limón, $5.19 for 9.25 ounces at Target
A longtime fan favorite but divisive in our group. The sweetness wholly dominated this chip, with spice trailing behind rather than leading the charge. Tasty but “far too sweet” to outrank the other flavors, according to Chanel.
Buy: Doritos Sweet Spicy Chili, $3 (on sale) for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
There were a lot of heat-driven chips in the bunch. Unsurprisingly, Flamin’ Hot was pure heat without really any other flavor note. It “lacked the complexity that keeps us reaching back into the bag,” according to Ali, but delivers exactly what it promises: Spice, with a capital S.
Buy: Doritos Flamin’ Hot, $2.50 (on sale) for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
12. Simply White Cheddar Nacho
This one reminded Greg, our people operations manager, of white cheddar popcorn, in a way that made him want … white cheddar popcorn and not necessarily Doritos. Ultimately, the cheesy flavor was delicious but “lacked a certain bold Doritos quality,” said Mara, our director of groceries and shopping.
Buy: Doritos Simply White Cheddar Nacho, $2.50 (on sale) for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
11. Simply Zesty Cool Ranch
This was a toned-down version of a classic. “There are hints of tang and herbs,” according to Celia, but, as Ali pointed out, it’s missing the punch that makes Cool Ranch so iconic. Again, it’s solid, just not as memorable compared with other flavors.
Buy: Lay’s Sweet Southern Heat Barbecue Flavored Chips, $4.69 or 7.5 ounces at Amazon
These are lively and highly snackable with a “bright, citrusy heat and a chili-lime kick,” as Ali described them. Though, a few testers felt the acidity lingered longer than they’d like and yearned for more heat. Still, a strong option for spicy-acidic chip lovers.
Buy: Doritos Flamas, $4.59 for 9.25 ounces at Target
9. Late Night Loaded Taco
Our group wholly agreed that these Doritos really tasted like taco night (probably helps that the tortilla chips are dusted with taco seasoning). These snacks were savory and seasoned with plenty of cumin. Some people just weren’t sure if they wanted that in their Doritos.
Buy: Doritos Late Night Loaded Taco, $3.97 (on sale) for or 9.25 ounces at Walmart
8. Simply NKD Nacho Cheese
This stripped-back version of Nacho Cheese, which launched back in December 2025, lets the corn chip shine while still delivering familiar cheesy comfort. It’s noticeably less bright in color than the O.G. — in part because it’s made without red dye — and that restraint carries through to the flavor. While undeniably delicious, it lacks some of the punchy brightness that makes the original so iconic.
Buy: Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese, $3.97 (on sale!) for 9.25 ounces at Walmart
We felt similarly about the other new NKD Doritos flavor. This one was “herby, tangy, and surprisingly bold” for a “simple” label, but as Chanel pointed out, its chip isn’t as crunchy as the original Cool Ranch flavor. Surprisingly close, though.
Buy: Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch, $3.97 (on sale!) for 9.25 ounces at Walmart
6. Sweet and Tangy Barbecue
“Sweet, tangy, and smoky,” wrote Mara, and the rest of us adored the generous amount of seasoning on this chip that made it finger-licking good. It was interesting, though, how well the barbecue flavor went with the crunchy corn chip.
Buy: Sweet and Tangy Barbecue, $3 for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
The citrus-forward flavor wakes up your palate instantly, and it’s “zesty, bright, and full of tomatillo tang,” Ali says. Henry, our principal product designer, picked up on how delightfully “peppery” it was. He even grabbed a few extra chips just to keep tasting. Good sign! Great chip.
Buy: Doritos Salsa Verde, $2.89 for 9.25 ounces at Instacart
Everything you love about Nacho Cheese, turned up a notch. We all agreed that the heat enhances the cheese rather than overpowering it, creating a balanced, crowd-pleasing favorite and landing it pretty high up on this list.
Buy: Doritos Spicy Nacho, $2.38 for 9.25 ounces at Walmart
A true classic. There was a bit of arguing here. Ali felt like Cool Ranch deserved all of the flowers and the top spot. The rest of the group enjoyed the classic zesty chip that’s herby and tangy, but felt like there were other flavors that deserved the highest of honors.
Buy: Doritos Cool Ranch, $2.99 (on sale) for 9.25 ounces at Instacart
Bold, vinegary heat with unmistakable chili-garlic flavor from one of the best bottles of hot sauce. This collaboration nails the essence of the beloved Tapatío, delivering real spice. The only thing that would make it better? If they were nachos.
Buy: Doritos Tapatío, $3.00 for 9.75 ounces at Amazon
After a long (and delightful) hour of eating and comparing chips, the one, true winner was Nacho Cheese. The undisputed champion. Mara called it “cheesy, salty, and … perfect.” Clearly, Nacho Cheese Doritos are the gold standard. Nearly every tester agreed: No matter how many new flavors come and go, this is the one that never misses.
Buy: Doritos Nacho Cheese, $3.00 for 9.25 ounces at Amazon
What’s your favorite Doritos’ chip flavor? Tell us in the comments below.
