National Tortilla Chip Day

Crunchy, salty, and perfect for dipping, these triangular delights are the ultimate companion to your favorite salsa or guacamole.

Marketing angleinferred

Drive February snack sales and cross-category promotions by celebrating tortilla chips as the ultimate dip companion, targeting casual snackers and entertaining occasions.

Relevance 62high intent

Pair tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, and queso—create a 'chip & dip' bundle promotion
Highlight the heritage story: from Rebecca Webb Carranza's 1940s LA innovation to today's snack staple
Feature recipe content: creative dips, nachos, and entertaining ideas using tortilla chips
Run a 'Chip Flavor Challenge' on social media—showcase unique varieties (blue corn, red corn, white corn)

History

Tortilla chips have become so popular because of how they came to be and how they taste. The chip is made from corn tortillas (which are made from corn, vegetable oil, salt, and water) and is then cut into wedges and fried.

A person might be most familiar with the yellow corn tortilla chips that one can find just about anywhere, but know that they can also be made with red, blue, and white corn. One of the primary markets for tortilla chips is in the United States.

The chips were initially produced in masses in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. It may come as a surprise since tortilla chips are commonly thought of to be a Mexican food.

Rebecca Webb Carranza was said to have made these chips popular because she decided to use the misshapen tortillas that the automated tortilla manufacturing machine rejected. She was able to turn them into a snack by cutting them into triangles and then frying them.

FAQ

Are Tortilla Chips healthy?

Although they are not the healthiest snack option due to fat and salt content, Tortilla Chips, when eaten in moderation, can be included as part of a healthy eating plan.[1]

How are Tortilla Chips made?

Most Tortilla Chips begin with 100% corn tortillas, cut into triangles and then baked or fried. They are usually lightly salted after cooking, and can be eaten with salsa, cheese, bean dip and in a variety of ways.[1]

Are Tortilla Chips gluten free?

Yes! As long as they are made from 100% corn with no flour or gluten-filled additives, Tortilla Chips are naturally gluten free.[1]

Who invented Tortilla Chips?

Rebecca Webb Carranza, president of El Zarpape Tortilla Factory in Los Angeles, was likely the inventor of Tortilla Chips. After cutting and frying the mis-shapen tortillas, she found people liked them so she started selling them to the public for 10 cents a bag.[1]

When is National Tortilla Chip Day?

National Tortilla Chip Day is celebrated on the 24th of February each year. A day that is closely related in spirit to this one is National Nachos Day on November 6.