Mexican snacks come in many forms: from spicy Mexican crisps and tortilla chips to taco meal kits, burritos and Mexican wraps. With such a wide range, choosing can sometimes be tricky. A striking packet doesn't tell you much about flavour, quantity or whether it's right for a party.
That's why savvy shoppers focus on three key things: flavour and heat level, pack size and ingredients and allergens. This way, you can avoid finding out that a bag of nacho chips is too small for a film night, or that a snack is far spicier than you expected.
Heat levels aren't always shown on a standard scale. A flavour name like chilli, jalapeño, Fuego or Hot can therefore vary from brand to brand. Takis Fuego is described in the product description as extra spicy, with chilli and lime. Pringles Hot Mexican Chilli & Lime combines chilli and lime with, among other things, smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper.
If you want to start mild, look for a cheese flavour or a salsa with a mild profile. The product description for Takis Corn Snack Intense Nacho 100 G, for example, mentions a strong cheese flavour and states that this variant is not spicy. Always check the current packaging though, as recipes can change.
A large bag or tube might seem practical, but pay attention to the net weight and the number of portions. A 170 g bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese states 5 to 6 portions of around 30 g each. According to the product information, the 272 g variant is good for roughly 9 to 10 portions.
For a family or party, a multi-pack of crisps can be more convenient than one large bag. A multi-pack divides the portions and offers different flavours. For one person or a snack on the go, small bags of, say, 30 g or 44 g are more practical.
Mexican crisps and nacho chips often contain milk ingredients, soya or gluten-containing cereals. According to the product information, Doritos Nacho Cheese contains milk ingredients, among other things. Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper lists gluten and soya. Takis Blue Heat lists soya and possible traces of, among others, gluten, milk, nuts, sesame and mustard.
So, always read the allergen information on the packaging before you buy. The information on a product page is useful as an initial check, but the label on the delivered packaging is the deciding factor when the composition or recipe changes.
First, decide what you need the snack for:
Compare the weight in grams rather than just the size of the packaging. A 160 g tube, a 170 g bag and a multi-pack with several small bags aren't directly comparable. Also consider how many people will be eating and whether there will be other snacks on the table.
Crisps generally contain a relatively high amount of energy per 100 g. The stated nutritional values differ per product. Takis Intense Nacho, for example, states 505 kcal and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g. Doritos Nacho Cheese states 480 kcal and 0.89 g of salt per 100 g. Use these values to compare products objectively, not just based on the flavour name.
Also pay attention to:
Why this fits the profile: The box contains 20 small packs with, among others, ready salted, paprika and cheese flavours. This makes comparing easy without having to buy several large bags straight away.
The number of items is clearly stated. You're not reliant on one large bag whose contents run out quickly.
20 portion packs and several well-known snack categories in one box.
Why this fits the profile: This large pack is suitable for sharing and has a recognisable nacho cheese flavour that goes well with salsa or guacamole.
The weight and the indication of 9 to 10 portions make the quantity easier to estimate in advance.
272 grams, approximately 30 g per stated portion and suitable for dips.
Why this fits the profile: If you're specifically looking for a distinctly spicy snack, you get a rolled corn snack with chilli and lime flavour in a 100 g bag.
The product description explicitly mentions extra spiciness and chilli-lime, so you're less reliant on just the packaging.
Rolled, crunchy shape; chilli and lime flavour; 100 g per bag.
Why this fits the profile: This meal kit is designed for 2 to 3 people and contains wraps, a seasoning mix and a sauce mix. You add your own fresh ingredients.
The number of people and the additional ingredients needed are stated in the product information, so you can plan your shopping in advance.
Suitable for 2 to 3 people and, according to the product description, also suitable for a meat-free preparation.
Put different textures side by side. For example, combine Doritos Nacho Cheese with Banderos Nacho Natural and a tomato salsa. For extra variety, add a small bag of Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper. If you'd rather serve a meal, you can top up Knorr Mexican Tacos or Burritos with vegetables, beans and a fresh topping.
For children or guests who prefer milder food, set aside a mild option. When sharing bowls, also check the allergen information for all products. This way, you can avoid a cheese snack or dip accidentally ending up with a guest who has an allergy.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Start with a cheese flavour, plain nacho or a mild salsa. Takis Intense Nacho is described in the product information as not spicy. If you want more kick after that, look for chilli-lime, jalapeño or Fuego.
That depends on the number of guests and the other food on offer. Use the stated portions on the packaging as a guide and combine large bags with small portion packs. A multi-pack is handy when guests want to grab their own bag.
Store the packaging in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and moisture. Seal an opened bag well and consume the crisps preferably quickly to keep them crunchy. For damaged, leaking or swollen packaging, always check the label and product information first.