Fritos are an incredibly underrated snack. This was the unanimous verdict when we sat down to taste every Fritos flavor just a couple of weeks ago. (I mean, technically I was the one who sat down to do the taste test, but the rest of the Sporked team couldn’t stay away.) These crunchy, satisfying little corn chips are some of the most flavorful snacks you can buy, but they still get overlooked in the snack aisle in favor of potato chips, Cheetos, Takis, you name it. It’s time we put some respect on Fritos’ name.
How we ranked the best Fritos flavors
I want to be clear: There’s no such thing as a bad Fritos flavor. We tried them all, so we can say that confidently now. But the best Fritos flavors combine the natural essence of a Frito—a bold, roasty, extra corn-forward corn chip—with complementary seasonings. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
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- Fritos Flamin’ Hot
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For last place, Flamin’ Hot Fritos really aren’t that bad. They’re just kinda boring…which is typically always my opinion of Flamin’ Hot collaborations. Now, that said, if Flamin’ Hot dust is your kryptonite, this is an easy win for you. The spicy-dust-to-corn-chip ratio is pretty spot-on. I could see Taco Bell putting out a spicy hard taco shell modeled after these. (Surprised that collab hasn’t happened yet, to be honest.) But they aren’t the best Fritos flavor by any means.
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- Fritos Scoops
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Fritos Scoops are utilitarian. Dependable. A military vessel and impenetrable stronghold for all your favorite dips and spreads. These swol Fritos taste good with just about any queso, creamy dip, or salsa. Since they’re super sturdy, thick, and almost too big for one bite, they don’t make for the best snacking experience, but they really excel at what they were designed for: scooping. I’d pick these for game day spreads over any other flavored Fritos on this list, to be honest.
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- Fritos Lightly Salted
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Tasteful. Crisp. Refined. That’s what you’re getting from Lightly Salted Fritos. Not boredom or mediocrity, but class and sophistication. Plus, they have just 80mg of sodium per serving, which isn’t easy to find in a snack food. They ranked higher than the OG Fritos in our ranking of the best corn chips, too. I’m currently correcting that mistake in this ranking—we are not disrespecting OG Fritos like that, fam—but hey, context is key. As a plain corn chip, they are definitely top-notch. They’re perfect for dips, salad toppers, and crumbling over casseroles and chili. But as a snack on their own, they’re just not the best Fritos flavor. Sorry, not sorry! (But also…sorry.)
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- Fritos Bar-B-Q
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Despite having the worst stylization of the word “barbecue” of any snack food I’ve ever seen, Bar-B-Q Fritos are pretty darn good. In fact, you actually forget how good these are until you taste them again. They bring that bold savory seasoning that critics really want from Fritos Honey BBQ Twists (more on that below). The flavor is almost a little mesquite. Now, all that said, barbecue sauce and corn chips aren’t exactly a winning combination. For some people, these flavors clash. I wouldn’t go that far, but I do think the best Fritos flavors should harmonize a little better. Still, I’d happily eat a whole bag.
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- Fritos
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The legend that started it all. One of the first-generation snack Avengers. Some people will insist that OG Fritos deserve our top spot, and I get that, I do. But I have a slightly more controversial take. Hear me out: Original Fritos, unconsciously and through no fault of their own, have held the brand back. Stick with me! Are they uniquely satisfying, uber corny, and undeniably delicious? Absolutely. But as I mentioned earlier, Fritos are a corn chip with a very distinct taste. You try one, and you never forget the flavor. And that’s a real disservice to our top three best Fritos flavors, which reinvent the wheel of snack foods and frankly need a bigger spotlight.
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- Fritos Scoops Spicy Jalapeño
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Fritos Scoops really level up with Spicy Jalapeño. The jalapeño is so vivid and clean-tasting, with nice, neat spice that hits right at the end. The plain Scoops are a little too much of one thing, but we could keep eating these without getting sick on them. I’m not sure why we can’t have these flavored Fritos in the traditional shape, but beggars can’t be choosers. Frito-Lay once “temporarily” put these out of production. It was a dark time. (I know the tariffs are rough right now, but please never do that again, Frito-Lay.)
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- Fritos Honey BBQ Flavor Twists
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Some critics think Honey BBQ doesn’t have enough flavor. (By some critics, I mean our editor-in-chief Justine Sterling, who said, point-blank, “Honey BBQ doesn’t have enough flavor.”) I will happily acknowledge the truth of that statement. These could be better, bolder, saucier. But I’m exercising the right to free speech that the government has yet to take away from me (emphasis on yet) by saying “I don’t care.” I will take these flavored Fritos and cherish them as they are. I really adore the honey flavor here; it’s bright, fresh, and not at all too sweet, which is hard to do when paired with BBQ, which already has a natural sweetness. Plus, the twisty, fusilli-esque shape is totally superior to other Fritos shapes. They get major points for that.
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- Fritos Chili Cheese
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Hi. I have something to say. Is everyone ready? Is everyone sitting down? Great. Chili Cheese Fritos have earned a permanent spot in my top three greatest snacks of all time. I’m probably biased. I’ve always preferred corn tortillas to flour tortillas. I like the flavor of roasted corn, I guess. Regardless, these are incredible. The chili cheese is shockingly accurate. The flavor dust is so layered and intense, you better have some napkins ready. That distinct, maizy Fritos corn chip mixed with smoky chili cheese could not be more perfect. It’s the best Fritos flavor, hands down. Just give me a tub of plain sour cream and let me ruin my life once and for all.
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Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Best Fritos Flavors!
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!