No, Doritos are not hydrogenated. Since 2002, Doritos and other Frito-Lay products have been made without hydrogenated oils, meaning they are free of trans fats.
Understanding Doritos' Oil Content
Frito-Lay, the manufacturer of Doritos, made a significant shift in its ingredient formulations to eliminate trans fats. This change involved moving away from hydrogenated oils, which are a common source of trans fats.
- Trans Fat-Free Since 2002: Doritos, along with other popular Frito-Lay snacks such as Lay's, Tostitos, and Ruffles, have been produced using trans fat-free oils since 2002. This proactive step by the company ensured that their products met evolving dietary guidelines regarding trans fat consumption.
- Current Oil Used: The primary oil used in the production of these snacks, including Doritos, is a trans fat-free corn oil. This choice helps to maintain the desired texture and flavor profile of the chips without the use of partially hydrogenated oils.
Why is This Important?
Hydrogenation is a chemical process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, making them more solid at room temperature and extending their shelf life. However, this process can create trans fats, which are known to raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and lower HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
By eliminating hydrogenated oils, Doritos aligns with healthier food production practices and offers a product free from industrially produced trans fats. This ensures that consumers can enjoy their favorite cheesy chips without concerns about hydrogenated oils.
