Why is Doritos Cheese classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The snack is made from refined corn, added oil, a cheese‑flavor base and a range of industrial ingredients, which places it in the NOVA 4 category for ultra‑processed foods. Its additive list includes colorings (bixin/annatto and plain caramel), acidity regulators (citric acid and lactic acid), a flavor enhancer (disodium 5′‑ribonucleotide), and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, rosemary extract and tocopherol‑rich extract).

How does the sugar and salt content in Doritos Cheese affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 3.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the snack contributes relatively few carbohydrates, but portions should still be limited for tight blood‑glucose control. The 0.88 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and can contribute to higher sodium intake, so individuals with hypertension should watch portion sizes and balance it with lower‑salt foods.

Is Doritos Cheese suitable for a vegan diet?

No. The ingredient list includes several dairy-derived components such as whey powder, cheese powder, buttermilk powder, skimmed milk powder and milk protein, all of which make the product unsuitable for vegans.

Doritos, PepsiCo • 160g

Doritos cheese

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Doritos Cheese is a corn‑based, cheese‑flavored snack that falls under the "Salty snacks" and "Appetizers" categories in the PNNS food grouping. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product, with a nutritional profile that features low sugar (3.7 g per 100 g) and high fiber (5.5 g per 100 g) but also high fat and moderate salt (0.88 g per 100 g), and it contains several additives such as colorings (bixin/annatto and plain caramel), acidity regulators (citric acid and lactic acid), flavor enhancers (disodium 5′‑ribonucleotide), and antioxidants (ascorbic acid, rosemary extract and tocopherol‑rich extract). The snack lists milk and gluten as allergens and may contain traces of soy, which are important considerations for consumers with dairy, wheat or soy sensitivities.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0.6 g

Fruits & Vegetables17.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty snack, Doritos Cheese contains slightly less sugar (3.7 g vs 3.84 g per 100 g), lower saturated fat (2.2 g vs 5.11 g per 100 g), higher fiber (5.5 g vs 4.47 g per 100 g), and a higher salt content (0.88 g per 100 g) than typical.

Ingredients

Mais (72%), huile de colza, base aromatisante fromage [poudre de petit-lait, arôme (lait), sel, babeurre en poudre (lait), fromage en poudre (lait), tomate en poudre, oignon en poudre, chlorure de potassium, sucre, ail en poudre, correcteurs d'acidité (acide citrique, acide lactique), colorants (bixine de rocou, caramel ordinaire), protéine de lait, épices, lait écrémé en poudre, exhausteur de goût (5'-ribonucléotide disodique), antioxydants (acide ascorbique, extrait de romarin, extrait riche en tocophérols), acide citrique, Peut contenir: soja, blé (gluten),

84%

35%

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