Is Doritos Nachos Cheese Flavoured 100g Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label for Doritos Nachos Cheese Flavoured 100g reveals a classic case of hidden animal products in snack foods. The base of the chip—corn flour and corn oil—is perfectly plant-based. However, the trouble begins with the 'mix of cheese-flavoured ingredients.' This is where the vegan status falls apart.

The primary culprits are whey milk powder, milk powder cheese, and milk protein. Whey is a byproduct of cheese manufacturing and is strictly derived from cow's milk. Similarly, the inclusion of powdered milk fat and the explicit note that the 'flavors' contain milk confirms that dairy is integral to the taste profile. Even the dextrose used here is often derived from animal sources or wheat, though the presence of milk makes the non-vegan verdict definitive regardless.

It is also worth noting that while the dyes red pepper extract and annatto are plant-derived, the powdered onions and garlic powder are standard. The dealbreaker remains the dairy complex. Many consumers assume that 'cheese flavor' might be artificial or plant-based, but in this product, it is literal dairy.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, a 100g serving of Doritos Nachos Cheese Flavoured is energy-dense. You are looking at a high calorie count, primarily driven by the corn oil and refined corn flour. The fat content is significant, which contributes to the 'mouthfeel' but also adds to the caloric load.

The sugar content, derived from dextrose and added sugar, is moderate but present. More importantly, the sodium levels are elevated due to salt, potassium chloride, and sodium monoglutamate (flavor enhancer). While this makes the chip palatable and addictive, it's something to watch if you are monitoring blood pressure or fluid retention. It fits a 'treat' diet, but not a health-focused one.