Bottom Line: Julio’s Freakin’ Hot Corn Chips deliver a superior tortilla chip that blends good taste with plenty of heat.
There are lots of tortilla chips on the store shelves, and many people have a hard time getting past the big names like Doritos and Tostitos. But if you look a little bit further, you may find Julio’s Corn Tortilla Chips which are made by a family-run business in Del Rio, Texas. I had previously bought their original seasoned chips which offer a tasty alternative to the bigger brands. But somehow I always missed their Freakin’ Hot chips until just recently when I picked up a bag in my local CVS (a surprisingly good place to find spicy snacks). These have now become a regular on my shopping list, and I highly recommend them to those who like a nice kick with their tortilla chip.
Julio’s chips are preservative free and made with 100% stone ground corn. The Freakin’ hot variety has a strong peppery flavor which is reminiscent of chili powder. They also taste similar to salsa-seasoned chips, and there is just a hint of smokiness in there as well (probably from the combination of black pepper and paprika). And they have a nice sweetness (likely from the stone ground corn) that balances out the bold flavors from the seasoning. The tortilla chips are not quite as flaky as Doritos, but they have a good crunch and bring a pleasing, rustic taste of corn tortillas. This is a hefty chip that stands up better than the crumbly major brands.
After the first couple of chips, these do not seem that hot. Especially if you get a few without much seasoning. But the more you eat, especially the ones that are heavy on the seasoning, the more that heat builds. They got up to Medium heat and I thought they would top off there. But by the time I was through one portion, my mouth was on fire and that burn definitely lingered! (The heat comes from habanero powder.) I would put these at the Hot level or maybe even a bit higher. Just note that it takes a while to get there! (And I noticed it varies from bag to bag) But for once the title is correct as these truly are Freakin’ Hot!
(And again I ask: What is the deal with chip companies leaving the “g” out of their titular adjectives? Freakin’, Flamin’, Scorchin’. It’s madness I tell you!)
These chips are made in Texas and you can find them in HEB, Walmart, Kroger, and other stores throughout the state. I am not certain how widely available they are outside of the Lone Star State, but if you see a bag I recommend picking them up. Their other varieties are quite good as well, but the Freakin’ Hot are the ones that really bring the heat! And if you happen to find their salsa (sold in the refrigerated section), that pairs quite well with these chips.
Tale of the Tape:
Ingredients: Corn , Water , Lime , MSG ( Flavor Enhancer ) Salt , Habanero , Black Pepper , Garlic , Paprika , Comino , Corn Oil
Serving Size: 1 oz (About 10 Chips)
Calories: 140
Fat: 8g (1g Sat/0g Trans)
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 15g
Sodium: 190mg
Website: julioscornchips.com