National Corn Chip Day

Happy person holding a bowl of corn chips, enjoying them with a variety of delicious dips, surrounded by colorful fiesta decorations.. — National corn chip day illustration

Welcome to the crunchy world of National Corn Chip Day! Get ready to dive into the crispy deliciousness of these savory snacks. Whether you're dunking them in salsa, enjoying them with guacamole, or simply gobbling them up on their own, corn chips are a beloved treat that deserves a day of celebration. So grab a bag, kick back, and let's dig into the tasty history of National Corn Chip Day!

When is Corn Chip Day?

It's national corn chip day on the 29th January.

The Origin of National Corn Chip Day

While the exact origins of National Corn Chip Day are a bit of a mystery, we can safely assume that it was created by some brilliant corn chip enthusiast who wanted to share their love for these crunchy snacks with the world. And thank goodness they did because who doesn't love corn chips?

Every year on January 29th, corn chip aficionados from around the world gather together to pay homage to the humble corn chip. It's a day filled with snacking, savoring, and maybe even a little bit of chip-induced euphoria. So mark your calendars and make sure you have plenty of dip on hand because National Corn Chip Day is a celebration you won't want to miss!

History behind the term 'Corn Chip'

1932

The invention of the corn chip

The term 'corn chip' originated in 1932 when C.E. Doolin, the founder of Fritos corn chips, created the first-ever commercially successful corn chip. Doolin's invention involved using cornmeal dough, frying it until it became crispy, and seasoning it with salt. These delicious corn chips became an instant hit among consumers, securing their place in snack food history.

1933

Fritos corn chips go national

In 1933, Fritos corn chips gained nationwide recognition and popularity when Doolin began marketing them across America. The crunchy texture and distinctive flavor of Fritos corn chips captured the hearts and taste buds of snack enthusiasts all over the country, establishing corn chips as a beloved snack food item.

1948

Cha-cha-cha with the introduction of Mexican flavors

The evolution of corn chips took a flavorful turn in 1948 when Arch West, a marketing executive at Frito-Lay, introduced the world to a new sensation: taco-flavored corn chips. Inspired by the traditional Mexican dish, West sought to bring the vibrant flavors of tacos to the crunchy corn chip world. This bold move opened doors to exciting flavor variations, expanding the corn chip's culinary possibilities.

1951

Doritos enter the scene

In 1951, Frito-Lay introduced a new brand of corn chips called 'Doritos.' The name 'Doritos' was derived from the Spanish words 'doradito' (meaning 'golden') and 'dorado' (meaning 'gilded'). Doritos distinguished themselves by implementing a triangular shape, which provided a unique and satisfying crunch. The introduction of Doritos to the corn chip family served as a testament to the enduring popularity and innovation of this beloved snack.

1972

Nacho Cheese Doritos become a cult favorite

In 1972, Doritos revolutionized the corn chip world by introducing Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos. The bold and tangy cheese seasoning quickly gained a cult following, captivating snack enthusiasts with its irresistible combination of cheese and corn chip goodness. Nacho Cheese Doritos became an iconic snack, solidifying the corn chip's prominent role in the world of snacking.

1994

Salsa-flavored corn chips salsa into the market

In 1994, Frito-Lay introduced salsa-flavored corn chips, infusing the tangy and spicy flavors of salsa into the beloved corn chip. This innovative flavor combination became an instant hit, offering consumers the experience of enjoying salsa and corn chips together in one bite. Salsa-flavored corn chips added further diversity to the corn chip landscape, catering to a wide range of taste preferences.

Did you know?

Did you know that corn chips were invented by accident? In the early 1930s, a businessman named Elmer Doolin stumbled upon a small San Antonio cafe where the chef made his own corn tortillas. Impressed by the taste, Doolin bought the recipe and started making the chips in his mother's kitchen. Little did he know that his accidental discovery would give birth to one of the most beloved snack foods of all time!