National Cornchip Day

A group of friends gathered around a bowl of cornchips, laughing and enjoying a game night, with cozy sweaters and cozy living room decor.. — National cornchip day illustration

Ah, National Cornchip Day! A delightful celebration of those crispy, salty, triangular treats that somehow manage to make our taste buds dance with joy. Whether you prefer to enjoy them straight out of the bag, dunked in salsa, or used as a base for nachos that are piled high with cheese and toppings, there's no denying that cornchips hold a special place in our snacking hearts. So, let's dig into the crunchy goodness of this beloved national day!

When is Cornchip Day?

It's national cornchip day on the 29th January.

The Birth of Cornchips: A Snacktacular Tale

While cornchips seem like a timeless snack, they actually have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1900s. It all began with a man named Charles Elmer Doolin, who had a passion for creating tasty snacks. He experimented with different types of corn-based recipes until he stumbled upon the perfect combination of ingredients that would later become the first-ever cornchip.

Doolin's invention caught the attention of a fellow snack enthusiast named Herman Lay, and together, they formed Frito-Lay, the snack giant we know and love today. From that point on, cornchips soared in popularity, captivating taste buds across the nation and paving the way for the delicious snack aisle we know today.

Cornchips Take Over the Internet

Thanks to the internet, National Cornchip Day has become an annual celebration that brings cornchip lovers from all walks of life together. From tantalizing recipes to cornchip-themed memes, the online world has embraced this crunchy holiday with open arms. Social media platforms fill up with mouth-watering images of creatively flavored cornchips, and heated debates arise on the best dip to pair them with.

On January 29, 2017, the internet exploded with excitement as cornchip aficionados shared their love for the snack. Memes depicting cornchips as superheroes saving the day from hunger cravings went viral, and corny jokes about cornchips flooded timelines. It was a day filled with laughter, crunching sounds, and even the occasional accidental dip spillage (although we prefer not to dwell on those messy mishaps).

Why We Love Cornchips So Much

It's no mystery why cornchips hold a special place in our hearts - and bellies. These crunchy delights offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The satisfying snap that echoes through the room as you take that first bite, the way they hold up under intense salsa dipping pressure, and the fact that they have the power to transform any gathering into a fiesta makes them truly magical.

So, whether you're snacking solo, hosting a party, or just looking for a delicious reason to celebrate, National Cornchip Day is your go-to occasion. Grab a bag (or two, or five) of your favorite cornchips, gather your friends and family, and let the crunching commence! Cheers to the humble cornchip and the joy it brings to our lives!

History behind the term 'Cornchip'

1909

Invention of the corn chip

The term 'cornchip' originated in 1909 when Charles Doolin, a businessman from San Antonio, Texas, and the founder of the Frito Company, invented a new type of snack made from cornmeal that he called a corn chip. Doolin wanted to create a snack with a unique texture, flavor, and crunchiness, and he succeeded in turning cornmeal into a delicious and popular snack food.

1932

Fritos become a national brand

In 1932, Herman W. Lay acquired the exclusive rights to distribute Doolin's corn chips, which he rebranded as 'Fritos.' Lay started selling Fritos through various distribution channels, including grocery stores and gas stations. This move helped popularize and establish Fritos as a national brand, making corn chips a household name across the United States.

1961

The birth of the tortilla chip

In 1961, Rebecca Webb Carranza, a Mexican-American businesswoman from Los Angeles, revolutionized the chip industry by repurposing misshapen tortillas. She cut the tortillas into triangles, fried them, and created what we now know as the tortilla chip. This new chip gained popularity quickly due to its versatility and ability to hold up to various dips and salsas.

1974

Introduction of flavored corn chips

In 1974, the Frito-Lay company introduced flavored corn chips to their product line. This innovation allowed consumers to enjoy corn chips with a variety of savory flavors, such as barbecue, sour cream and onion, and spicy chili. The introduction of flavored corn chips further expanded the popularity and appeal of corn chips not only as a standalone snack but also as a flavorful complement to other dishes.

1989

Corn chips as a staple in nachos

Corn chips solidified their place in American cuisine in 1989 when they became a staple in the beloved Tex-Mex dish, nachos. Originating in Mexico and popularized in the border regions of the United States, nachos feature a bed of corn chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and various other ingredients. Today, nachos remain a popular snack and party food throughout the country.