Doritos is a popular brand of flavored tortilla chips that was first introduced by Frito-Lay in the United States in 1964. Over the years, Doritos has become known for its bold and unique flavors, with Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese being two of the most popular.
Cool Ranch Doritos, also known as Cool American Doritos in some countries, were first introduced in 1986. The flavor is described as tangy and savory, with a cool and creamy ranch flavor that’s combined with the classic crunch of a Dorito chip. Nacho Cheese Doritos, on the other hand, have been around since the 1970s and are known for their bold and cheesy flavor.
In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting the Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese flavors of Doritos to determine which one is superior. We’ll be looking at factors such as flavor profiles, popularity and availability, health and nutritional value, marketing and advertising, and taste tests and reviews.
Comparison of Cool Ranch vs Nacho Cheese Doritos
Flavor Profiles
When it comes to flavor, Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos are both unique and delicious in their own ways. Cool Ranch Doritos are characterized by their tangy and savory flavor, which is combined with a cool and creamy ranch taste. The flavor is achieved through a blend of spices, including onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, as well as natural and artificial flavors.
Nacho Cheese Doritos, on the other hand, are known for their bold and cheesy flavor. The chips are coated in a seasoning made from a blend of cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, and spices like cumin and garlic powder. The result is a flavor that’s both savory and salty, with a tangy kick that sets it apart from other cheesy snacks.
While both flavors are undeniably tasty, the flavor profile of Cool Ranch Doritos is more complex and layered, with a unique blend of spices that give it a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Nacho Cheese Doritos, on the other hand, has a more straightforward flavor profile that’s dominated by the strong taste of cheese.
Popularity and Availability
When it comes to popularity, Nacho Cheese Doritos are the clear winner. According to Frito-Lay, Nacho Cheese Doritos are the best-selling flavor of Doritos in the United States, and they’re also the most widely available. You can find Nacho Cheese Doritos in almost any grocery store or convenience store across the country.
Cool Ranch Doritos, on the other hand, are less popular but still widely enjoyed. According to Frito-Lay, Cool Ranch Doritos are the second-best-selling flavor of Doritos in the United States. However, they’re not as widely available as Nacho Cheese Doritos, and you may have trouble finding them in certain stores or regions.
It’s worth noting that both flavors of Doritos have a variety of limited edition and seasonal flavors that are released throughout the year. For example, Cool Ranch Doritos have been released in flavors like Blazin’ Buffalo & Ranch and Fiery Habanero, while Nacho Cheese Doritos have been released in flavors like Spicy Nacho and Flamin’ Hot.
Health and Nutritional Value
When it comes to health and nutritional value, neither Cool Ranch nor Nacho Cheese Doritos is particularly good for you. Both flavors are high in calories, fat, and sodium, which can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems when consumed in excess.
One serving of Cool Ranch Doritos (about 12 chips) contains 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 210 milligrams of sodium. One serving of Nacho Cheese Doritos contains 140 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 210 milligrams of sodium. Both flavors also contain a variety of artificial ingredients, including artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
That being said, if you’re going to indulge in a bag of Doritos every once in a while, there are a few things you can do to make the experience slightly healthier. For example, you can try to limit your portion sizes and pair your chips with a healthy dip or snack, like hummus or carrots. You can also look for lower-sodium or reduced-fat versions of your favorite flavors, although these may not be as widely available as the classic varieties.
Marketing and Advertising
When it comes to marketing and advertising, both Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos have had some memorable campaigns over the years. In the 1990s, Nacho Cheese Doritos ran a series of commercials featuring the tagline “Crunch all you want, we’ll make more.” The ads featured people engaging in all sorts of wacky behavior, from skydiving to riding a mechanical bull, while munching on Doritos.
Cool Ranch Doritos, on the other hand, have been the subject of several ad campaigns that have emphasized the cool and refreshing nature of the flavor. One memorable commercial from the 1990s featured a group of teenagers sitting in a sauna, munching on Cool Ranch Doritos to cool down.
In recent years, both flavors of Doritos have embraced social media and influencer marketing as a way to reach younger audiences. For example, in 2020, Nacho Cheese Doritos teamed up with Lil Nas X for a Super Bowl commercial that featured the rapper riding a dancing horse while munching on Doritos. Cool Ranch Doritos, on the other hand, has partnered with popular social media influencers like David Dobrik to promote the brand.
Taste Tests and Reviews
When it comes to determining which flavor of Doritos is superior, taste tests and reviews can be helpful tools. In general, taste tests and reviews of both Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos are mixed, with some people preferring one flavor over the other.
For example, in a taste test conducted by The Daily Meal, Nacho Cheese Doritos came out on top, with tasters praising the “bold” and “intense” flavor of the chips. However, in a taste test conducted by Business Insider, Cool Ranch Doritos were the clear winner, with tasters praising the “savory” and “well-balanced” flavor of the chips.
Online reviews of both flavors are similarly mixed. On Amazon, both Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos have received an average rating of around 4.5 stars out of 5, with many reviewers praising the flavors and crunchiness of the chips.
Conclusion
In the end, whether you prefer Cool Ranch or Nacho Cheese Doritos is largely a matter of personal preference. Both flavors are delicious and unique in their own ways, and both have their own loyal fan bases.
That being said, if we had to pick a winner, we would give the edge to Cool Ranch Doritos. The flavor profile is more complex and interesting, with a unique blend of spices that sets it apart from other ranch-flavored snacks. Nacho Cheese Doritos are certainly tasty, but the flavor can be a bit one-note and overwhelming.
Ultimately, whether you’re a die-hard Nacho Cheese fan or a Cool Ranch aficionado, there’s no denying that Doritos is a classic snack that has been enjoyed by generations of people. So the next time you’re in the mood for a crunchy, salty treat, why not grab a bag of Doritos and enjoy the bold and flavorful taste of one of America’s most iconic snacks? And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite flavor in the process.
At the end of the day, the debate between Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Doritos will continue to rage on. Some people will always prefer the bold and cheesy taste of Nacho Cheese, while others will be drawn to the cool and refreshing flavor of Cool Ranch. But no matter which side of the debate you fall on, there’s no denying that Doritos is a beloved snack that has stood the test of time. And whether you’re snacking alone or sharing a bag with friends, there’s no denying the simple pleasure of digging into a bag of crunchy, salty Doritos.