For some people, sitting down for a snack is a relaxing experience. They recline in a comfortable chair with their favorite beverage and bowl of whatever munchie suits their fancy. It involves slow, deliberate appreciation. 

For others, they approach snacking much as they would an extreme sport — with gusto and adrenaline. And while they aren’t putting life and limb at risk by chowing down on their favorite spicy foods, they certainly are putting their taste buds to the test. Because for these folks, run-of-the-mill won’t do. They need something more from their snacks. They require peril. They require danger. They need extremely hot chips. 

Snack makers have heard the cries of the extreme snacker and delivered. They’ve added spice from flaming hot jalapeños, habaneros, and even Carolina reapers to their classic tortilla, corn, or potato chips taking them from mild to “all the water in the Pacific won’t put out this fire’’ hot. 

Do you have what it takes to become an extreme snacker? Say goodbye to your comfort zone and take these popular spicy chips out for a test drive. Remember, it’s better to burn out than to fade away.

1. Krakatoa Mustard's Revenge Hot Chips 1.8oz

Harness the power of mother nature’s heat. Krakatoa blends the spice of real dijon mustard with cayenne pepper to craft a flavorful chip packed with intense spiciness and a satisfying kettle-cooked crunch. Enjoy potato chips as epic as the volcano they’re named after.

$2.19

2. Sabritones Chile and Lime Flavored Puffed Wheat Snacks 4oz

Enjoy the traditional south of the border flavor. Sabritones are traditional puffed wheat snacks from Mexico seasoned with spicy chilies and tangy lime. Open a bag, and this lively snack will make your mouth and eyes water with tangy delight.

$2.29

3. Cheetos Crunchy Xxtra Flamin' Hot 8.5oz

If you thought Cheetos Flamin’ Hot was the spiciest of the spicy Cheetos, buckle up. They’ve turned up the heat by packing even more extra-hot, spicy flavor into their crunchy cheese snacks, making Crunchy XXTRA FLAMIN’ HOT Cheetos twice as spicy as the original. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

$4.49

4. Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Habanero Lime Chips 8.5oz

After the first bite, you’ll be thinking: Oh dang, chips just got real! Kettle Brand Habanero Lime Chips have gone beyond simple hot potato chips with a distinctive combination of spicy pepper and zesty citrus. Heat lovers, prepare to go to your hot and spicy happy place.

$4.29

5. Doritos Spicy Nacho Tortilla Chips 9.25oz

Amp your snacks with a bold flavor kick. Dorito has created the perfect combination of savory nacho cheese, and spicy heat wrapped up in one delicious crunchy tortilla chip. Make space in the pantry. You’re going to want to stock up on this unstoppably flavorful snack.

$4.79

6. Takis Fuego Hot Chili Pepper & Lime Tortilla Chips 9.9oz

How spicy are Takis? Takis Fuego tortilla chips are one of the boldest, spiciest snacks for those who dare to challenge their taste buds. These chips contain an intense flavor combination of hot chili pepper and lime flavor. Rated “Extreme” for extreme heat and intense taste. Are you up for it?

$4.69

7. Funyuns Flamin' Hot Onion Flavored Rings 6oz

Funyuns Flamin’ Hot Onion Flavored Rings give a piquant take on the classic Funyun flavor. The onion flavor you love to munch fuses with Flamin’ Hot flavor that takes them to a new level. Enjoy them as a snack, or dip them in your favorite salsas and cheeses. There’s no wrong way to Funyun!

$4.49

8. Andy Capp's Hot Fries 3oz

Shake up your snack routine with Andy Capp’s Hot Fries. They’re the perfect treat when craving something crunchy with a kick. Dip them in queso, sour cream, or nacho cheese for the ultimate spicy-snack experience!

$2.69

9. Ruffles Flamin' Hot BBQ Potato Chips 8oz

Bring on the heat with spicy BBQ-flavored Ruffles Potato Chips. Get the intense taste straight off the grill with the crispy ridges you know and love. This epic combination will take your taste buds on a taste adventure you’ll never want to end!

$4.79

10. Fritos Turbos Flamas 10oz

Sabritas brings the heat with a tangy twist. These crispy corn snacks combine the bite of spice with just a hint of lime into a delicious snack you can’t stop eating. Bring them to your next family BBQ and see just how high the flames get.

$4.49

11. PopCorners Spicy Sweet Chili 7oz

Get that crispy corn chip flavor with enough sweet chili spiciness to keep things interesting. PopCorners’ healthy spicy tortilla chips are made with non-GMO corn and never fried. No gluten, no nuts. Just simple ingredients for great tasting flavor.

$3.79

FAQ

What is the most famous spicy chip?

In the world of extreme spicy snack foods, one chip, or should we say Cheeto, stands out. The Flamin’ Hot trend began with Chester and his crispy cheese snacks, and they continue to dominate. From their first spicy offering, Cheetos Flamin’ Hot, spicy Cheetos varieties now include XXTRA Flamin’ Hot and Flamin’ Hot Limon for those who like a little citrus with their spice.

Take them all out for a taste test. We double-dog, actually, we double-cheetah dare you.

Are Takis the hottest chips in the world?

Are you looking for the hottest chip in the world? If you’re reaching for a package of Takis, you’re heading in the right direction. Takis has a reputation for heat and a wide selection of flavors, but how do you know which Takis are the hottest?

For us, it’s a toss-up between our four favorite flavors: Takis Fajitas, Takis Fuego, Takis Nitro, and Taki Xplosion. Of the four, Takis Fajitas was the mildest, with a mellow hint of spice just perfect for the chili novice. Takis Xplosion goes up a notch on the spice scale, but we find that the nacho cheese flavor softens the kick a little bit. Habaneros and lime combine in Takis Nitro for a solid tongue-singeing flavor. Still, Takis Fuego is just as spicy as Nitro, but with a more well-rounded taste profile that, in our humble opinion, makes them the best spicy chip out there. 

Are spicy chips good for you?

Far be it for us to throw cold water on a great tasting snack, but you asked, so we’ll tell.

Unfortunately no, spicy chips aren’t good for you. They’re a highly-processed snack food low in nutrients and high in saturated fats and sodium. The spice could irritate your digestive tract, leading to heartburn at best and gastritis at worst.

Does this mean you should stop eating them? In our opinion, no, but it’s really up to you. Some brands are air-popped and use fewer processed ingredients. These can be a healthier choice. It’s best to compare the ingredients list and nutritional facts on the package to see what you’re eating.

Spicy chips and snacks are a fun treat to enjoy once in a while. Moderation is key, as with every other unhealthy snack. If you’ve any questions about how to indulge in your favorite spicy chip and stay healthy, talk to a dietitian. They can help.