Every year on February 24th, crunch lovers across the nation celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day. This delightful occasion acknowledges the popularity and versatility of tortilla chips, a staple accompaniment to Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Whether you prefer them straight from the bag or piled high with delectable toppings for nachos, this savory treat holds a special place in our snack-loving hearts. So, get ready to crunch into some facts and delicious ways to celebrate this tasty holiday.
History of National Tortilla Chip Day
The annual celebration of National Tortilla Chip Day happens every February 24th. This day is observed in honor of the widely loved snack – tortilla chips. Although it’s not clear who started the National Tortilla Chip Day or when it began, the inception of tortilla chips can be traced back to the late 1940s.
The conception of mass-producing tortilla chips is the brainchild of Rebecca Webb Carranza. She co-owned the El Zarape Tortilla Factory, a deli located in Los Angeles, with her spouse. Carranza came up with a brilliant plan of cutting irregular and rejected tortillas into triangles, frying them, and retailing them in bags for just ten cents.
Originally seen as an afterthought, these chips quickly gained favor and have since become an essential part of Mexican-American dishes. In 1994, Carranza’s unconventional innovation was recognized when she received the Golden Tortilla award.
The Doritos company significantly added to the surge in tortilla chips’ popularity when it introduced flavored variations to the commercial market in 1966. The snack gained fans from California to other parts of the United States and eventually reached further afield to Europe and Asia.
National Tortilla Chip Day Timeline
Invention of Tortilla
Tortilla are known to have been a staple food for the ancient Mayans and Aztecs.
Birth of Modern Tortilla Chips
Rebecca Webb Carranza, co-owner of Los Angeles based El Zarape Tortilla Factory originally created tortilla chips from discarded tortillas.
First Mass Production
Carranza started to produce tortilla chips on a larger scale for commercial distribution.
Frito-Lay Company
Frito-Lay Company introduces Tostitos, a brand of tortilla chip. It becomes one of the most popular brands of tortilla chips in the US and internationally.
Tortilla Chips Industry Boom
The global tortilla chips market size was valued at USD 20.28 billion in 2018
National Tortilla Chip Day
National Tortilla Chip Day is now observed annually on February 24th to honor the popular snack.
Ideas to Celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day
Tortilla Chip Tasting Party
Get your loved ones together for a fun event where everyone gets to try various styles and makers of tortilla chips. Complement this exciting activity with a range of dips like spicy salsa, creamy queso, and tangy guacamole.
Visit a Local Mexican Restaurant
Celebrate National Tortilla Chip day by heading out to a local Mexican eatery and ordering dishes that are accompanied by tortilla chips. This is a perfect occasion to treat yourself to a meal outside while savouring these crispy delights.
Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
Find a straightforward recipe online and attempt to prepare your own batch of homemade tortilla chips. You can then relish the taste-off between them and the ones from your local supermarket, offering you a fun activity to enjoy.
Chip and Dip Movie Night
Arrange a movie night dedicated to National Tortilla Chip day. Screen a few of your all-time favourites and relish different tortilla chips coupled with a variety of delish dips.
Tortilla Chip Social Media Share
Upload a post on your social media profile dedicated to your preferred tortilla chip brand or recipe. While you express your fondness for this delectable snack, you could also explore others' favourites.
6 Interesting Facts About Tortilla Chips
Origin of Tortilla Chips
The genesis of tortilla chips can be traced back to Los Angeles in the 1950s. When the automated tortilla manufacturing machine rejected misshapen tortillas, Rebecca Webb Carranza, the proprietor of the El Zarape Tortilla Factory, came up with the idea to cut, fry and sell these rejected tortillas instead of wasting them.
Texas State Snack
Recognizing its deep-rooted Mexican food culture, Texas proclaimed the Tortilla Chip as its official state snack in the year 2003.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa
In 1991, salsa overtook ketchup as America's favourite condiment, riding high on the popularity of tortilla chips.
A Healthy Snack Option
Being crafted from corn, tortilla chips are laden with essential nutrients like fibre and are lower in calories compared to other types of chips, thus considered a healthier snack alternative when eaten wisely.
Serving Tortilla Chips
Conventionally, Tortilla chips are proffered with a side of dip, typically salsa, guacamole, or a cheese-based dip.
World Record
Brewer's Fayre, a restaurant in the UK, made its mark in 2012 by creating the world's largest tortilla chip stretching across 7 feet in length and 5 feet in width and a weight of over 100 pounds.
National Tortilla Chip Day FAQs
Next National Tortilla Chip Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 24th | Friday |
| 2024 | February 24th | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 24th | Monday |
| 2026 | February 24th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 24th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every February 24th | |
National Tortilla Chip Day Word Search
- Tortilla
- Chip
- Snack
- Nachos
- Crunchy
- Corn