Frito

Frito is a brand of corn chips produced by Frito-Lay. The original product, marketed as Fritos, was created in 1932 by Charles Elmer Doolin in San Antonio, Texas. The name is derived from the Spanish word frito, meaning fried, in reference to the chips’ cooking method.

Fritos are made from milled corn, salt, and vegetable oil. A dough of corn meal is formed, extruded into slender chip shapes and deep-fried until crisp and lightly browned. They are typically yellow in color and have a distinct corn flavor.

Historically, the Frito Company began in 1932 and later merged with H.W. Lay Company in 1961 to form Frito-Lay. In 1965, PepsiCo acquired Frito-Lay, making Fritos part of a global snacks portfolio. Frito-Lay remains a major snacks division of PepsiCo.

Fritos Corn Chips are widely distributed in the United States and other markets. The product line includes variations such as Fritos Scoops for dipping, and flavored versions like Original, Chili Cheese, and Nacho Cheese in various regions. The brand is commonly used as a snack on its own or with dips such as cheese or salsa.