# Tostitos Medium Dip, Queso Blanco > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Tostitos - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 15 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tostitos-medium-dip-queso-blanco-15-oz - **Slug:** `tostitos-medium-dip-queso-blanco-15-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The ingredient list contains multiple industrial additives (modified starch, maltodextrin, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers like MSG and disodium nucleotides) and processed cheese ingredients, consistent with the NOVA 'ultra-processed' category. Its formulation and ready-to-eat packaging are characteristic of heavily processed convenience products. ## Review Tostitos Medium Dip, Queso Blanco arrives on grocery shelves in the chip-and-dip aisle, typically shelved near other refrigerated salsas, cheese dips, and party dips, often within sight of tortilla chips and party-size snack displays. It reads as a convenient, party-ready accompaniment — a creamy white queso with visible jalapeño and red bell pepper pieces that promises a mild, tangy kick. The brand leans on Tostitos’ mainstream, fiesta-oriented positioning: approachable, family-friendly, and aimed at casual entertaining and game-day crowds rather than gourmet diners. Packaging is a 15-oz plastic tub with a resealable lid, designed for easy scooping and storage; label copy tends to emphasize flavor and convenience rather than organic or ‘all-natural’ claims, and this product contains both natural and artificial flavoring so it does not carry organic certification. On the shelf it benefits from party and seasonal marketing around sports and holidays, leaning into a convivial, sharing ritual — dunking corn chips, topping nachos, or spooning onto tacos. Sensory-wise, the dip is smooth and viscous with a slightly elastic, processed-cheese mouthfeel, punctuated by soft pepper bits and a mild, savory umami from added yeast extract and MSG; aroma is cheesy and slightly tangy. In processing context: this is an industrially formulated, ready-to-serve cheese-based dip with modified starches, oils, emulsifiers and flavor enhancers to stabilize texture and extend shelf life. Nutrition label highlights include a low-calorie serving (about 45 kcal) but relatively high sodium (around 210 mg per serving), reflecting its convenience-focused formulation. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 13 - **Calories:** 45 - **Total fat:** 3g (4% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 5mg (2% DV) - **Sodium:** 210mg (9% DV) - **Total carbs:** 3g (1% DV) - **Protein:** 1g ## Ingredients Water, Jalapeno Peppers, Monterey Jack Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Canola and/or Sunflower Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Red Bell Peppers, Maltodextrin (Made from Corn and Potato), and Less than 2% of the Following: Salt, Yeast Extract, Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Monosodium Glutamate, Buttermilk, Citric Acid, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Onion Powder, Acetic Acid, Milk Protein Concentrate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, DATEM, Sugar and Sodium Phosphate. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **DATEM** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Red 40** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, movie-night, road-trip - **Vibes:** convenient, indulgent, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Tostitos Medium Dip healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be quite subjective! This dip is low in sugar and calories, making it a decent choice for occasional snacking. However, it does contain some processed ingredients and sodium, so while it can fit into a balanced diet, it’s not exactly a health food. Think of it more as a fun addition to your snack spread rather than a nutritional powerhouse. ### Is Tostitos Medium Dip vegan? Nope, this dip isn't vegan. It contains dairy ingredients like Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, so if you're avoiding animal products, you'll want to steer clear of this one. But don’t worry—there are plenty of tasty vegan dip options out there! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! Tostitos Medium Dip is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So, feel free to dip away with your favorite gluten-free chips or veggies! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, this dip does contain canola and/or sunflower oil. These oils are often used for their neutral flavor and texture-enhancing properties. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to health concerns, they are generally safe in moderation, so it really depends on your personal dietary preferences. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, Tostitos Medium Dip doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners. Instead, it focuses on flavor from cheese and spices—just the way a good queso dip should! So you can enjoy it without worrying about hidden sweeteners. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This dip is low in sugar, which makes it a good option if you're looking to keep your sugar intake in check. With zero added sugars, it’s a savory treat rather than a sweet one, perfect for pairing with chips! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider making your own queso dip using fresh ingredients like avocado, nutritional yeast, and spices. You could also explore dips made from beans or veggies that pack a nutritional punch while still being super tasty. Just remember, it’s all about finding that balance! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Tostitos Medium Dip is kid-friendly, with its cheesy flavor and mild spice from jalapeños. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, as it does have some sodium, but it can make a fun addition to a snack platter for kids! ### Is it good for weight loss? In moderation, Tostitos Medium Dip can fit into a weight loss plan, especially since it’s relatively low in calories. Just be mindful of how much you’re scooping up and what you’re pairing it with. Balance is key—think of it as a treat rather than a staple! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, this dip would fall into the category of ultra-processed foods due to its combination of modified starches and flavor enhancers. But hey, we all enjoy a little indulgence now and then! 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