Is Late July Chips Clean?

The Short Answer

Late July chips are a massive upgrade from conventional brands like Doritos or Tostitos. But they still have a fatal flaw for clean eaters: they are fried in seed oils.

The final verdict depends entirely on which flavor you buy. The plain Sea Salt chips are a decent 3-ingredient option, but the flavored varieties are packed with maltodextrin, yeast extract, and natural flavors.

Why This Matters

Late July markets itself as a pure, organic alternative to big-box snack brands. But don't let the brown paper bag fool you. While they started as an independent organic pioneer, they are now owned by the Campbell Soup Company.

The primary issue with Late July is their cooking fat. Every single chip they make is fried in sunflower or safflower oil. While they use organic versions, these are still highly refined industrial seed oils that are easily oxidized under high heat. Oils In Chips

If you stick to the plain Sea Salt flavor, Late July is a solid transitional snack for families. But if you reach for the boldly flavored options, you're getting hit with the same processed flavor dust found in conventional chips. Are Chips Bad

What's Actually In Late July Chips

Here is a breakdown of the most common ingredients found in Late July's product line.

• Organic Whole Ground Corn — A massive win for clean eaters. Conventional corn is heavily sprayed with glyphosate, but Late July's organic certification means their corn is non-GMO and raised without synthetic pesticides.
• Organic Sunflower and Safflower Oil — The biggest red flag. Even when organic, these are highly refined industrial seed oils that are rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Chips No Seed Oils
• Yeast Extract — Found in their flavored chips like Jalapeño Lime. This is a highly processed flavor enhancer that contains naturally occurring glutamate, essentially acting as a hidden form of MSG.
• Maltodextrin — A heavily processed carbohydrate used as a thickener in their seasoned chips. It has a higher glycemic index than table sugar and can rapidly spike your blood glucose levels.
• Evaporated Cane Sugar — Found in their Multigrain tortilla chips. There is no reason a tortilla chip needs added sugar.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• USDA Organic certification — Ensures the corn isn't sprayed with toxic herbicides.
• Minimal ingredient list — The plain versions use only organic corn, oil, and sea salt.

Red Flags:

• Industrial seed oils — Safflower and sunflower oils drive inflammation when consumed in excess.
• Flavor dust — The flavored chips rely on maltodextrin, yeast extract, and undisclosed "natural flavors."

The Best Options

If you want a truly clean chip, you need to ditch the seed oils entirely. Here is how Late July stacks up against the competition. Healthiest Chips

The Bottom Line

1. Stick to the plain flavors. The Sea Salt restaurant-style chips only have 3 ingredients.

2. Watch your seed oil intake. Late July uses sunflower and safflower oil, so balance your overall diet accordingly.

3. Upgrade to avocado oil. When you want a truly clean snack, opt for brands like Siete that use 100% avocado oil. Siete Vs Late July

FAQ

Are Late July chips baked or fried?

Late July chips are fried in organic sunflower and safflower oils. They do not currently offer a baked tortilla chip option. Are Baked Chips Healthier

Do Late July chips contain heavy metals?

Corn is a known bioaccumulator of heavy metals like lead and arsenic. While Late July's organic certification eliminates synthetic pesticide exposure, trace amounts of heavy metals may still be present due to environmental soil contamination.

Are Late July chips gluten-free?

Yes, all Late July tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. However, they are processed in a facility that also handles certain allergens, so read the label carefully if you have severe sensitivities.

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