National Tortilla Chip Day

National Tortilla Chip Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to this beloved snack. Don’t confuse tortilla chips with ordinary corn chips—these are made from tortillas, the traditional flatbread common in Latin America, especially Mexico. Enjoy the crispy taste of these chips, which are also perfect for making creative dishes. The holiday is celebrated every year on February 24.

History

A tortilla is a thin flatbread, typically made from corn flour. In the 1940s, Rebecca W. Carranza and her husband operated a tortilla factory in Los Angeles. Their automated production often produced tortillas with irregular shapes. Rather than throw them away, Rebecca cut them into triangles and fried them—thus creating the first tortilla chips.

The snack quickly became popular throughout Latin and North America. By 1943, the first dish featuring these chips—nachos—was invented. Tortilla chips became popular served with sauces like guacamole or as part of dishes topped with meat, cheese, and vegetables.

National Tortilla Chip Day is the perfect opportunity to savor the crunch and explore the flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Interesting Facts

• The word “tortilla” comes from Spanish and literally means “little flatbread.”
• To make tortilla chips, you cut pieces of tortilla and fry them in oil, either in a pan or deep fryer.
• The first tortillas date back to around 1000 B.C., created by ancient tribes in what is now Mexico.

How to Take Part

Celebrate by visiting a Mexican restaurant and enjoying authentic tortilla chips. If you enjoy cooking, try making tortilla chips or nachos at home—plenty of recipes can be found online.

Share your favorite tortilla chip dishes on social media and ask others if they’ve tried them. What did they think?

When is National Tortilla Chip Day in 2026?

National Tortilla Chip Day is observed on February 24 each year.

Observations