National Corn Chip Day is celebrated on January 29 each year. Corn chips are crunchy snacks made from cornmeal or masa that's shaped and fried. They're enjoyed straight from the bag, scooped into dips and used in dishes such as chili pie. Corn chips are a classic American snack with roots in Texas and in the long tradition of corn cooking in Mexico and Central America.
History of National Corn Chip Day
Corn has been a staple food in the Americas for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica developed nixtamalization, soaking corn in an alkaline solution such as limewater. This process makes corn easier to grind into masa, improves its nutrition and creates the flavor of tortillas and tamales.
In 1932, during the Great Depression, Charles Elmer Doolin of San Antonio, Texas, bought a recipe for fried corn chips and a hand-held press from a local man for $100. He began making and selling corn chips from his family's kitchen, and the business grew into one of America's best-known snack brands.
Corn chips differ from tortilla chips. Corn chips are usually made from masa or cornmeal dough that's extruded or shaped and fried, producing a thicker, crunchier chip with a strong corn flavor. Tortilla chips are cut from tortillas and then fried or baked. Who created National Corn Chip Day is not documented.
Why National Corn Chip Day Matters
Corn chips celebrate corn, one of the most important crops in the history of the Americas.
The story of corn chips is also an example of American entrepreneurship during difficult economic times.
Corn chips are a fun and versatile snack for game days, parties and lunches, and they pair well with dips such as salsa, bean dip and guacamole.
How to Celebrate National Corn Chip Day
- Snack and dip: pair corn chips with salsa or bean dip.
- Make chili pie: top corn chips with chili and cheese.
- Bake with them: crush chips as a coating for chicken.
- Compare chips: taste corn chips and tortilla chips side by side.
- Learn about masa: explore nixtamalization.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, set up a chips-and-dip bar for a game day or team gathering. In classrooms, students can learn about corn's history in the Americas or study how a small business grows. At home, families can make chili pie together or try making simple baked corn chips from tortillas. Watch portion sizes, since many chips are high in salt.
Fun Facts About National Corn Chip Day
- Charles Elmer Doolin bought a corn chip recipe in 1932 for $100.
- Nixtamalization was developed in Mesoamerica.
- Corn chips are usually thicker than tortilla chips.
National Corn Chip Day FAQs
When is National Corn Chip Day?
National Corn Chip Day is celebrated on January 29 each year.
Who invented corn chips?
Charles Elmer Doolin popularized corn chips after buying a recipe in Texas in 1932.
What is the difference between corn chips and tortilla chips?
Corn chips are made from shaped masa or cornmeal dough; tortilla chips are cut from tortillas.
What is nixtamalization?
Soaking corn in an alkaline solution to make masa, improving flavor and nutrition.
Are corn chips gluten-free?
Many are, but check labels for cross-contamination.
What is chili pie?
Corn chips topped with chili, cheese and onions.