We recently tested an online meme that claimed you could turn an orange into a candle. This led us to explore similar claims, including one about using Doritos as a fire starter. The results were both surprising and entertaining.
**Results:**
- **Doritos burn well and last longer than expected**—a single chip can hold a flame for 30 to 60 seconds.
- **They light easily with a match or lighter**, but struggle with sparks from a ferro rod.
- **Stale chips still burn**, though not as effectively as fresh ones.
- **Crushed Doritos work just as well** as whole chips.
- **Other corn-based snacks like Cheetos and Fritos** also burn well.
So, is this a practical survival tool or just a fun party trick? While I wouldn’t carry Doritos in my go-bag (I prefer more reliable fire starters), they might be worth considering if you're on a hike or camping trip. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and have a dual purpose as both food and fuel.
Of course, there are some downsides. Burning Doritos produces a strong, unpleasant smell and leaves behind greasy residue. Plus, it's not exactly the most efficient way to start a fire. Still, it’s an interesting experiment and a great conversation starter.
**Why Do Doritos Burn?**
While there’s no official scientific study on the flammability of Doritos, several theories exist. The chips are made from corn, which contains a lot of energy in the form of carbohydrates. They’re also deep-fried in oil, making them highly flammable. A layer of fatty powder on the outside adds to their combustibility.
Salt plays a role too—it helps keep the chips dry, which enhances their ability to catch fire. In fact, a man in Spokane, Washington, once set a convenience store on fire using Doritos, leading to a dramatic police standoff.
Some YouTubers have even used Doritos to cook meals. One person famously cooked a steak using only Doritos, while another burned a chicken breast with a massive pile of the snack. The results were impressive but messy—there was a lot of smoke, grease, and an overwhelming burnt smell.
To test further, I tried burning other foods like Cheetos, tortilla chips, and even a ration block. Cheetos burned well, but the ration block didn’t ignite at all, even when exposed to a propane torch. Tortilla chips lit up easily, confirming that the combination of corn and oil is key.
**Key Takeaways from Testing:**
- Corn-based snacks with oil content work best.
- Powder coating isn’t essential—tortilla chips burn just as well.
- Moisture affects performance, but salt helps preserve dryness.
- Fresh chips burn better than stale ones.
If you’re curious, testing a Dorito is simple: just light it with a match or lighter. It burns surprisingly hot and lasts long enough to start a real fire. However, it’s definitely not the most efficient method.
**Bonus Tests:**
- **Cool Ranch Doritos** don’t burn any differently than regular ones—no blue flames here.
- **Crushing Doritos** improves their ability to catch fire, thanks to increased surface area.
- **Oreos, croutons, almonds, and pistachios** either don’t burn or only smolder slightly.
In conclusion, while Doritos aren’t a substitute for proper fire-starting tools, they do make for an interesting and edible experiment. Just don’t expect them to replace your matches or lighter anytime soon.
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