![<?echo $_SERVER['SERVER_NAME'];?>](/template/twentyseventeen/skin/images/header.jpg)
We recently came across an online meme claiming you can turn an orange into a candle, and it sparked our curiosity. This led us to test another similar idea: whether Doritos could be used as a fire starter. The results were more interesting than we expected.
Results:
- Doritos burn really well and last longer than anticipated—each chip can hold a flame for 30-60 seconds.
- They light easily with a match or lighter but don’t catch fire well from sparks generated by a ferro rod.
- Stale chips from an open bag still burn, but not as effectively as fresh ones.
- Crushed Doritos work just as well as whole ones.
- Other corn-based snacks like Cheetos and Fritos also burn well.
While this might sound like a fun party trick, is there any real-world use? I wouldn't carry Doritos in my emergency go-bag, which already has better food options and reliable fire starters. However, if you're on a hike or camping trip, bringing a few Doritos or similar snacks could serve as a backup fire starter—especially if you're out of other materials.
More: Baking rations blocks in the oven to see if they’ll withstand car trunk heat
Why Do Doritos and Cheetos Burn?
Although there’s no official scientific research on the flammability of chips, many people have shared their theories online. The key factors seem to be the corn content, deep frying in oil, and the oily powder coating. Corn is rich in carbohydrates, which act as fuel, and when fried, the chips become saturated with oil—making them highly flammable.
The salt content also plays a role, helping preserve the chips and keeping them dry. In fact, a man in Spokane, Washington faced legal trouble after lighting a convenience store on fire using Doritos in 2019.
Some people have even used Doritos to cook food, like Nick Uhas, who cooked a steak entirely with Doritos. While the fire was intense, the resulting dish had a strange, greasy texture and an unpleasant smell—like burnt hair.
Another experiment involved burning Doritos to cook chicken, which resulted in a greasy mess and a terrible smell. It's clear that while Doritos burn well, they’re not ideal for cooking.
After testing various foods, including Cheetos, Stax, and ration blocks, we found that corn-based snacks burned best. Ration blocks, despite being high in fat and sugar, didn’t ignite easily, even with a propane torch. On the other hand, tortilla chips and Cool Ranch Doritos lit up quickly and burned strongly.
Even some unexpected items, like almonds and Oreo halves, didn’t catch fire—but they did create some interesting visual effects. Croutons and regular cookies also failed to ignite, reinforcing the idea that corn + oil = flammable snack.
So, what can we conclude? It seems that corn-based, oil-infused snacks like Doritos and Cheetos make decent fire starters, especially in a pinch. But unless you're stranded without any other materials, it's probably not worth carrying them in your go-bag.
Still, it's fascinating to see how everyday items can behave in unexpected ways. If you ever find yourself in a survival situation, remember: sometimes the most unlikely things can save the day.
Designer minimalist leather Dining Chairs With Armrest,Dining Room Chairs Armless,Wooden Dining Chair With Armrest,High Back Dining Chair With Armrest
Foshan City Misirui Furniture Co., Limited , https://www.misiruifurniture.com