Frito-Lay continues working to change the way Americans snack. In 2003, Frito-Lay was the first food company to eliminate trans fat from its snack products. Trans fats are considered by doctors as among the worst types of fats because they raise the LDL (or bad cholesterol) while lowering the HDL (or good cholesterol). The company converted from hydrogenated oils to corn oil, a trans fat free oil, in the production of Doritos, Tostitos and Cheetos snacks. By eliminating hydrogenated oils from its products, Frito-Lay removed an unprecedented 55 million pounds of trans fats from consumers’ diets. For years, the company’s leading Lay’s and Ruffles potato chips as well as Fritos corn chips have been prepared in trans fat-free oils.
Most recently, Frito-Lay introduced Doritos Edge Tortilla Chips, Cheetos Edge Cheese Flavored Snacks and Tostitos Edge Tortilla Chips, for consumers pursuing a low-carb lifestyle. The Doritos and Tostitos Edge products contain 6 grams of net carbs, while Cheetos Edge contains 7 grams of net carbs. Additionally, Frito-Lay has begun distributing soy-based crisps under the Quaker Quakes brand.
Frito-Lay also offers a number of low-fat, sensible snacks including Baked! Lay’s Potato Crisps, Baked! Ruffles Potato Crisps, Baked! Doritos Tortilla Chips, Baked! Tostitos Tortilla Chips, Baked Cheetos, Ruffles Reduced Fat Potato Chips and Rold Gold Honey Wheat Braided Twists Pretzels.
I believe baked versions get a different type of yeast or yeast additive that prevents it from being too ‘mushy’, and yields more ‘crisp’ when baked.