How to Identify Non-GMO Chips: 5 Things to Check Before You Buy

With so many choices in the snack aisle, finding chips made with the ingredients you want can feel confusing. Packages may say “natural,” “simple” or “better,” but those words do not necessarily tell you whether the corn is non-GMO—or what kind of oil was used.

The easiest way to identify non-GMO chips is to look for clear verification or labeling, read the complete ingredient list and understand exactly what the claims on the package mean.

Here are five things to check before choosing your next bag of chips.

1. Look for a Non-GMO Label

Start with the front and back of the package. Look for a recognized verification seal or a clear statement that the chips are made with non-GMO corn.

A third-party verification seal means the product has been evaluated according to that organization’s standards. Some brands may use non-GMO ingredients without carrying a certification seal, so continue reading the package for more information.

2. Check for the USDA Organic Seal

Certified organic products cannot be produced using genetically engineered ingredients under USDA organic standards.

If a bag of chips carries the USDA Organic seal, the corn and other agricultural ingredients must follow those standards. However, organic and non-GMO do not mean exactly the same thing. Organic certification includes additional requirements involving how ingredients are grown and processed.

3. Read the Complete Ingredient List

Do not rely only on the claims printed on the front of the bag. Turn it over and read the full ingredient list.

Corn is the main ingredient in most tortilla chips, so look for wording such as:

• Non-GMO corn

• Non-GMO yellow corn

• Non-GMO blue corn

• Certified organic corn

Also look at the seasonings and cooking oil. Flavored chips may contain additional corn, soy or canola-based ingredients that are easy to overlook.

If the package does not clearly identify the corn as non-GMO, the ingredient list alone may not give you enough information to know how it was sourced.

4. Look at the Cooking Oil

Non-GMO and seed oil free are two different things.

A chip can be made with non-GMO corn and still be cooked in canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower or another seed oil. If the type of cooking oil matters to you, you need to check that separately.

Look for brands that clearly name the oil instead of using a general phrase such as “vegetable oil.” A short, specific ingredient list makes it easier to understand exactly what you are eating.

5. Look Beyond Marketing Words

Words such as “natural,” “wholesome” or “simple” can sound reassuring, but they do not automatically mean a product is non-GMO.

Instead, look for specific information:

• Is the corn identified as non-GMO?

• What type of oil is used?

• How many ingredients are included?

• Are there artificial flavors or preservatives?

• Does the company explain how its chips are made?

Clear information is more helpful than broad promises.

What Makes Gilly Loco Tortilla Chips Different?

At Gilly Loco, we believe bold flavor can begin with a short list of simple ingredients.

Our thin and crispy tortilla chips are made with:

• Stone-ground non-GMO corn

• Pure water

• 100% coconut oil

• Sea salt

• Hydrated lime

We cook our chips exclusively in 100% coconut oil—never an oil blend and never seed oils. The result is a light, crispy crunch that lets the authentic flavor of the corn come through.

Born in New Mexico, Gilly Loco chips are made for salsa, queso, guacamole and all the moments that bring people together.

Shop Gilly Loco Seed Oil Free Tortilla Chips

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-GMO Chips

Are all corn tortilla chips non-GMO?

No. Corn may be grown from genetically engineered or non-genetically engineered seed. Look for a verification seal or a clear statement that the chips are made with non-GMO corn.

Does organic mean non-GMO?

USDA organic standards prohibit the use of genetically engineered ingredients. However, organic certification includes requirements beyond GMO sourcing, so “organic” and “non-GMO” are not identical claims.

Is non-GMO the same as seed oil free?

No. Non-GMO refers to how ingredients such as corn are sourced. Seed oil free refers to the type of oil used to cook the chips. A chip may be non-GMO but still be cooked in a seed oil.

What oils are commonly used to make tortilla chips?

Many tortilla chips are cooked in canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower or corn oil. Check the ingredient list to see exactly which oil—or combination of oils—is used.

What oil does Gilly Loco use?

Gilly Loco tortilla chips are cooked in 100% pure coconut oil. We do not use seed oils or oil blends.

How many ingredients are in Gilly Loco tortilla chips?

Our tortilla chips are made with five simple ingredients: stone-ground corn, water, coconut oil, sea salt and hydrated lime.

A Simple Choice With a LOCO Crunch

You should not need a magnifying glass to understand what is inside your favorite snack. Look for clear non-GMO labeling, read the entire ingredient list and always check the cooking oil.

At Gilly Loco, we keep it simple: non-GMO corn, five ingredients, 100% coconut oil and a thin, crispy crunch made for dipping.

Explore All Gilly Loco Tortilla Chips

Live Life LOCO.