National Day

National Tortilla Chip Day

Celebrated on 02/24/2026

Quick Fact

National Tortilla Chip Day is celebrated on February 24th, but its exact origins remain a mystery—no single person or company is officially credited with founding it. Tortilla chips were first mass-produced in the 1940s by Rebecca Webb Carranza in Los Angeles, who discovered that rejected tortillas cut into triangles and fried were a hit.

Origins and Establishment of National Tortilla Chip Day

The origins of National Tortilla Chip Day are somewhat obscure, with no definitive records pinpointing its founder or the exact year it was established. It is believed to have been created by snack enthusiasts or industry groups to celebrate the beloved tortilla chip, which has become a staple in American cuisine. The day is observed annually on February 24th, possibly chosen to coincide with the end of the winter season and the lead-up to big snacking events like the Super Bowl.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its informal inception, National Tortilla Chip Day has grown in popularity, largely driven by social media and food marketing. Today, restaurants and snack companies often promote special deals, new flavors, or limited-edition chips on this day. Consumers celebrate by enjoying tortilla chips with dips like salsa, guacamole, or queso, and sharing their snacks online using hashtags like #NationalTortillaChipDay. The day has also become an opportunity for brands to highlight innovations in tortilla chip production, such as baked, organic, or gluten-free varieties.

Facts & General Observations

  • Americans consume over 1.5 billion pounds of tortilla chips each year, making them one of the most popular snack foods in the United States.
  • The largest bag of tortilla chips ever made weighed 1,000 pounds and was created in 2012 in Mexico to celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day.
  • Tortilla chips were originally called "tortilla crisps" and were first sold in the 1940s at El Zarape Tortilla Factory in Los Angeles.

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