Takis ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Takis

Takis are intensely seasoned rolled tortilla chips produced by Barcel, a Mexican snack company that is a subsidiary of Grupo Bimbo. First introduced in the US around 2004, Takis have become one of the most popular spicy snack brands, particularly among younger consumers. They are sold at grocery chains, convenience stores, and mass retailers nationwide.

Common concerns with Takis products

Takis Fuego (the most popular variety) contains Red 40 and TBHQ — Red 40 is a petroleum-derived dye being phased out under FDA pressure and requires warning labels in the EU, while TBHQ is banned from food in Japan. European versions of Takis use paprika extract and beetroot concentrate for coloring instead of synthetic dyes. The very high sodium and artificial seasoning load makes Takis one of the more heavily flagged snacks in the US market.