Top Nacho Cheese Brands to Satisfy Your Cheesy Cravings!

Nacho cheese, a favorite for many snack enthusiasts, is best enjoyed when it's rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With a plethora of brands in the market, finding the perfect nacho cheese can elevate any snack or meal experience. Some brands are renowned for their authentic taste, while others offer unique blends that cater to diverse palates. To help you navigate this cheesy journey, explore the list of top nacho cheese brands below.

Illustration of nacho cheese

Best brands of nacho cheese in 2025

Tostitos

Tostitos, a prominent brand under Frito-Lay, is a leading producer of nacho cheese products, known for its high-quality and flavorful offerings. In 2022, Tostitos achieved $1.5 billion in sales, representing a 3.4% increase and capturing nearly a quarter (21.7%) of the tortilla chip market share. The brand's success is driven by consumer demand for convenient and tasty snack options, including its popular nacho cheese sauce. Tostitos benefits from its strong presence in the North American market, which is a significant segment for nacho cheese sauce consumption. The brand's products are widely available and favored for their versatility in various snack applications. For more information on their offerings, visit the Tostitos brand page.

Ricos

Ricos is a prominent player in the nacho cheese sauce market, known for its high-quality products that cater to both commercial and household segments. In the global nachos market, Ricos contributes to the significant growth, with the market projected to reach USD 2217.79 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031. The brand is part of the larger market dynamics where restaurants, which accounted for 64.69% of the market share in 2022, drive a substantial portion of the demand. Ricos, along with other key players, is expected to benefit from the rising adoption of nacho cheese sauce in various applications, particularly in the United States, which held the largest market share in 2022. The brand's presence in the market is further reinforced by its inclusion among leading companies in the nacho cheese sauce sector.

Frito-Lay

Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, is a leading producer in the nachos market, particularly renowned for its nacho cheese products. The company dominates the salty snack category, commanding over 35% of the global market in snack chips and 60% in the United States. Frito-Lay's brands, such as Doritos and Tostitos, are highly popular and generate annual sales of $1 billion each. The company's strong brand portfolio and market leadership position it as a key player in the nachos market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032. Frito-Lay's global presence, operating in over 200 countries, further solidifies its position as a major producer of nacho cheese and related products. For a detailed business analysis of Frito-Lay, visit their website.

Ortega

Ortega, a renowned brand in the culinary industry, stands out as one of the best producers of nacho cheese, catering to the growing demand for convenient and flavorful snack solutions. The nacho cheese market, which Ortega is a part of, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market value of $7.9 billion by 2033. Ortega's products are popular in various settings, including movie theaters, sports events, and home consumption, driven by the increasing demand for on-the-go snacks. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation, such as offering a wide range of cheese varieties and flavors, enhances the snacking experience for consumers. With the rise of online retail, Ortega's products are also widely available through online channels, contributing to the segment's significant growth.

El Mexicano

El Mexicano is a renowned brand, celebrated for its premium and authentic Mexican products, including its highly acclaimed nacho cheese sauce. Since 1981, the brand has maintained the highest standards of quality and freshness, earning prestigious awards such as the ISO Award and the Silliker Award for quality control. The nacho cheese sauce, in particular, is a favorite among consumers, with a nutritional profile that includes 29% carbs, 66% fat, and 5% protein per 1/4 cup serving. This product is also certified by notable standards such as the REAL MILK SEAL and REAL CALIFORNIA MILK, ensuring top-quality dairy content. El Mexicano's commitment to quality and authenticity has made it a preferred choice for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors.

Velveeta

Velveeta, a prominent brand in the cheese sauce market, is renowned for its high-quality nacho cheese products, which are widely used in the food service and retail sectors. The brand's convenience and long shelf life make it a favorite among consumers and manufacturers alike. As part of the Kraft Heinz Company, Velveeta benefits from a strong market presence, contributing to the global liquid cheese market's projected growth to $22.5 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 2.6% from 2022 to 2031. Velveeta's products, such as its ready-to-use nacho cheese sauce, are popular for their ease of use and flavorful profile, making them a staple in many restaurants and homes. The brand's influence is particularly significant in regions like Europe, which holds the maximum market share of the liquid cheese market. For more information about Velveeta's offerings, visit their official brand page.

Old El Paso

Old El Paso is a leading brand in the nacho and tortilla category, known for its innovative and convenient products. In 2023, Old El Paso saw a significant increase of 10.1% in sales, reaching $448.2 million, contributing to the overall growth of the tortilla market. The brand's stuffed nachos, such as the Three Cheese and Beef & Cheese varieties, are popular for their ease of preparation and flavorful fillings. Old El Paso's products cater to the growing demand for convenient and on-the-go snacks, particularly in North America. The brand's success is also driven by its wide distribution and consumer preference for its quality and taste.

On The Border

On The Border, a brand under Truco Enterprises and now part of Utz, has seen significant growth and success in the tortilla chip market, particularly with its Nacho Cheese flavor. The brand launched its Nacho Cheese and Zesty Ranch flavored tortilla chips in 2017, which represented the largest flavored segments in the tortilla chip market and were growing faster than the overall category. As of 2024, On The Border's dollar sales rose 16.6% to $340.4 million, highlighting its strong market performance. The brand's expansion into cheese and ranch flavors has been well-received, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing national tortilla chip brands. This growth underscores the brand's ability to innovate and meet consumer demand for bold and spicy flavors. For further insights into the tortilla chip industry's dynamics, explore the State of the Industry 2024 report.

Chef-Mate

Chef-Mate is a leading brand in the production of high-quality nacho cheese sauces, offering a range of products that cater to the food service industry. Their ¡Que Bueno Nacho Cheese Sauce, for instance, is a thick, creamy, medium-heat sauce made with real cheddar cheese and premium green chilies, containing 0 grams of trans fat per serving. This product is packaged in easy-to-stack, shelf-stable #10 cans, making it convenient for restaurant owners. The global nachos market, which includes such products, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031, indicating a strong demand for premium nacho cheese sauces like those from Chef-Mate. The brand's products are designed for versatility and menu simplification, making them a preferred choice in the industry.

La Preferida

La Preferida is renowned for producing one of the best nacho cheese sauces, offering a zesty and creamy taste with a kick from jalapenos. Each 6lb (#10) can serves groups of 40+ and contains only 70 calories per 1/4 cup serving. Made in the U.S.A. with BPA-free can lining, the sauce is a perfect addition to any large function or party. The ingredients include cheese whey, water, palm oil, and cheddar cheese, ensuring a high-quality flavor. With its versatility, it can be used as a dip, a topping for baked potatoes, or mixed with salsa for extra flavor.