A corn chip is a small, crisp snack made by frying or baking pieces of corn dough, most often nixtamalized corn masa rolled thin and cut into shapes. Corn chips developed from the Mexican tortilla and are commonly called tortilla chips when cut from rounds rather than extruded. They are the base for nachos and chilaquiles and are widely eaten on their own as a vehicle for salsa, guacamole, and cheese dips. Their flavor is mildly sweet and earthy, a result of the alkaline nixtamalization process used on the corn.