To be clear, there’s everything right about a handful of crisp, salty tortilla chips. But add a squeeze of lime, and they soar to a whole new level of tasty. The citrusy hit elevates plain chips to the kind of snack perfection few can resist.

Bright, slightly acidic and generally salty, they are a great alternative to regular tortilla chips, offering a surprise kick of flavor that adds zip to a mouthful of guacamole or salsa, and an extra flavor note to taco soup or a mound of taco salad.

Local supermarkets feature a handful of lime-flavored brands that range from thick to thin and are made from white or yellow cornmeal.

Some include little aside from a pinch of lime; others incorporate chile, cilantro, sour cream, garlic or other flavors.

No matter the style, great lime-flavored tortilla chips deliver a pleasant punch of citrus that wakes up the palate but doesn’t overpower the toasty flavor of fresh cornmeal. Other flavors can play along, but the fresh, pungent flavor of lime is the star.

Bad lime-spiked chips are greasy mouthfuls of disappointment. They range from bland to salty; the worst taste like they’ve spent too much time in a bath of expired frying oil.

Here are details on the most addictive, crunch-worthy lime-spiked tortilla chips to bring to a summer barbecue, and the sad, greasy chips destined for the trash bin. Nutrition info refers to 28 grams, or eight to 12 chips, depending on size.

Siete Maiz Corn Tortilla Chips With Lime

Great lime flavor and a hefty sprinkle of salt makes these crisp chips addictively delicious. They’re substantial enough to be eaten with dip, but so tasty they can be served without. 130 calories, 6 g fat, 230 milligrams sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein. $6.99 for 18 ounces at Costco. ????

Tostitos Hint of Lime

These offer a zesty punch of rich flavors, including sour cream and a mouthwatering hit of lime. It would be wise to portion these — they are habit-forming. 150 calories, 7 mg fat, 130 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. $5.19 for 11 ounces at Food Maxx. ????

Santitas Cilantro Lime

A huge wallop of lime and cilantro give these a bold, fresh flavor. The hit of Parmesan is unusual but works. 140 calories, 7 g fat, 180 mgsodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. $2.99 for 10.5 ounces at Raley’s. ???§

Chicas Lime Authentic Corn Tortilla Chips

The extra limey flavor and crunchy texture of these thick chips are a win, but they’re far too oily. 140 calories, 7 g fat, 180 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein. $4.99 for 10 ounces at Whole Foods. ???

Late July Organic Sea Salt & Lime

Those who don’t like the sour note of lime may enjoy these light, crisp chips, as the lime flavor is more floral than sour. 130 calories, 7 g fat, 70 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. $5.49 for 10.1 ounces at Whole Foods. ??§

Restaurant Style Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips (Hint of Lime)

As plain tortilla chips, these are pleasant, but the flavor of lime is so minimal it shouldn’t even be mentioned on the label. 140 calories, 7.5 g fat, 448 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. $4.99 for 14 ounces at Safeway. ??

Raley’s Hint of Lime White Corn Tortilla Chips

While these large chips have a delightful, light crunch, calling them lime chips is a joke, as the lime is nearly impossible to detect. 140 calories, 7 g fat, 70 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein. $2.48 for 7 ounces. ?

Calidad Chile Limon

Not a fan of oil-flavored snacks? Skip these salty, bland chips. They have a touch of heat, but the oil overpowers every other flavor. 150 calories, 9 g fat, 190 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein. $1.79 for 10 ounces at FoodMaxx. (§ star, for being crisp)

Reviews are based on samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com.