Tortilla chips

Tortilla chips, officially named TACO chips was a foodstuffing common in Central America.

History
Although originally created during the 1940s in Los Angeles, California, it was generally considered to be Mexican food. It was made of corn tortillas, and although generally made of yellow corn, tortilla chips made of red, white, or blue corn are not unheard of. It is also used with nachos and various other types of Mexican dishes and is often served as an appetizer. It is also apparently used for soft shell tacos.

During the Peace Walker Incident in 1974, Big Boss and his Mercenary group, the Militaires Sans Frontieres, managed to procure a recipe for Tortilla Chips as well as a canned soft drink recipe after either neutralizing a LAV-typeG or were supplied with the recipes by Amanda after transporting her to Mother Base. It was apparently Taco-flavored, and was advertized to contain a borderless taste.

Behind the scenes
In the Japanese version for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the item was actually of the real-life Doritos brand of chips, which, although it technically existed during the time period it took place in, was primarily added in as product placement as a bit of a joke from Hideo Kojima. Also, in addition to the in-game Doritos brand, the player can also unlock a Doritos T-shirt along with certain recruits if one manages to gain a passcode exlusive to a Doritos version of Piece Walker. Also, there was a briefing file where Big Boss and Kaz discussed Doritos, but it was removed in versions outside Japan, presumably for copyright issues..

Gameplay
Tortilla chips are able to restore minimal LIFE. If equipped, it also restores some health when the LIFE gauge reaches zero.

In-game description
"Taco-flavored, tortilla snack fried in oil. A flatbread made from cornmeal dough, the tortilla is a traditional staple of Central America that is widely used for soft shell tacos."

- Tortilla Chips description from the english version of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker