Are Chirps Chips Healthy? A Deep Dive into Cricket-Based Snacks

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Chirps Chips, their cricket-based snacks offer a high-protein, lower-fat alternative to conventional junk food. This claim raises the question: Are Chirps Chips healthy? This article examines the nutritional profile of these unique snacks to provide a comprehensive answer.

Quick Summary

Chirps Chips leverage sustainable cricket protein, offering more nutrients and less fat than traditional chips, though their overall healthiness depends on consumption and dietary context.

Key Points

Higher Protein: Chirps Chips contain significantly more protein per serving compared to traditional potato chips due to the addition of cricket flour.
Less Fat: They are often lower in fat than standard fried potato chips, making them a relatively leaner snack option.
Nutrient-Rich Crickets: The cricket protein provides essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin B12, and amino acids that are often lacking in conventional snacks.
Gut-Healthy Fiber: The chitin found in crickets acts as a prebiotic fiber, potentially benefiting gut bacteria and digestive health.
Still a Processed Snack: Despite their benefits, Chirps Chips remain a processed snack and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Shellfish Allergy Risk: Individuals with a shellfish allergy may also be sensitive to crickets and should avoid or exercise caution when consuming them.
Sustainable Choice: Crickets require less land, feed, and water, and produce fewer greenhouse gases than traditional livestock, making them a more eco-friendly protein source.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Chirps Chips

Chirps Chips are marketed as a healthy and sustainable snack, primarily because they use cricket flour as a key ingredient. The foundation of these chips includes stone-ground corn, beans, chia seeds, and the star ingredient, cricket flour. This combination sets them apart from standard potato or tortilla chips, which are often made with a simpler and less nutrient-dense ingredient list. The health claims hinge on the nutritional benefits packed into the cricket powder, which is made from roasted and milled crickets.

The Power of Cricket Protein

Cricket protein is highly regarded for its nutritional value. Crickets are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall metabolic function. A single serving of Chirps chips can provide a significant protein boost, with some flavors offering as much protein as an egg white. This is a major advantage over most traditional chips, which contain very little, if any, protein.

Key Micronutrients and Healthy Fats

Beyond protein, cricket flour contributes a wealth of essential micronutrients that are not typically found in conventional chips. Crickets are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and especially Vitamin B12. A single serving can provide a substantial portion of your daily recommended B12 intake. Furthermore, crickets contain healthy polyunsaturated fats, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Fiber and Gut Health

One unique aspect of cricket protein is the presence of chitin in its exoskeleton. This powerful prebiotic fiber acts as a food source for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Research has suggested that consuming cricket powder can lead to an increase in good gut bacteria and a reduction in systemic inflammation. This prebiotic effect offers a digestive health benefit that is completely absent in most potato and corn chips.

Chirps Chips vs. Traditional Chips: A Nutritional Comparison

To better understand how Chirps Chips compare to their traditional counterparts, a direct nutritional comparison is helpful. The following table highlights the key differences per serving, based on data available from Chirps and general nutritional information for conventional brands.


Feature	Chirps Chips (approx.)	Regular Potato Chips (approx.)
Protein	4-5g	1-2g
Total Fat	7-8g	10g or more
Fiber	2g	1g or less
Carbohydrates	16g	15-20g
Iron	Higher content	Low to none
Vitamin B12	Excellent source	Not typically present
Prebiotics	Contains chitin	No prebiotic fiber

As the table shows, Chirps Chips consistently outperform traditional chips in terms of protein, fiber, and micronutrient content. While the calorie and carbohydrate counts may be similar, the added nutritional value in Chirps provides a more satisfying and beneficial snacking experience.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

Despite their many benefits, it is important to remember that Chirps Chips are still a processed snack food. They should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, not as a primary source of nutrition. The following points are important to consider:

Allergen Risk: Individuals with a crustacean shellfish allergy may also be sensitive to crickets and should avoid Chirps Chips.
Added Ingredients: While the core ingredients are wholesome, flavorings and other additives are still present. It's best to check the specific product label for a full ingredient list, especially for flavors like Cheddar or BBQ.
Sodium Content: As with many savory snacks, Chirps Chips contain sodium, so monitoring intake is still necessary, particularly for those on a sodium-restricted diet.

How to Incorporate Chirps Chips into a Healthy Diet

Making Chirps Chips a part of a healthier diet involves mindful consumption. Instead of replacing whole foods, consider them as a healthier alternative for snack cravings. Here are a few ways to enjoy them responsibly:

Portion Control: Serve a single portion in a bowl rather than eating directly from the bag to avoid over-snacking.
Pair with Dips: Use Chirps Chips with a healthy dip like hummus, guacamole, or salsa for added nutrients and flavor.
Ingredient in Recipes: Crush them up and use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups, or as a breadcrumb alternative for baked chicken or fish.

Conclusion: So, Are Chirps Chips Healthy?

Yes, Chirps Chips are a healthier alternative to most conventional potato or tortilla chips. They are a genuinely useful and sustainable food due to their impressive nutritional profile, which includes more protein, beneficial fiber, essential micronutrients like iron and B12, and healthy fats from the cricket flour. However, they are not a substitute for whole foods and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For those looking for a healthier, more environmentally friendly snack option, Chirps Chips are an excellent choice, provided there are no shellfish allergies.

For more detailed information on cricket-based nutrition and sustainability, you can visit the Healthline article on the benefits of eating crickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chirps Chips contain significantly more protein (4-5g vs. 1-2g), less fat (7-8g vs. 10g+), and more fiber and micronutrients like iron and B12 per serving compared to regular potato chips.

Individuals with a crustacean shellfish allergy should be cautious, as they may also be sensitive to crickets. Chirps Chips are generally gluten-free and nut-free, but always check the specific product label.

The main ingredients are stone-ground corn, beans, chia seeds, and cricket flour. Specific flavors will also contain natural seasonings.

The protein content varies slightly by flavor, but a single serving typically contains 4 to 5 grams of protein from the cricket flour.

The crickets are typically farmed under controlled, clean conditions, then roasted and milled into a fine, nutty-flavored powder known as 'cricket flour' or 'acheta powder'.

Eating commercially farmed, properly processed crickets is generally safe for most people. The main health risks include potential allergens (especially for those with shellfish allergies) and, less commonly, contamination if not sourced from reputable suppliers.

Cricket farming is significantly more sustainable than traditional livestock farming. Crickets require less water, feed, land, and produce far fewer greenhouse gases than animals like cattle.