Are McCoy's crisps healthy?

December 2, 2025 •

2 min read

A single pack of McCoy's Salt & Malt Vinegar crisps contains approximately 238 calories, along with high levels of fat and salt, contributing significantly to an adult's daily intake. This raises the critical question: Are McCoy's crisps healthy, or should they be considered an occasional indulgence?

Quick Summary

An analysis of McCoy's crisps reveals they are a highly processed snack, containing significant amounts of fat, salt, and calories, with limited nutritional value, better suited for occasional treats.

Key Points

Processed Snack: McCoy's crisps are ultra-processed food, high in fat, salt, and flavour enhancers.
High in Calories: They are calorie-dense, contributing significantly to daily intake and potential weight gain if overconsumed.
Minimal Nutrients: Offering little protein or fibre, they are less filling and nutritionally poor.
Moderation is Key: Best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack due to their nutritional profile.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: For daily snacking, consider options like homemade vegetable crisps, air-popped popcorn, or nuts for better nutritional value.
Beware of Salt Content: Some flavours have very high salt, potentially impacting heart health and blood pressure with regular consumption.

The Nutritional Breakdown of McCoy's Crisps

McCoy's crisps are a popular snack, known for their texture and flavours, but from a nutritional perspective, they are a processed food high in calories, fat, and salt. Examining the nutritional information on the packaging provides a clearer picture.

High in Calories, Fat, and Salt

A 100g serving of McCoy's Salted crisps contains approximately 533 kcal, 32g of fat, and 1.3g of salt. The flavourings also impact the nutritional profile. Simple flavours like Salted have fewer ingredients, while complex ones such as Flame Grilled Steak include flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), classifying them as ultra-processed food.

The Ultra-Processed Food Category

The NHS defines ultra-processed foods (UPFs) as those containing ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as artificial additives and flavour enhancers. Many McCoy's crisps, especially flavoured varieties, fit this description. While occasional consumption is fine, high intake of UPFs is linked to poorer health outcomes, including weight gain and increased heart disease risk.

Ingredients in a Typical McCoy's Flavour

Let's look at the ingredients of McCoy's Salt & Malt Vinegar crisps:

Potatoes
Sunflower Oil
Salt & Malt Vinegar Flavour (Salt, Flavourings, Sugar, Dextrose, Acid: Citric Acid, Rice Flour, Dried Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Stabiliser: Potassium Phosphate, Dried Barley Malt Vinegar Extract)

This list highlights the numerous components beyond basic ingredients, characteristic of UPFs. Yeast extract, dextrose, and citric acid contribute to the flavour profile.

A Comparison: McCoy's vs. Healthier Alternatives

To understand the nutritional impact, here's a comparison of a standard bag of McCoy's with healthier snacks, based on a 25g serving:


Snack Item	Calories	Fat	Salt	Fibre	Protein
McCoy's Salted Crisps	~133kcal	8.0g	0.33g	1.0g	1.7g
Air-Popped Popcorn	~95kcal	4.0g	0.0g	4.0g	3.0g
Homemade Kale Crisps	~80kcal	4.5g	0.1g	3.5g	2.5g
Mixed Nuts	~150kcal	12.0g	0.0g	2.5g	5.0g

Note: Nutritional values for alternatives are estimates and can vary. Homemade options allow better control over ingredients.

Better Alternatives for Snacking

For those seeking a salty, crunchy snack more regularly, healthier alternatives with better nutritional value include:

Homemade Vegetable Crisps: Make kale, beetroot, or sweet potato crisps yourself to control oil and salt content.
Air-Popped Popcorn: Low-calorie and high-fibre without excessive butter or salt.
Toasted Seeds or Nuts: A small portion provides protein, healthy fats, and fibre for satiety.
Rice Cakes with Toppings: Pair with avocado or hummus for a crunchy, savoury snack with fewer calories and less processing.

Conclusion

McCoy's crisps are a calorie-dense, ultra-processed snack high in fat and salt, and low in essential nutrients like protein and fibre. They should be consumed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet, not regularly. Choosing unprocessed or minimally processed alternatives for frequent snacking better supports nutritional goals. Mindful eating and portion control are also important strategies. For more information on processed foods, refer to the NHS guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count varies by flavour. A 25g bag of McCoy's Salted is about 133 kcal, and a 45g bag of Salt & Malt Vinegar is approximately 238 kcal.

Most classic McCoy's flavours are vegetarian-friendly, but some may contain milk ingredients or animal-derived flavourings. Always check the packaging for specific allergen details.

Yes, some complex flavours, like Flame Grilled Steak, list MSG and other flavour enhancers, making them ultra-processed.

They are ultra-processed due to the use of industrial ingredients and additives like flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, and preservatives to create their specific taste and texture.

Baked crisps are often lower in fat and calories than fried ones but can have higher sugar and refined carbohydrate content. They are still processed and not a direct replacement for whole foods.

Opt for unsalted nuts/seeds, make popcorn with minimal seasoning, or create homemade vegetable crisps where you control salt levels.

Yes, in moderation. A balanced diet allows for occasional treats like McCoy's. The key is limiting regular, high consumption and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Store-bought vegetable crisps can still be high in fat and salt, and nutrients may be lost during processing. Homemade versions are better.

While made with sunflower oil, the saturated fat per serving isn't extremely high relative to total fat, but the overall calorie and fat content are significant.