What Defines an Ultra-Processed Food?
To determine if Siete tortilla chips are ultra-processed, we must first understand the criteria. The NOVA classification system is a widely used method for categorizing foods based on the degree and purpose of their processing. It divides foods into four main groups, with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) at the highest end of the spectrum.
UPFs are industrial formulations made with numerous ingredients, including food additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and sweeteners not typically found in a home kitchen. They are engineered to be highly palatable, have a long shelf-life, and often lack the fiber and micronutrients of whole foods. Examples of ultra-processed snacks include mainstream cheese-flavored puffs, many breakfast cereals, and certain pre-packaged meals.
Deconstructing Siete's Ingredients
Unlike the long, unfamiliar ingredient lists of typical ultra-processed snacks, Siete's ingredients are notably straightforward. For their Sea Salt Grain-Free Tortilla Chips, the ingredients are a simple blend of cassava flour, cassava starch, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seed, and sea salt. Even their flavored versions, like the Nacho chips, use real food powders and natural seasonings, such as nutritional yeast, tomato powder, and garlic powder.
Common ingredients in Siete chips:
- Cassava blend (flour, starch)
- Avocado oil
- Coconut flour
- Chia seeds
- Natural seasonings (onion, garlic, spices)
- Sea salt
The use of cassava and coconut flours instead of corn or refined grains is a key distinction, catering to grain-free and paleo diets. Furthermore, Siete's commitment to using avocado oil for frying, rather than highly refined vegetable oils, aligns with a cleaner-eating philosophy and is frequently cited as a healthier alternative.
The Processing Level of Siete Chips
While no packaged snack is truly "unprocessed," Siete's manufacturing process is considered minimal when compared to ultra-processed counterparts. The steps involve mixing the grain-free flours, pressing them into shape, and frying them in avocado oil. This is far less intensive than the industrial-scale processes that create complex chemical substances and additives for mainstream snacks.
The EWG's low processing classification supports this, indicating that Siete products contain few artificial or industrial ingredients. While the Nacho-flavored chips are noted to have "moderate processing concerns" by the EWG, this is still a far cry from the "super ultra processed" designation given to many legacy snack brands owned by parent companies like PepsiCo. The added seasonings and citric acid contribute to this higher classification but do not push the product into the ultra-processed category.
Comparison Table: Siete vs. Conventional Tortilla Chips
| Feature | Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips | Conventional Tortilla Chips (e.g., Doritos) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Cassava flour, cassava starch, avocado oil, coconut flour, seeds | Corn, vegetable oils (corn, soybean, canola), maltodextrin |
| Oil Used | Avocado oil, a minimally refined, heart-healthy oil | Highly refined, often genetically modified vegetable oils |
| Additives | Minimal additives; uses natural spices and powders for flavor | Numerous artificial additives, flavor enhancers (MSG), and artificial colors |
| Processing Level | Minimally to moderately processed, depending on flavor | Often highly to ultra-processed, involving complex industrial techniques |
| Dietary Suitability | Grain-free, gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, vegan | Not suitable for grain-free, gluten-free, or specific allergen diets without verification |
| Consumer Perception | Viewed as a healthier, cleaner-ingredient snack option | Often seen as an indulgent, less nutritious snack high in unhealthy fats |
How to Identify Ultra-Processed Foods
For those looking to reduce their intake of ultra-processed items, a few simple strategies can help you spot them on grocery shelves:
- Read the Ingredients List: Look for a short list of recognizable ingredients. If you see substances you wouldn't use in your own kitchen—such as high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or long chemical names—it's likely a UPF.
- Check Nutritional Information: Many UPFs are high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, and low in fiber. Siete chips, while not low-sodium, generally have better nutrient profiles than their conventional counterparts.
- Consider the NOVA System: While not on packaging, understanding the four NOVA categories provides a framework for evaluating a food's processing level. If a product contains many additives and is ready-to-eat with no further preparation, it falls into the ultra-processed category.
Conclusion
Based on a detailed look at its ingredients and production, Siete tortilla chips are not considered ultra-processed. They are a healthier, less processed alternative to many conventional snack chips on the market. While they are still a packaged product and should be enjoyed in moderation, their use of clean, whole-food-based ingredients like cassava flour and avocado oil sets them apart. For health-conscious consumers seeking grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly options, Siete provides a transparently made alternative that aligns with dietary goals. The key takeaway is that not all processed foods are created equal; understanding the difference can empower you to make more informed choices for your diet.
Further Reading
For more insight into the world of processed foods, explore the official guidelines and expert analyses from Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source.
