Healthy Chips: What Are Those Healthy Chips Called?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, people often consume an average of 1,300 extra calories a week from workplace snacking, highlighting the need for healthier alternatives. Whether you're at work or home, satisfying a chip craving can be challenging, but understanding what are those healthy chips called is the first step toward better choices.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of various healthy chip alternatives, including veggie, bean, and air-popped options. It compares their nutritional profiles, offers homemade recipes, and outlines the benefits of mindful snacking for weight management and overall health.

Key Points

Variety, Not One Type: The term "healthy chips" encompasses many alternatives like kale, beet, and bean-based chips, not a single product.
Check Processing: Baked and air-fried chips are generally healthier than deep-fried varieties, which contain more unhealthy fats and calories.
Look for Whole Foods: Many veggie straws are highly processed and lack the nutritional benefits of fresh vegetables, so look for minimally processed options.
DIY for Control: Making homemade chips from vegetables like sweet potatoes or kale gives you complete control over ingredients, salt, and oil content.
High Protein and Fiber: Options made from legumes like chickpeas and lentils offer more protein and fiber, which helps promote satiety and prevent overeating.
Practice Mindful Snacking: Eating consciously and pairing your snack with a protein or healthy fat can help stabilize blood sugar and control portion sizes.
Portable Options: For busy schedules, options like roasted chickpeas, trail mix, or low-sugar protein bars are convenient and nutrient-dense.

Identifying Healthy Chip Alternatives

When the urge for a crunchy, salty snack strikes, there are numerous options available that provide better nutritional value than traditional fried potato chips. Instead of a single product, the term "healthy chips" refers to a category of baked, air-fried, or dehydrated snacks made from vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Vegetable-Based Chips

Chips made from vegetables offer an excellent way to increase your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. The most popular varieties include:

Kale Chips: Known for being packed with vitamins and antioxidants, these are typically made by tearing kale leaves into pieces, tossing them with a little olive oil and seasoning, and baking them until crispy.
Sweet Potato Chips: A more nutrient-dense alternative to regular potato chips, sweet potato chips are rich in vitamin B6, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin D. They can be baked at home for a healthier snack.
Beet Chips: Sliced and baked beets become sweet and crispy, providing a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Zucchini Chips: These can be made in the oven or microwave and are a low-carb alternative.

Legume and Whole-Grain Chips

For a boost of protein and fiber, chips made from legumes and grains are an ideal choice. These help you feel full and can aid in weight management.

Chickpea Chips: Made from chickpea flour, these chips offer a unique flavor and texture while being rich in protein and fiber. Roasted chickpeas are also a popular snack with similar benefits.
Lentil Chips: Another high-protein and high-fiber option, lentil chips are often found in the health food aisle and can have a savory flavor.
Black Bean Tortilla Chips: Brands like Beanitos offer a bean-based tortilla chip that provides more fiber and protein than standard corn chips.
Popcorn Chips: Made from puffed corn, these offer a light, airy, and low-calorie crunch. Air-popped popcorn itself is another highly recommended whole-grain snack.

Comparing Healthy Chip Alternatives

Understanding the nutritional differences is key to making the best choice. Here is a comparison of some popular healthy chip alternatives per 1-ounce serving.


Chip Type	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Notable Benefits
Traditional Fried Potato Chip	150-160	10	2	<1	Simple ingredients, but high in unhealthy fats.
Baked Potato Chips	120	3.5	2	1	Less fat than fried, but may have more carbs.
Beanitos Black Bean Chips	130	7	4	4	High in protein and fiber, promoting fullness.
Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips	140	7	3	3	Made from chickpeas, provides protein and fiber.
Popchips Original	130	4.5	1	1	Air-popped for a lower-fat, crunchy texture.
Terra Exotic Vegetable Chips	200	12	1	3	Diversifies vegetable intake, but higher calories/fat.
Homemade Kale Chips	~100	~6	~3	~2	High in vitamins, low in calories, and controllable fat content.

The Importance of Mindful Snacking

Making healthier choices goes beyond the product itself. Mindful snacking is a crucial part of integrating healthy chips into your diet without overindulging. By paying attention to your body's signals and avoiding distractions like television, you can better control your portion sizes. Combining a complex carbohydrate with a lean protein or healthy fat can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you full longer. For example, dipping healthy chips like baked tortilla chips in a protein-rich salsa or hummus is a smart strategy.

Making Your Own Healthy Chips

For the ultimate control over ingredients and preparation, making your own healthy chips is the best route. You can use an oven, dehydrator, or even an air fryer.

Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut corn tortillas into wedges and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Spray lightly with olive or avocado oil and sprinkle with a dash of salt or spices like chili powder and cumin.
Bake for 7-15 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. They should be golden brown and crispy.

Homemade Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice sweet potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Toss slices with a little olive oil, salt, and seasonings like paprika or chili powder.
Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

Conclusion

While there is no single "healthy chip," there are numerous nutritious alternatives that can satisfy your cravings without derailing your health goals. Options range from baked and dehydrated vegetable chips like kale and sweet potato to legume-based varieties like chickpea and lentil chips, which provide added protein and fiber. The healthiest choice often depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs, but a great strategy is to make your own at home, where you can control the ingredients. By choosing these better alternatives and practicing mindful snacking, you can enjoy a satisfying crunch while supporting your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

A common healthy chip is made from kale, which is baked until crispy with a small amount of oil and seasoning. Other options include sweet potato, beets, and chickpeas.

Despite their name, many veggie straws are highly processed and have minimal nutritional benefits from vegetables. They often contain similar fat and carb levels to standard potato chips.

Baked chips contain significantly less fat than fried chips because they avoid the deep-frying process. This helps reduce the total calorie count and eliminates unhealthy trans and saturated fats.

Chips made from legumes like chickpeas or lentils are higher in protein and fiber compared to many other chip varieties. This makes them more filling and can aid in weight management by reducing overeating.

Yes, making your own healthy chips at home is an excellent option. You can bake or air-fry thinly sliced vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or kale for a controlled and healthier snack.

To make snacking healthier, focus on whole, minimally processed foods that are low in added sugars and salt. Pairing snacks with protein, fiber, or healthy fats can help keep you full and satisfied.

Portion control and mindful eating are key to avoiding overeating. Try pre-portioning your snacks, avoiding eating straight from the bag, and eliminating distractions like watching TV while you eat.