How Many Calories Are in Parmesan Cheese Chips?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical serving of commercial parmesan cheese chips contains around 100 to 160 calories. The exact number of calories in parmesan cheese chips can vary significantly depending on the brand, serving size, and whether they are homemade or store-bought.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of parmesan cheese chips depends on the brand, portion size, and preparation method. Most store-bought options range from 100 to 160 calories per serving, while homemade versions can be customized for specific nutritional goals. The main components are fat and protein, making them a popular keto-friendly snack.

Key Points

Calories vary by brand: Store-bought parmesan chips typically contain between 100 and 160 calories per serving, but specific products should be checked.
Macronutrient profile is keto-friendly: The majority of calories come from fat and protein, with minimal carbs, making them ideal for low-carb diets.
Homemade offers control: Making parmesan crisps at home allows you to control serving size and ingredients, potentially lowering the calorie count per piece.
Serving size is crucial: Pay close attention to the serving size listed on packages, as it can be small, and the total calories can add up quickly.
High in protein and calcium: Besides being low-carb, parmesan crisps are packed with protein and are an excellent source of calcium.
Versatile snack: Can be enjoyed alone, as a garnish for salads and soups, or with low-carb dips.
Consider sodium intake: Be mindful of the sodium content, as parmesan cheese is naturally salty, and this is concentrated in the crisps.

Understanding the Calories in Parmesan Cheese Chips

Parmesan cheese chips, often referred to as parmesan crisps, have become a popular, crunchy alternative to traditional snacks. Their appeal lies in their simple, real-cheese ingredients and low-carb nature, which makes them a favorite among those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. However, because they are made primarily from cheese, they are also calorie-dense due to their high fat and protein content. The number of calories can fluctuate based on the product, portion, and any added seasonings.

Commercial vs. Homemade Parmesan Cheese Chips

When considering the caloric content, it's crucial to differentiate between commercially produced and homemade parmesan chips. Store-bought brands often provide a consistent nutritional profile, while homemade versions offer more control over the ingredients and, therefore, the final calorie count.

Popular Store-Bought Brands

Brands like ParmCrisps and Whisps are well-known in the low-carb snack market. Their standard-sized servings are typically designed to fit into a calorie-controlled diet.

ParmCrisps: Original ParmCrisps offer approximately 100 calories per serving. This is for a standard-sized pouch, which contains a handful of crisps. Flavored varieties might have slightly different counts based on added seasonings.
Whisps: Similar to ParmCrisps, Whisps parmesan crisps contain roughly 150-160 calories per serving (about 23 crisps), with variations depending on the flavor. They are also high in protein and calcium.
Trader Joe's Parmesan Crisps: These are known to have a higher calorie count, with around 180 calories for just four crisps, highlighting the importance of checking the label for portion sizes.

Calorie Control with Homemade Chips

Making parmesan cheese chips at home allows for precise calorie measurement. The recipe is straightforward: grate parmesan cheese and bake it. The calorie count depends entirely on the amount of cheese used.

For example, a common recipe might use 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan per chip. Since one tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese is about 20-25 calories, a serving of five chips would be around 100-125 calories. Additional ingredients like herbs or seeds can alter the total, but a basic recipe is very predictable.

Nutritional Breakdown and Factors Affecting Calorie Count

The calories in parmesan chips primarily come from fat and protein. Unlike many snack chips, they contain virtually no carbohydrates or sugar, which is why they are so popular for low-carb diets.

Fat Content: As a high-fat dairy product, parmesan cheese is calorically dense. Most of the calories in a cheese crisp come from this fat content. Aged parmesan, in particular, has a higher concentration of fat than fresh varieties.
Protein Content: The protein in parmesan cheese provides a significant portion of the calories and contributes to the snack's satiating quality. For example, a 100-calorie serving of ParmCrisps provides about 9 grams of protein.
Serving Size Variation: It is critical to pay attention to serving size. A small variation in the number of crisps per serving can lead to a large difference in calorie intake, as seen with different brands and homemade recipes.

Calorie and Nutrition Comparison: Parmesan Chips vs. Other Snacks


Snack Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Carbs (g)	Notes
Parmesan Cheese Chips	1 oz (28g)	150-170	13-14	1-2	High protein, very low carb.
Potato Chips (Original)	1 oz (28g)	160	2	15	High carb, high fat.
Tortilla Chips	1 oz (28g)	140	2	18	High carb.
Pretzel Crisps (Garlic Parmesan)	1 oz (28g)	110	2	22	Lower in calories but very high in carbs.
Carrot Sticks	1 cup (128g)	52	1	12	Very low calorie, high fiber, high water content.

Choosing Your Snack Wisely

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, parmesan cheese chips are a clear winner over traditional potato or tortilla chips. While the calorie count per ounce might be similar, the nutritional makeup is vastly different. The protein and fat in cheese crisps provide a sense of fullness that can prevent overeating, a benefit not typically found in high-carb snacks.

Incorporating Parmesan Chips into Your Diet

Parmesan chips are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways beyond a simple snack. Due to their low-carb nature and robust flavor, they can serve as a crunchy garnish or an ingredient in more complex dishes.

Ideas for using parmesan chips:

Crumbled topping: Crush them and sprinkle over salads or soups for a savory, textural element, similar to croutons.
Dipping companion: Pair larger crisps with low-carb dips, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream and onion dip.
On-the-go snack: Their portability makes them an excellent choice for a quick snack at work, school, or while traveling.
Appetizer plate: Arrange them on a platter with cured meats, olives, and other keto-friendly finger foods for a sophisticated appetizer.

Final Consideration: Sodium Content

While the calorie and carb count is a primary concern for many, the sodium content should also be considered. Parmesan cheese is naturally high in sodium, and this is reflected in the crisps. For individuals monitoring their sodium intake, checking the nutritional label is crucial. For example, a 1-ounce serving of some brands can contain over 400mg of sodium, a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Conclusion: A High-Protein, Low-Carb Option

In summary, the number of calories in parmesan cheese chips ranges from roughly 100 to 170 calories per serving, depending on the brand and portion size. Their primary calorie sources are protein and fat, with very few carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those on keto or low-carb diets. Homemade versions allow for better control over the total calories and ingredients. While they are a satisfying and nutritious snack, paying attention to portion sizes and sodium levels is key to fitting them into a balanced diet. Their versatility and flavor make them a guilt-free indulgence for many looking for a savory, crunchy treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parmesan cheese chips can be a healthy snack, particularly for those on low-carb or keto diets, as they are high in protein and calcium and contain very few carbohydrates. However, they are also calorie-dense and high in sodium, so moderation is key for a balanced diet.

Homemade parmesan crisps allow for better control over ingredients and portion size, which can help manage calorie intake more precisely. Store-bought versions offer convenience but can have more calories per serving depending on the brand.

Yes, their high protein and fat content can promote a feeling of fullness, which may help reduce overall calorie consumption. Their low-carb nature is also beneficial for specific weight management strategies like the ketogenic diet.

The protein content is quite high. Brands like Whisps or ParmCrisps typically provide 7 to 13 grams of protein per 100-calorie serving, which is comparable to or higher than a glass of milk.

Aged parmesan cheese, the primary ingredient, is naturally very low in lactose, or even lactose-free, making the crisps a more tolerable option for individuals with lactose sensitivity compared to other dairy products.

If homemade crisps are soggy, it's usually because they were not baked long enough or not allowed to cool completely on a rack. They need to be golden brown and fully cooled to become crisp.

A small handful of store-bought parmesan chips, which might be about half a standard serving, would contain around 50-80 calories. A handful of homemade crisps would depend on the size and amount of cheese used for each piece.