Siete's Core Philosophy: What Does “Healthy” Mean for the Brand?
Siete Foods was founded on a family's health journey, aiming to create Mexican-American food classics that were grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly. The brand emphasizes using "clean" and transparent ingredients, often featuring alternative flours like almond and cassava, and frying its chips in avocado oil. This approach is a significant departure from mainstream snack brands that rely on processed grains and less healthy seed oils.
The Healthfulness of Siete's Tortillas
Siete offers several types of grain-free tortillas, most famously their Almond Flour and Cassava Flour varieties. For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, these provide a safe and delicious alternative to traditional flour tortillas.
Ingredient Analysis
- Almond Flour Tortillas: The primary ingredients are almond flour, tapioca starch, water, and sea salt. Almond flour provides healthy fats, protein, and is low in carbs, making it a good option for those on a paleo or low-carb diet. Tapioca starch adds to the texture and pliability but is a refined starch that provides minimal nutritional value.
- Cassava Flour Tortillas: Made with cassava flour and coconut flour, these tortillas are also grain-free and paleo. Cassava is a root vegetable, and its flour is a starchy carbohydrate. While still a refined product, it serves as a whole-food alternative to corn or wheat. Coconut flour adds fiber to the mix.
Nutritional Profile
- Almond Flour: 2 tortillas (50g) contain around 180 calories, 12g fat, 17g carbs (with 3g fiber), and 5g protein.
- Burrito Size (Cassava): These are higher in carbs and calories per serving, with 2 tortillas providing around 340mg of sodium, and some varieties contain coconut sugar.
Overall Verdict for Tortillas: Siete's tortillas are healthier than many conventional options due to their use of clean, whole-food-based ingredients and the avoidance of inflammatory grain-based flours. However, their calorie and carbohydrate content can still be significant, so portion size matters, especially for those watching their carb intake.
The Healthfulness of Siete's Chips
Siete's chip line is expansive, featuring grain-free tortilla chips, potato chips, and churro strips. A key selling point for many is their cooking oil: avocado oil.
Ingredient Analysis
- Tortilla Chips (Cassava): Made from a cassava flour blend, avocado oil, coconut flour, and sea salt, these chips are a clean-ingredient snack. Avocado oil is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, making it a better choice than the inflammatory vegetable and seed oils used in most chips.
- Potato Chips (Kettle Cooked): These are also cooked in avocado oil, a cleaner alternative to standard potato chips.
Nutritional Profile
- Sea Salt Tortilla Chips: A 1oz (28g) serving has 130 calories, 7g fat, and 20g carbs (with 3g fiber).
- Nacho Grain-Free Tortilla Chips: EWG notes that these contain low processing concerns and are high in naturally occurring fiber per gram, though they are not certified organic.
Potential Drawbacks While the ingredients are superior, it is important to remember that chips, even healthier ones, are still a processed snack food. The sodium content can be high in some flavors, and they are calorically dense. Portion control is key.
Comparison Table: Siete vs. Conventional Brands
| Feature | Siete Grain-Free Chips | Conventional Tortilla Chips (e.g., Doritos) | Conventional Flour Tortillas | Siete Almond Flour Tortillas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Cassava flour, avocado oil | Corn, industrial seed oils | Wheat flour, water, shortening | Almond flour, tapioca starch, avocado oil |
| Oil Used | Avocado Oil | Inflammatory seed oils (e.g., canola, soy) | Inflammatory seed oils, hydrogenated fats | Avocado Oil |
| Dietary Suitability | Grain-free, Paleo, Vegan | Generally not grain-free, Paleo, etc. | Not grain-free, contains gluten | Grain-free, Paleo, Vegan |
| Processing Level | Low processing concerns | Super ultra-processed | Often highly processed | Low processing concerns |
| Sodium | Moderate (e.g., 150mg/oz for Sea Salt) | Often high | Can vary widely | Moderate (e.g., 200mg/50g for almond) |
Siete's Other Products: Sauces and Seasonings
Siete also offers a range of sauces and seasonings, many of which are Whole30 approved. The ingredients are generally clean, using avocado oil, organic spices, and natural preservatives. The sauces and seasonings are a healthy way to add flavor without processed additives or industrial ingredients found in many competitor products. However, some sauces, like their enchilada sauce, can have higher sodium counts, so check the label.
Siete vs. “Real Food”
While Siete products are certainly a healthier alternative to their highly processed mainstream counterparts, they are still a manufactured product. For those seeking the healthiest diet, prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins is always the best strategy. Siete functions best as a “better-for-you” convenience food, not as a replacement for fresh, unprocessed ingredients.
Conclusion: So, Is Siete Healthy?
Ultimately, yes, Siete can be considered a healthy option when compared to most other packaged snack brands. The brand's commitment to using clean, grain-free ingredients like cassava and almond flour, and healthy fats like avocado oil, makes its products a superior choice for many. Siete is especially beneficial for those with specific dietary restrictions like gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or for those following paleo and vegan lifestyles. However, it is crucial to remember that Siete products are still processed foods, and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet focused on whole foods. Always read the labels to monitor your intake of sodium and calories, especially with products like the burrito-sized tortillas or seasoned chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Siete made of? A: Siete's grain-free products are made with alternative flours like cassava and almond flour, and are fried in healthier fats like avocado oil. Their sauces and seasonings also use clean, organic ingredients.
Q: Is Siete good for weight loss? A: Siete is not a specific weight-loss food, but it can be a healthier alternative to conventional snacks for those managing their weight. The healthy fats and fiber in products like the almond flour tortillas can contribute to satiety. Portion control is vital, as the products are still calorie-dense.
Q: Are Siete products ultra-processed? A: Siete products are considered minimally or lowly processed, especially when compared to major snack brands. They use simple, clean ingredients without artificial additives, colors, or flavors.
Q: Is Siete good for a paleo diet? A: Yes, many Siete products, including their grain-free tortillas and chips, are explicitly labeled as Paleo-friendly. They avoid grains, legumes, and industrial oils that are restricted on a Paleo diet.
Q: Does Siete have dairy? A: Most of Siete's products are dairy-free, a key aspect of their family's health journey. They offer dairy-free queso and other items for those with dairy sensitivities.
Q: Why are Siete products so expensive? A: Siete's higher price point is a reflection of its high-quality ingredients, such as almond flour and avocado oil, which are more expensive than conventional corn or wheat flour and industrial seed oils.
Q: Can I eat Siete if I have celiac disease? A: Yes, Siete products are certified gluten-free, making them a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Q: Is Siete a good alternative to Doritos? A: Yes, Siete's nacho-flavored grain-free chips are often praised as a healthier, cleaner alternative to conventional flavored chips like Doritos. They offer a similar flavor profile without the highly processed ingredients and inflammatory oils.
