Nutrition Diet: What is the healthiest Pringle?

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), regular Pringles are categorized as an 'unhealthy ultra-processed food' due to concerns over saturated fat, sodium, and ingredients. For those wondering, 'what is the healthiest Pringle?', the answer requires a close examination of the facts, not just relying on brand marketing.

Quick Summary

Comparing Pringles varieties shows that the 'Lightly Salted Original' is the least unhealthy option due to lower sodium, but this heavily processed snack still offers little nutritional value.

Key Points

Least Unhealthy Option: The Lightly Salted Original Pringle is the "healthiest" option due to its significantly lower sodium content compared to other flavors.
High Processing Level: Pringles are ultra-processed and made from a potato-based dough, not whole potato slices, which contributes to a lower nutritional value.
High Saturated Fat: Pringles can have a higher saturated fat content compared to less processed, regular potato chips.
Moderation is Key: As with all highly processed snacks, Pringles should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Explore Healthier Alternatives: For better nutrition, opt for minimally processed snacks like air-popped popcorn, nuts, or veggie sticks with hummus instead of Pringles.
Flavored Varieties are Worse: Flavored Pringles typically contain more additives, sodium, and sometimes sugar, making them the least desirable choice.
Beware of the Can: The convenient and appealing packaging of Pringles doesn't reflect a healthier product; marketing should not be mistaken for nutrition.

The Ultra-Processed Reality of Pringles

Before diving into a comparison of Pringle varieties, it's crucial to understand what Pringles are. Unlike traditional potato chips, Pringles are made from a mixture of dehydrated potato flakes and other starches, pressed into their unique shape, then fried and seasoned. This process categorizes them as ultra-processed food, which is associated with increased health risks.

Comparing Pringles to Traditional Potato Chips

Pringles and traditional potato chips both tend to be high in calories and sodium. However, Pringles often have more saturated fat and a longer list of ingredients, including sweeteners and flavor enhancers, while traditional chips are typically made with fewer ingredients. Due to their higher level of processing, Pringles also contain less fiber and protein compared to less processed chips.

Uncovering the "Healthiest" Pringle

The term "healthiest" when discussing Pringles is relative and refers to the option that is least unhealthy. The primary factors to consider are sodium and saturated fat levels.

The Low-Sodium Leader: Lightly Salted Original

Pringles' Lightly Salted Original is the best choice for those watching their sodium intake, containing 50% less sodium than the standard Original flavor. A 28g serving typically has 70-75mg of sodium, compared to 150mg or more in other varieties, though it's still noted as "not a low sodium food".

The Reduced-Fat Contender: Reduced Fat Original Crisps

The Reduced Fat Original Crisps are another option, offering slightly less fat. However, the sodium content is usually similar to or higher than the Lightly Salted version, presenting a trade-off.

The Flavored Pringles: Higher Sodium and Additives

Flavored Pringles, like Sour Cream & Onion, generally have higher sodium levels and a longer list of ingredients, including additives and flavor enhancers such as MSG. These are typically the least healthy options.

Comparison of Pringle Varieties

Here is a comparison of nutritional information per 28g serving (approx. 15 crisps):


Nutritional Aspect	Original Pringles	Lightly Salted Original	Sour Cream & Onion
Calories	150	150	150
Total Fat	9g	9g	9g
Saturated Fat	2.5g	2.5g	2.5g
Sodium	150mg	70-75mg	150mg
Total Carbs	17g	17g	17g
Added Sugars	0g	0g	Present (often in maltodextrin)

Healthier Alternatives to Pringles

For truly healthy snacking, consider whole, minimally processed alternatives. These include baked potato chips, air-popped popcorn, veggie sticks with hummus, nuts and seeds, and sweet potato crisps. These options offer better nutritional value with more fiber, vitamins, and protein.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

No Pringle is truly healthy. They are ultra-processed snacks with low nutritional value and high levels of sodium or saturated fat. If you choose to eat Pringles, the Lightly Salted Original is the least unhealthy option due to its lower sodium content. For better overall health, prioritize healthier alternatives and consume any processed snack in moderation. You can find more snack comparisons from resources like Verywell Fit.

Verywell Fit: Best and Worst Snack Chips: Calories and Nutrition

How Pringles Differ from Regular Chips

Composition: Pringles are made from a mix of dehydrated potato, corn, and wheat, while traditional chips are sliced whole potatoes.
Processing Level: Pringles are ultra-processed into a uniform shape, while traditional chips are typically fried whole.
Nutrient Profile: Pringles have more ingredients and are lower in fiber and protein compared to less processed chips.
Saturated Fat: Pringles may have higher levels of saturated fat compared to many standard chips.
Additives: Flavored Pringles often contain more additives and flavor enhancers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Pringles are not considered traditional potato chips. They are made from a processed mash of dehydrated potato flakes, corn flour, and other starches, which is then pressed into its distinctive shape and fried.

Pringles are considered unhealthy because they are ultra-processed, high in sodium, and contain significant amounts of saturated fat. Their manufacturing process and ingredient list are far from a whole, natural food.

The Lightly Salted Original Pringles flavor has the least amount of sodium. It contains 50% less sodium than the standard Original Pringles.

While 'Reduced Fat' Pringles have slightly less fat than the Original, they are still a highly processed food. The sodium content may be comparable or even higher than the Lightly Salted version, so it's not necessarily a significantly healthier choice overall.

Experts suggest that traditional potato chips might be a slightly better choice than Pringles. Regular chips are often less processed and contain less saturated fat per serving compared to many Pringles varieties.

Genuinely healthy alternatives include air-popped popcorn, baked vegetable chips, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables with hummus. These options are less processed and provide more essential nutrients.

No, the convenient and appealing can design is a marketing feature, not a sign of nutritional superiority. Health experts state that the container's appeal has no bearing on the product's nutritional quality.

Yes, flavored Pringles generally contain more additives, including sweeteners and flavor enhancers like MSG, which results in a longer, more complex ingredient list compared to the Original or Lightly Salted varieties.