Tag: Cassava chips

While the global market for cassava products is expanding due to demand for gluten-free options, a recent Consumer Reports study found high levels of lead in some commercial cassava foods, raising significant health concerns. As a potential alternative to potato chips, this alarming finding adds a critical layer to the question: are cassava chips healthier than normal chips?

In May 2025, Consumer Reports testing found that over two-thirds of sampled cassava-based products, including chips, contained concerning levels of lead. These findings have prompted new questions regarding the safety of this popular gluten-free snack and lead many to ask: do cassava chips have lead?

Did you know that cassava contains resistant starch, a gut-friendly prebiotic not typically found in high amounts in potatoes? This unique carbohydrate is just one of several factors to consider when asking: Are cassava chips better than potato chips?

According to archaeological evidence, the cassava root has been a staple crop for thousands of years, with domestication dating back 8,000-10,000 years in the Amazon basin. As a modern, grain-free food, cassava chips have gained popularity, but their compatibility with the Paleo diet is a common question.

According to Monash University, the institution that tests foods for FODMAP content, a serving of cassava root is certified low in FODMAPs, though larger portions increase GOS levels. So, the answer to "are cassava chips low in FODMAP?" is more complex, depending on the serving size, ingredients, and processing methods.

Many cassava chip brands promote themselves as a wholesome alternative, but their processing often involves deep-frying, which can add significant fat and calories. This leads many to wonder: are cassava chips healthy, or is their perceived wellness merely a product of clever marketing?

According to some nutritionists, grain-free chips are not always healthier than regular chips. The health benefits depend on the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional content.

The calorie count for tapioca chips varies by brand and preparation, typically ranging from 470 to 515 kcal per 100g. This makes them a slightly lower-calorie alternative to conventional potato chips, which can contain up to 549 kcal per 100g.

Recent studies show that cassava chips have a high glycemic load (GL), around 46, indicating a significant impact on blood glucose. This high GL is a major consideration for anyone monitoring blood sugar.

An estimated 482 kcal per 100g for tapioca (cassava) chips makes them significantly lower in calories than the 549 kcal found in a comparable portion of potato chips. This substantial difference raises the question of whether cassava is truly healthier than potato chips and how their other nutritional aspects compare.