Why Choose Healthier Chips?
Choosing healthier chips is about more than just reducing calories. Traditional potato chips are often high in saturated fat, sodium, and empty calories, with little to no fiber or protein. These options offer more than just a momentary snack fix; they provide functional benefits like increased fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients, keeping you full and energized for longer. By opting for snacks made from whole grains, legumes, or vegetables, cooked in healthier oils like avocado or olive oil, you make a better choice for your overall well-being.
Our Selection Criteria
To identify the healthiest chips, we evaluated several factors based on expert recommendations from nutritionists and dietitians. Our criteria focused on:
- Ingredient Quality: A short, simple ingredient list with recognizable, whole-food ingredients is always a good sign.
- Macronutrient Profile: A balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats is crucial for satiety and sustained energy. We prioritized options with higher fiber and protein.
- Healthy Fats: The type of oil used matters. We favored chips cooked in heart-healthy oils like avocado or olive oil.
- Lower Sodium: We selected options with controlled sodium levels, ideally below 140mg per serving, to support heart health.
- Baking Over Frying: Baked or air-popped chips generally contain less total fat than their fried counterparts.
The Top 5 Healthiest Chips
1. Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips
Siete chips are a standout for their grain-free base and use of healthy fats. Made from a blend of cassava and coconut flour, they are paleo and gluten-free. They are cooked in avocado oil, a monounsaturated fat that is more stable and less inflammatory than standard vegetable oils. With minimal ingredients—cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, ground chia seed, and sea salt—Siete offers a clean, wholesome snacking experience with a satisfying crunch.
2. Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips
These chips are a nutritional upgrade from traditional potato chips. Made from sweet potatoes and cooked in avocado oil, they provide a boost of fiber and Vitamin A. Jackson's keeps their ingredient list simple, often just sweet potatoes, avocado oil, and sea salt. This focus on quality ingredients and healthy cooking methods earned them a top spot in dietitian rankings. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato makes them a flavorful and satisfying alternative.
3. HIPPEAS Organic Sea Salt & Lime Chickpea Puffs
For those who love a cheesy puff but want a healthier alternative, HIPPEAS are an excellent choice. Made from organic chickpea flour, they are high in protein and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and baked, not fried. With 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving, these light and airy puffs deliver a zesty flavor without the nutritional guilt.
4. Simply7 Lentil Chips
Simply7 offers a line of chips made from legume flour, giving them a superior nutritional profile compared to traditional chips. The main ingredient is lentil flour, which provides a good source of fiber and protein. These chips are a great way to sneak more legumes into your diet. They are also gluten-free and have a robust flavor and satisfying texture. As noted by a dietitian from the Sydney Morning Herald, legume chips offer slightly more protein than regular chips, which makes them a better choice for those seeking a more balanced snack.
5. Boulder Canyon Olive Oil Canyon Cut Chips
For the potato chip purist, Boulder Canyon offers a healthier take on a classic. These kettle-cooked chips are made with minimal ingredients and cooked in olive oil, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. The kettle cooking process gives them a hearty crunch. By using high-quality oils and a simple ingredient list (potatoes, olive oil, and sea salt), Boulder Canyon provides a cleaner version of the traditional chip.
Comparing the Healthiest Chips
| Chip Brand | Base Ingredient | Primary Oil | Protein (per serving) | Fiber (per serving) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siete Sea Salt | Cassava/Coconut Flour | Avocado Oil | Low (2g) | Low (1g) | Grain-free, healthy fats |
| Jackson's Sweet Potato | Sweet Potato | Avocado Oil | Low (2g) | Mid (2g) | Vitamin A, healthy fats |
| HIPPEAS Sea Salt | Chickpea Flour | Sunflower Oil | Mid (3g) | Mid (3g) | High protein & fiber, baked |
| Simply7 Lentil | Lentil Flour | Sunflower Oil | High (4g+) | High (4g+) | Highest protein & fiber |
| Boulder Canyon | Potato | Olive Oil | Low (2g) | Low (1g) | Simple ingredients, olive oil |
Note: Nutritional values can vary by flavor and formulation. Refer to the product packaging for precise information. For example, some Siete flavors may have higher protein/fiber, but the sea salt version shown here has a lower count.
The Final Crunch
While no packaged snack should be a dietary staple, choosing a healthier chip can make a positive difference in your overall nutritional intake. By swapping out traditional, heavily processed varieties for options made from whole foods and healthier oils, you can still enjoy the satisfying crunch without the guilt. As you can see, alternatives made from legumes, whole grains, or vegetables offer more fiber and protein, contributing to a more balanced diet. Always check the ingredient list and nutrition panel to ensure your choice aligns with your health goals. For more in-depth nutritional comparisons, you can review expert-led resources from publications like Everyday Health.
Healthy Snacking Beyond Chips
If you're interested in expanding your healthy snack repertoire further, consider some of these alternatives:
- Homemade Kale Chips: Bake kale with a little olive oil and salt for a nutrient-dense, crispy snack.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Season canned chickpeas and roast them for a crunchy, high-protein treat.
- Air-popped Popcorn: A whole-grain snack that is naturally low in calories when prepared with minimal oil and salt.
- Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: A classic combo that offers fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Apple Chips: Sliced and baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon make a sweet and crunchy chip alternative.
Each of these options provides a way to satisfy your craving for a savory, crunchy snack while offering greater nutritional value than conventional chips. The key is to be mindful of ingredients and preparation methods. Homemade options give you the most control, but many store-bought brands are now offering excellent alternatives.
Conclusion
Choosing the healthiest chips involves a shift in perspective, moving from highly processed potato chips to options made from nutrient-dense ingredients like legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. Brands like Siete, Jackson's, and HIPPEAS demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice flavor or crunch for better nutrition. By paying attention to ingredients, healthy fats, and the overall nutritional profile, you can enjoy a satisfying snack that also contributes positively to your diet. The next time a chip craving strikes, reach for one of these top 5 healthiest chips and feel good about your choice.
