What chips don't use sunflower oil?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that a significant number of conventional chips rely on a blend of vegetable oils, including sunflower oil, for frying? For those aiming to reduce their intake or avoid seed oils entirely, a variety of delicious alternatives are available that use different fats for cooking.

Quick Summary

This guide covers multiple brands and types of chips that do not use sunflower oil for frying, highlighting alternatives like avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and animal fats.

Key Points

Check Ingredients: Always read the product label to identify the exact cooking oils used, as formulations can change over time.
Avocado Oil is a Top Alternative: Several brands, including Boulder Canyon and Kettle Brand, offer chips fried in stable, high-smoke-point avocado oil.
Olive Oil is an Option: Look for chips cooked in refined olive oil, which can withstand frying temperatures and provides a distinct flavor, as seen in some Boulder Canyon and Trader Joe's products.
Coconut Oil Adds Flavor: Brands like Boulder Canyon use coconut oil for frying, offering a unique taste and texture profile.
Tallow Offers a Traditional Choice: Artisanal brands such as MASA use animal fats like beef tallow for frying, catering to those who prefer natural, non-seed oil fats.
Seek Specialty Brands: Major brands often use blended seed oils, so exploring natural food stores and online marketplaces for dedicated alternative brands is recommended.
Sunflower Oil is Common: Be aware that many mainstream brands, like Doritos and Fritos, use a blend of vegetable oils that often includes sunflower oil.

Why Consumers Seek Chips Without Sunflower Oil

Consumer awareness about ingredients has led many to question the prevalence of certain vegetable and seed oils in their food. Sunflower oil, a type of polyunsaturated fat high in omega-6 linoleic acid, is a common frying oil for snack foods. Some health advocates suggest that an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids could contribute to inflammation. In response, a growing market of brands has emerged, offering products cooked in alternative fats to cater to these dietary preferences.

Potential Concerns with Seed Oils

High Omega-6 Content: An excess of omega-6 fatty acids, without a balanced intake of omega-3s, has been linked to potential health issues.
Oxidative Stability: Some oils, especially those high in polyunsaturated fats, can be more prone to oxidation and potential degradation when heated repeatedly at high temperatures.
Brand Differentiation: As consumers become more ingredient-conscious, brands can use alternative oils like avocado or olive oil to signal higher quality and appeal to specific health-focused demographics.

Brands of Chips That Use Alternative Oils

When you're browsing the snack aisle, the ingredient list is your most valuable tool. The following brands are known for producing chips without sunflower oil, opting for different fats instead.

Avocado Oil Chips

Known for its high smoke point and beneficial monounsaturated fat content, avocado oil is a popular, premium alternative for frying chips. The result is a clean, crisp chip with a subtle, buttery flavor.

Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Potato Chips: Offers a classic potato chip experience cooked exclusively in avocado oil.
Kettle Brand Avocado Oil Himalayan Salt Potato Chips: Provides kettle-cooked crunch with the mild flavor of avocado oil.
Jackson's Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips with Avocado Oil: A grain-free option made with sweet potatoes and avocado oil.

Olive Oil Chips

Olive oil, particularly refined varieties with higher smoke points, can also be used for frying chips. It imparts a distinct, savory flavor that appeals to a sophisticated palate.

Good Health Olive Oil Potato Chips: A readily available option specifically featuring olive oil.
Trader Joe's Potato Chips Cooked in Olive Oil: A well-regarded store brand option for those seeking an olive oil-fried chip.
Boulder Canyon Olive Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips: Another product from Boulder Canyon utilizing olive oil for its kettle-cooked line.

Coconut Oil Chips

For a different flavor profile, coconut oil offers a distinct taste and texture. Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste, while virgin coconut oil adds a touch of sweetness and flavor.

Boulder Canyon Potato Chips Coconut Oil Sea Salt: Offers a savory kettle-cooked chip with the richness of coconut oil.
Thrive Market Non-GMO Avocado Oil Potato Chips, Himalayan Salt: While primarily avocado oil-based, Thrive Market has offered coconut oil chip varieties in the past.

Animal Fat (Tallow) Fried Chips

For those who prefer traditional, natural fats, some artisanal and specialty brands fry their chips in animal fats like beef tallow. This method produces a rich, classic flavor profile.

MASA Seed Oil Free Tortilla Chips: A specialty brand that fries its tortilla chips in grass-fed tallow.
Vandy's Potato Chips: Mentioned as a brand using 100% beef tallow.

Always Check the Label

Ingredient lists are subject to change based on supply chain fluctuations, cost, and availability. For example, a brand might use a blend of oils like corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil, and the composition can shift over time. It is always best practice to read the most current ingredient information on the packaging before purchase.

Comparison Table: Common Chips vs. Alternatives


Brand	Common Oil(s) Used	Sunflower Oil Used?
Doritos Nacho Cheese	Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil)	Possibly, often blended
Pringles Original	Sunflower oil, Corn flour, Wheat flour	Yes
Fritos Original	Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil)	Possibly, often blended
Lays Classic	Sunflower, Corn, and/or Canola Oil	Possibly, often blended
Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil	Avocado Oil	No
Kettle Brand Avocado Oil	Avocado Oil	No
MASA Chips	Grass-Fed Tallow	No

Finding Niche Brands and Organic Options

Beyond major retailers, you can often find specialty chips at natural food stores or online marketplaces. Some resources can even help with your search:

Zero Acre: The Zero Acre blog is a great resource for finding seed oil-free products and includes lists of chips made with healthier fats.
Natural Grocers or Whole Foods: These stores often stock a wider selection of chips from smaller brands specializing in alternative cooking oils.
Online Food Marketplaces: Websites like Thrive Market and other specialized online grocers offer a curated selection of products free from specific ingredients.

Conclusion

Finding chips that don't use sunflower oil is easier than ever, thanks to a wider variety of brands offering innovative alternatives. Whether you prefer the buttery finish of avocado oil, the classic flavor of olive oil, the richness of coconut oil, or the traditional method of frying in animal fats like tallow, there is a chip for every preference. The key is to be a diligent label-reader and to explore the growing market of specialty brands dedicated to using different, often more nutrient-stable, cooking oils. By doing so, you can enjoy a crunchy, satisfying snack without the sunflower oil. Zero Acre Farms Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Some people choose to avoid sunflower oil in chips due to concerns about its high omega-6 fatty acid content, which some health advocates link to potential inflammation when consumed in imbalanced quantities.

The "best" alternative oil for chips depends on personal preference and dietary goals. Options include avocado oil for its high smoke point and monounsaturated fats, olive oil for its unique flavor, and coconut oil for its distinct taste.

Chips cooked in avocado oil are often considered a healthier alternative because avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point, making it more stable for high-heat cooking.

Yes, you can find tortilla chips without sunflower oil. Brands like MASA specifically advertise their tortilla chips as being made with grass-fed tallow instead of seed oils. Many other alternative brands also offer seed oil-free tortilla chips.

Not all Pringles use sunflower oil, but many variations do. For example, Pringles Original crisps list sunflower oil among their ingredients, while some regional or older versions might vary, so it's essential to check the specific product label.

Brands such as Good Health and Boulder Canyon are known for producing chips cooked in olive oil. You may also find store-brand options, like those from Trader Joe's, that use olive oil.

To be certain, you must check the ingredients list on the packaging. Always read the most recent information, as manufacturers can sometimes change their oil blends based on availability and cost.