What is the healthier version of Funyuns? Your Guide to Healthier Onion Snacks

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

With a single serving of Funyuns containing significant sodium and artificial additives, many health-conscious snackers are searching for a better option. Knowing what is the healthier version of Funyuns can help satisfy your crunchy craving without compromising your nutritional goals, offering a wide range of nutritious and flavorful alternatives.

Quick Summary

The healthiest alternatives to Funyuns include homemade baked or air-fried onion rings, low-carb cheese-based "chips," or lightly processed store-bought options like LesserEvil Moonions. Focus on recipes that use whole ingredients and healthier cooking methods like baking to control sodium and fat.

Key Points

Homemade is Best: For the healthiest option, create baked or air-fried onion rings at home to control sodium, fat, and artificial additives.
LesserEvil Moonions: This commercial brand is a direct and healthier store-bought alternative to Funyuns, made with organic ingredients and air-popped.
Bake, Don't Fry: Switching from deep-frying to baking or air-frying is the single most effective change for making your onion snacks healthier.
Consider Ingredient Swaps: Explore low-carb coatings like almond flour or recipes using melted parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly, crispy snack.
Roasted Veggies: For a different texture and flavor, roasted chickpeas or vegetable chips like beet or zucchini chips are a nutritious alternative to traditional corn-based snacks.

Understanding the Unhealthy Nature of Funyuns

While delicious, traditional Funyuns are highly processed and offer minimal nutritional value beyond calories. The primary ingredients are cornmeal, high levels of sodium, and artificial flavors and colors like Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake. They are typically deep-fried, which contributes to their high fat content. An article by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies Funyuns as an unhealthy, ultra-processed food and flags concerns regarding additives and processing. Consuming ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health issues, making a healthier swap a smart choice.

The Best Healthy Funyuns Alternatives

There are numerous ways to recreate the satisfying crunch and savory onion flavor at home using whole ingredients and healthier preparation methods. Alternatively, a few excellent commercial options exist that significantly improve on the original's nutritional profile.

Homemade Baked Onion Rings

Creating your own baked onion rings is a simple and rewarding process. Baking eliminates the need for deep-frying, drastically cutting down on unhealthy fats. Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crispy coating, and you can control the amount of sodium and additives entirely.

Recipe: Crispy Oven-Baked Onion Rings

Ingredients:
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into ½-inch rings
- ½ cup all-purpose or chickpea flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Set up a three-stage breading station: a bowl with flour, a bowl with the whisked egg whites and milk, and a bowl with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with spices.
3. Separate the onion slices into individual rings. Coat each ring first in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the panko mixture.
4. Arrange the coated rings in a single layer on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Flip halfway through for even crispiness.

Air Fryer Onion Rings for a Quick Fix

The air fryer is another excellent tool for creating a crispy texture with minimal oil. The circulating hot air mimics the effect of deep frying, resulting in a crunchy snack with far less fat. This method is also faster and involves less cleanup than using the oven. Using a gluten-free breading like almond flour and spices can make for a low-carb alternative.

Store-Bought Healthy Swaps

If you prefer a convenient, pre-packaged snack, several brands offer healthier alternatives that are air-popped or baked, not fried.

LesserEvil Moonions: These air-popped corn rings are a fan-favorite healthy swap for Funyuns. They are made with organic whole-grain yellow corn and cooked with clean avocado oil. They are also lower in sodium and fat compared to traditional Funyuns.
Baked Vegetable Chips: Brands like Hippeas (chickpea puffs) and Veggie Straws offer satisfying crunch and savory flavors derived from plant-based ingredients. While not exactly onion rings, they fulfill a similar snack craving.

DIY Crispy Snacks: Recipes Beyond Onion Rings

For those who love to get creative, consider these other recipes that offer a similar savory, crunchy satisfaction with a healthier twist.

Viral Onion Ring Chips with Cheese: A TikTok-inspired recipe uses a layer of shredded parmesan cheese baked with thin onion slices. The cheese crisps up beautifully, creating a crispy, low-carb base for the savory onion flavor.
Roasted Chickpeas: For a high-protein, high-fiber alternative, roasted chickpeas offer a great crunch. Toss chickpeas with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika before roasting until golden and crispy.
Jicama Slices with Dip: For a low-calorie, fresh alternative, serve thin slices of jicama with your favorite onion-flavored dip. Jicama is a root vegetable with a naturally crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Comparison Table: Funyuns vs. Healthier Options

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the nutritional differences between traditional Funyuns and a few healthier alternatives.


Feature	Traditional Funyuns	LesserEvil Moonions	Homemade Baked Onion Rings
Processing	Highly Processed	Lightly Processed	Minimally Processed
Cooking Method	Deep-fried	Air-popped	Baked (oven or air fryer)
Ingredients	Cornmeal, artificial colors, high sodium	Organic corn, avocado oil, real onion/garlic seasoning	Whole onion, panko, egg whites, natural spices
Fat Content	Higher (deep-fried oils)	Lower (clean oil)	Lowest (controlled oil use)
Sodium Content	High	Lower	Lowest (fully controlled)

Conclusion: Making Better Snacking Choices

Choosing a healthier version of Funyuns is a simple step towards a more nutritious diet. Whether you opt for a lightly processed, store-bought alternative like LesserEvil Moonions or get creative with a homemade baked or air-fried recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful, crunchy snack without the guilt. Making your own snacks from scratch allows for maximum control over ingredients like sodium and fats, while store-bought options provide a convenient yet healthier alternative. The options are diverse, proving that you can still enjoy your favorite flavors while prioritizing your health.

For more information on the health benefits of whole onions and other produce, explore the National Onion Association's resources on the link between consuming fresh produce and overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can easily make baked onion rings gluten-free by swapping out all-purpose flour for chickpea flour or almond flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Yes, LesserEvil Moonions are generally healthier as they are air-popped, made with organic whole-grain corn and avocado oil, and contain less sodium and fat than traditional, deep-fried Funyuns.

For extra crispiness, ensure your oven is hot (around 450°F), don't overcrowd the baking sheet, and spray the rings with cooking spray before baking. For best results, use a convection setting if your oven has one.

Homemade low-carb onion ring chips made with baked parmesan cheese and thinly sliced onions are an excellent alternative. Air-fried onion rings coated in almond flour also work well.

Store cooled, baked onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. For best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

While homemade is always better, deep-frying still adds a significant amount of fat and calories. Baking or air-frying remains the healthier preparation method for making a Funyuns-like snack.

Stick to natural, savory spices to replicate the Funyuns flavor. Great options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a dash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick.