Which chips brand does not use palm oil? Your guide to sustainable snacking

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

The global demand for palm oil has been linked to significant deforestation, impacting vital ecosystems and contributing to climate change. For consumers, this fuels the quest to find products, especially beloved snacks like chips, that are made without it.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer chips made without palm oil, instead using alternatives like sunflower, canola, and safflower oil. Always check the ingredient list, as oil usage can vary by region and product line. Brands such as Kettle Brand and Cape Cod are known for using alternative oils.

Key Points

Check Product Labels: Ingredient sourcing for multinational brands like Lay's can differ by country, so always verify the ingredient list on the specific package you are buying.
Look for Alternatives: Palm oil-free brands often use sunflower, safflower, or canola oil, which are clearly specified on the ingredient list.
Recognize Hidden Palm Oil: Be wary of vague terms like 'vegetable oil', especially if you suspect the product is manufactured in a region with lax labeling laws; sometimes palm oil is listed as 'palmolein'.
Choose Ethical Brands: Specialty brands and those found in ethical retailers, such as MASA or those highlighted by Ethical Superstore, are often more transparent about their ingredients.
Consider Homemade Options: Making chips at home using an air fryer or oven is a guaranteed palm oil-free method that gives you complete control over the ingredients used.

The Environmental and Ethical Impact of Palm Oil

Palm oil is a common ingredient in many processed foods due to its low cost and stable properties, which extend product shelf life. However, its widespread production has come under scrutiny for its profound environmental impact. The expansion of oil palm plantations has led to the clearing of vast tropical forests in Southeast Asia and other regions. This deforestation destroys the habitats of endangered species like the orangutan, pygmy elephant, and Sumatran rhino. Furthermore, the conversion of peatlands for plantations releases significant greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. For these reasons, many consumers are proactively seeking alternatives and choosing to support brands that prioritize environmental sustainability.

Chips Brands That Avoid Palm Oil

Fortunately, a number of chips manufacturers have responded to consumer demand by using alternative cooking oils. Many of these brands emphasize their use of sustainable or heart-healthy oils like sunflower, canola, and safflower. Here are several brands known for their palm oil-free products:

Kettle Brand: A popular choice for kettle-cooked chips, Kettle Brand states it uses non-GMO, high monounsaturated safflower, sunflower, and/or canola oil. The company explicitly states they do not use palm oil in their products.
Cape Cod: This brand of kettle-cooked chips lists vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, safflower, and/or soybean) as its ingredients, without mentioning palm oil. Their website promotes the use of simple ingredients, emphasizing premium oils.
Lay's (Regional Differences): It's important to note that oil usage for major global brands can vary significantly by country. In the U.S. and Europe, Lay's typically uses a combination of sunflower, corn, and/or canola oil, as listed on their product pages. However, some international versions, like those in India, have been known to use palm oil (palmolein) to reduce production costs. PepsiCo India has reportedly been trialing alternatives. The brand's "Simply Sea Salt" variety is marketed as using only potatoes, sunflower oil, and sea salt.
MASA Chips: For those seeking niche options, MASA offers tortilla chips made with organic corn, grass-fed tallow, and sea salt, and advertises as being seed oil-free and palm oil-free.
Ethical and Store Brands: In regions like the UK, specialty retailers and ethical supermarkets feature explicitly labelled palm oil-free crisps and snacks. Brands like Amaizin and Biona are often listed among these eco-conscious options.

How to Read the Label for Palm Oil

To ensure a chip brand is truly palm oil-free, you must become a diligent label reader. Palm oil is not always listed explicitly and can be disguised under several names, especially in products manufactured for different regions. In India, for example, it is sometimes listed as 'palmolein oil'. Always look for the specific vegetable oils mentioned, such as sunflower oil, canola oil, or safflower oil. If the label simply says 'vegetable oil' without specifying, there is a chance it could contain palm oil. The most reliable way is to seek brands that clearly state their use of specific, alternative oils.

The Regional Variation Issue: A Deeper Look

The example of Lay's illustrates a key challenge for consumers: a brand's ingredients can change based on geography. Companies often adapt their recipes to comply with local regulations, meet regional taste preferences, and optimize production costs. This means a product that is palm oil-free in the United States may contain palm oil in a developing nation where regulations are less strict and consumers are less aware of ingredient sourcing issues. This highlights the importance of checking the ingredient label on the package you are holding, rather than relying on general brand information.

Comparison of Popular Chips Brands (Palm Oil vs. Alternatives)


Brand	Common Oil(s) Used	Uses Palm Oil?	Notes
Kettle Brand	Sunflower, Safflower, Canola	No	Emphasizes non-GMO, high-monounsaturated oils.
Cape Cod	Canola, Sunflower, Safflower, Soybean	No	Uses specific vegetable oil blends; known for kettle-cooked style.
Lay's (US/EU)	Sunflower, Corn, Canola	No (typically)	Oil composition can vary; check local packaging. Specific products like "Simply" lines use sunflower oil.
Pringles	Palm oil, Sunflower oil	Varies by region	Has been noted to include palm oil in European versions, check label.

The Rise of Sustainable Snacks and DIY Alternatives

Beyond packaged goods, the movement toward conscious consumption has spurred innovations in snacking. Some specialty companies now make chips using oils like avocado oil or alternatives like tallow. For those with time and a desire for ultimate control over ingredients, making chips at home is an excellent palm oil-free option. Recipes for air-fried or oven-baked chips require minimal or no oil at all, often using simple ingredients like potatoes, seasonings, and a healthier oil like olive oil if needed. These homemade methods offer a healthier and fully transparent alternative to store-bought options.

Conclusion

Finding a chips brand that does not use palm oil requires attention to detail and awareness of how recipes can vary by region. While many well-known and ethical brands, including Kettle Brand and Cape Cod, have committed to using alternative vegetable oils, the responsibility ultimately falls on the consumer to verify ingredients by reading the nutritional information on each product. By seeking out these conscious options, consumers can support sustainable practices while still enjoying a satisfying and crispy snack. Every conscious choice contributes to a more ethical and environmentally friendly food industry.

Explore more ethical food options and brand ratings.

The Verdict: Your Best Bet for Palm Oil-Free Chips

For reliably palm oil-free chips, Kettle Brand and Cape Cod are excellent choices in the US, while specialty health food stores and ethical retailers offer verified options elsewhere. For major international brands like Lay's, always check the packaging specific to your region. Opting for homemade, oil-free methods is the most transparent and sustainable approach of all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kettle Brand and Cape Cod are two of the most popular chip brands known for using alternative oils like sunflower, safflower, and canola instead of palm oil. Ethical stores also feature specific palm oil-free snacks.

Concerns regarding palm oil often revolve around its high saturated fat content, which can be linked to cardiovascular issues when consumed frequently in processed foods. Cheaper, refined versions, sometimes called palmolein, are also a focus of consumer skepticism.

Companies often use palm oil because it is one of the cheapest edible oils available, which helps keep production costs down. It also has a long shelf life and retains its flavor well, making it a functional ingredient for packaged snacks.

No, not all Lay's chips are palm oil-free. While versions sold in the U.S. and EU typically use oils like sunflower, corn, and canola, international versions, particularly in countries like India, have historically used palm oil. You must check the ingredient list for your specific location.

The most effective method is to read the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for 'palm oil,' 'palmolein oil,' or other derivatives. If the label simply states 'vegetable oil' without a specific type, there is a possibility it contains palm oil.

Some companies belong to organizations that certify 'sustainable palm oil.' However, the effectiveness and transparency of these certifications are often debated. Many consumers and ethical watchdogs remain skeptical, suggesting that it's often more reliable to avoid palm oil entirely.

Yes, many simple recipes for homemade chips exist, often using methods like oven-baking or air-frying. These recipes typically require just potatoes, a healthier oil like olive or avocado oil (or no oil), and seasonings, giving you complete control over the ingredients.