The Healthiest Chips You Can Buy, According to a Dietitian
Craving a classic, yet healthier crunch? Here are the chips you want.
Savory, crispy goodness, but healthier? Better-for-you chip options aim to offer simpler ingredients, healthier oils, less sodium, more fiber or even extra protein. Whether you're seeking a smarter game-day snack or a satisfying lunch with less greasy fingers, brands are rethinking chips in creative ways. The best healthy chips balance flavor, nutrition and ingredient quality without sacrificing the crispy satisfaction. Here are top chip picks from a registered dietitian who believes some meals just aren't complete without a few chips.
Are "Healthy Chips" Actually Healthy?
Much like most questions about nutrition, there is no black-and-white answer. Served alone, healthier chip options won't provide a vast array of nutrients. But when portioned and paired appropriately, they can be part of a balanced and satisfying meal or snack.
How to Choose Healthier Chips at the Store
The word "healthier" doesn't always mean lowest calorie. When shopping for better-for-you chips at the grocery store, look for high-quality ingredients and provision of nutrients such as healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
When scanning the nutrition facts and product label, look for whole food ingredients, lower sodium and higher fiber. When it comes to oils (an ingredient in most chips), avocado oil seems to be leading the charge, but other plant oils, like sunflower and canola, are also heart-healthy options.
Healthy Snacks That Will Satisfy Any Craving 48 Photos
Sweet, salty, spicy, crunchy: These recipes can help you keep your healthy eating goals on track and provide you with good-for-you nutrients to keep you satisfied.
Popchips chips are sturdy but airy and perfect for scooping up hummus and salsa. These craveable chips are made from a blend of potato, rice flour and avocado oil, yielding a big crunch factor; they have a reasonable amount of sodium and are low in fat and calories. They come in a wide variety of flavors, including BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, Sea Salt and Sweet Heat.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1 bag, 23g); Calories: 100; Total Fat: 3.5g; Saturated Fat: 0.5g; Protein: 1g; Total Carbohydrates: 16g; Fiber: less than 1g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 125mg
Siete Tortilla Chips are a super crispy, grain-free chip made from naturally starchy cassava root, along with avocado oil, tapioca starch, coconut flour, chia seeds and sea salt. The cassava has a mild flavor, making it a great neutral chip for just about any kind of dip or topping.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 18 chips); Calories: 130; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Protein: 1g; Total Carbohydrates: 17g; Fiber: 3g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 140mg
Lower in sodium, with perfect potato flavor, these super crispy, kettle-style chips are made even better by Deep River Snacks' philanthropy. A portion of the sales from this sandwich-shop favorite is donated to organizations like the American Liver Foundation, Feed the Children and the American Red Cross.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 18 chips); Calories: 150; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbohydrates: 14g; Fiber: 1g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 90mg
We love Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips for its simple ingredient list. Potatoes, avocado oil and sea salt are the only ingredients in these perfectly crunchy and salty chips. The ruffled texture makes them an ideal delivery system for creamy dips like tzatziki or whipped feta.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 14 chips); Calories: 160; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1.5g; Protein: 3g; Total Carbohydrates: 16g; Fiber: 1g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 120mg
A bit outside of the box, WILDE Protein Chips are a tasty, high-protein option made primarily from chicken breast, egg whites and bone broth. Slightly higher in calories and sodium, these chips boast 13 grams of protein per serving. The snacks are available in classic varieties like Barbeque and Salt + Vinegar, as well as less expected flavors like Buffalo, Korean Sweet + Spicy, and Chicken + Waffles.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1 bag, 38g); Calories: 200; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Protein: 13g; Total Carbohydrates: 9g; Fiber: 2g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 340mg
These tortilla chips by Food Should Taste Good are made from a multitude of whole-food ingredients, including corn, brown rice and quinoa, plus flax, sesame and sunflower seeds. Pair the chips with mashed avocado (more fiber) for an extra-satisfying snack.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 10 chips); Calories: 150; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 0.5g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbohydrates: 18g; Fiber: 3g; Total Sugars: 0g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 75mg
Another swoon-worthy tortilla chip, the Late July Snacks Organic Multigrain Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips are made with corn, sweet potato, brown rice and chia seeds. They're a perfect base for a bright and tangy mango salsa, or for more protein, serve with black bean hummus.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 10 chips); Calories: 150; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 0.5g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbohydrates: 19g; Fiber: 2g; Total Sugars: 1g (with <1g added sugars); Sodium: 95mg
While not exactly a chip, at the very least, LesserEvil deserves an honorable mention for their simple, flavorful and thoughtfully made snacks, such as onion rings and organic popcorn. These poppable cheese snacks have been given the healthy upgrade without sacrificing one speck of cheesy flavor.
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1oz, 28 pieces); Calories: 130; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Protein: 2g; Total Carbohydrates: 18g; Fiber: 1g; Total Sugars: 1g (with 0g added sugars); Sodium: 190mg
