Are Pita Chips Actually a Healthy Snack Option?

Evaluating the Healthiness of Pita Chips

Pita chips make for a convenient, crunchy snack but how healthy are they really? With some pita chips fried while others are merely toasted or baked, ingredients and preparation make all the difference.

Are Pita Chips Healthier Than Potato Chips?

Traditional potato chips deep fried in oil contain 14-20 grams of fat per ounce, most of it unhealthy saturated and trans fats. They also pack in about 160 calories per ounce with few nutrients.

In comparison, most pita chips range from 120-130 calories an ounce. Those simply baked only have 2-3 grams of fat per ounce, mostly heart healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, some pita chips get fried after baking, pushing up fat content.

Winner: Baked pita chips edge out potato chips for lower fat and calories.

Pita Chip Ingredients to Look For

When choosing healthy pita chips, read ingredient lists closely. The most nutritious options stick to:

• Whole grain or sprouted whole grain flour
• Healthy fats like olive and avocado oil
• Minimal added sugars and salt
• Spices and herbs for flavor instead of seasonings with MSG, yeast extract, etc.
• No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives

For ultimate nutrition, select varieties made with veggies, seeds, beans, or other nutrient-rich ingredients blended into the dough.

Watch Out for Fried Pitas

While most pita chips get merely toasted or baked, some companies fry them post-baking to heighten crunch and flavor. Double-cooking pumps up fat and calorie counts, especially when using unhealthy oils, negating potential health benefits.

The Healthiest Store-Bought Pita Chip Options

Numerous brands now produce sensible pita chips fitting into a balanced, low-fat diet. Here are some of the top store-bought picks for healthy snacking.

1. Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps

These thin, crispy chips made from pressed pretzels keep fat under 2 grams a serving. Plus, they pack in fiber, skip artificial ingredients, and use less salt.

2. Baked Pita Crunchies

Meeting kosher dietary guidelines, these oven-baked chips simply mix pita bread, oil and salt. With only 3 grams of fat and 110 calories an ounce, they beat regular potato chips.

3. Stacys Simply Naked Pita Chips

As a certified non-GMO product made without artificial anything, this crispy chip line scores high for nutrition. Plus, using only extra virgin olive oil and sea salt keeps fat and sodium counts reasonable.

4. Garden of Eatin Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips

Though not a pita chip, these whole grain corn chips bake up deliciously crispy and hearty. With only 2.5 grams of fat an ounce, they trim the fat of traditional corn chips.

5. Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips

Another healthy swap for corn tortilla chips, this multi-grain variety uses less corn and packs in flax, sesame, and amaranth. With 140 calories and 5 grams of fat an ounce, they offer more nutrition than regular chips.

Baking Your Own Healthy Pita Chips

For the freshest, healthiest munchies, baking pita chips at home rules. This allows control over ingredients down to the flour in the pitas and oil and seasonings used.

Ingredients

Keep homemade pita chips simple using:

• 2-3 whole wheat or multi-grain pita rounds
• 1-2 tsp olive, avocado or canola oil
• 14 tsp salt (or salt-free seasoning)
• 12 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (optional)

Instructions

Making crispy pita chips requires just a few easy steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice each pita into 8-10 wedges.
3. Place pita wedges rough side up on the baking sheet and lightly brush oil across tops.
4. Optional: Sprinkle on preferred spices and salt.
5. Bake 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.

Serve these homemade baked pita chips right away for ultimate crunch and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for snacking later.

Flavor Variations

Customize healthy pita chips to suit your tastes. Flavor ideas include:

• Za'atar pita chips with thyme, oregano, sesame and sumac.
• Garlic parmesan pita chips with garlic powder and parmesan.
• Cinnamon sugar pita chips with cinnamon and ginger.
• Everything bagel pita chips with garlic, onion, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
• Pizza pita chips with oregano and red pepper flakes.

Mix up oil choices too. Olive oil offers a rich flavor while avocado oil brings a milder flavor and higher smoke point for extra crispiness.

Are Pita Chips Part of a Healthy Diet?

When shopping smart and keeping serving sizes reasonable, pita chips can fit into balanced eating habits. Just stick to baked whole grain varieties instead of double-cooked or fried chips.

Making your own pita chips lets you control the quality of ingredients down to the flour, oil and seasonings used. This guarantees a crisp, flavorful and sensible snack.

Pair nutrient-packed homemade pita chips with healthy dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, beet dip or tzatziki. This transforms chips from plain empty carbs and sodium into a smart snack offering protein, healthy fats, veggies and more.

The Verdict on Pita Chips

When keeping fat and calories in check plus ingredients wholesome, pita chips do rate among the healthier chip options. In sensible amounts, they earn a regular spot in a well-balanced diet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.