Best Healthy Chips for Hummus - Top Store Bought Options

Choosing the Best Healthy Chips for Hummus

Hummus makes for a deliciously healthy snack or appetizer when paired with fresh vegetables and whole grain crackers or bread. But for a crunchier, more indulgent treat, crispy chips really can't be beat! Fortunately, not all chips are unhealthy, and many great options exist for enjoying hummus in a balanced way.

What Makes Some Chips Healthier

When evaluating healthier chips, consider these key factors:

• Ingredients - beans, lentils, whole grains are better than white potatoes or corn
• Cooking method - baked or dehydrated rather than fried in oil
• Portion size - individual packs help control serving sizes
• Sodium, fat and calories - lower numbers promote better nutrition

The Best Base Ingredients

Chips made from beans, lentils, whole grains or vegetables have an automatic advantage over traditional potato and corn chips when aiming for healthy snacking. Some great options include:

Chickpeas

Chickpeas pack protein, fiber and key nutrients like iron, magnesium and potassium. Try roasted chickpea chips for the perfect crunch.

Lentils

These tiny legumes are loaded with fiber to support heart health and digestive regulation. Red lentil and black lentil chips add nutrition as well as flavor.

Quinoa

A complete protein source full of antioxidants, quinoa makes for an incredibly healthy base for baked grain chips and crackers.

Beets

Vibrant beet chips supply important nutrients like vitamin C, folate and manganese. They have an earthy sweetness that pairs nicely with hummus.

9 Healthiest Store-Bought Chips for Hummus

Rather than frying potatoes in oil, these clever chip alternatives use innovative ingredients and cooking methods for a satisfying crunch:

1. Baked Veggie Chips

Crunchy vegetable chips like sweet potato, beet, parsnip and carrot provide tons of nutrients with fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and more. Brands like Rhythm Superfoods use gentle baking methods to create crisp texture with real, wholesome ingredients.

2. Bean Chips

Black bean chips and roasted chickpea snacks from companies like Saffron Road deliver plant-based protein for staying power. Bean chips are usually high fiber too, promoting better digestion and heart health.

3. Lentil Chips

Packed with protein, fiber and essential minerals, lentils are a superfood in the form of addictively munchable chips from brands like Peter Rabbit Organics. Red lentil and black lentil varieties add vibrant color with a boost of antioxidants.

4. Quinoa Chips

With all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein, quinoa serves as an awesome base for crisp, nutrient-dense crackers and chips from companies like Health Warrior. The ancient grain also provides fiber, magnesium, folate and iron.

5. Popped Lotus Chips

Utilizing a unique popping process, Lotus Foods makes crunchy snacks out of lotus seeds, millet, amaranth and quinoa. The light and airy texture supplies whole grains without excess calories, fat or sodium.

6. Edamame Chips

Boasting 11 grams of filling protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame Chips deliver steady energy. Their satisfying crunch and savory flavor make the perfect partner for creamy hummus dipping.

7. Nut Chips

For the taste of party mix without the refined carbs, Rhythm Superfoods Kale Cashew Blend flavors crisp kale chips with protein-packed nuts. Their unique blend of fruits, vegetables and nuts creates better nutrition in addictive chip form.

8. Bean Crisps

Made purely from beans with no grain-based flour, Beanfields Bean Chips and Bean Crisps win on both nutrition and taste. Their bean and rice varieties pack a tasty crunch fueled with fiber, protein and key micronutrients for well-balanced snacking.

9. Popcorn Chips

Brands like Popcorn Indiana craft chips out of real popped corn for lighter snacking with whole grain benefits. Their Sea Salt and Olive Oil popcorn chips make wholesome dippers to pair with hummus and other dips.

Flavor Guidelines for Hummus Dipping

While nutrition should be the first priority, flavor definitely plays a key role too in choosing healthy chips for hummus. Seek out these qualities for the most delectable pairings:

Opt for Savory Over Sweet

Since hummus itself is a savory combination of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic and spices, chips with compatible flavors complement it best. Brands like Beanfields and Seapoint Farms specialize in rich, satisfying umami flavors.

Balance Out Saltiness

Many chips lean heavily on sodium for flavor. For dipping, moderate salt levels prevent overpowering hummus richness. Baked root vegetable chips from Rhythm Superfoods artfully blend sweetness and saltiness.

Consider Texture Contrasts

Thick, dense and creamy hummus calls for a lighter, crispier dipping vessel to play to different textures. Companies like Popcorn Indiana and Lotus Foods excel at creating delicate crunch and airy pop.

Keep Acid Levels In Check

While a splash of acid from lime or vinegar brightens hummus, too much overpowers. For optimum synergy, choose nutty, savory or neutral chips. Beanfields lightly salted bean chips or plain roasted chickpeas fit the bill.

Factor In Nutty Notes

Echoing hummus's nutty sesame tahini, chips with complementary nuts and seeds make tasty pairings. Brands like Peter Rabbit Organics add hemp and sunflower seeds to their lentil chips for rich, nutty flavor and crunch.

Ideas for Using Healthy Chips with Hummus

Beyond dipping, crispy healthy chips open up exciting possibilities for serving hummus in fun and delicious ways:

Nacho Bar

For parties or game day treats, create a hummus nacho bar with Popcorn Indiana Sea Salt Popcorn Chips or Beanfields Nacho Bean Chips to scoop or dip.

Hummus "Fries"

Instead of greasy fast food fries, dip wedges of Baked Vegan Carrot or sweet potato chips from Rhythm Superfoods into hummus ketchup.

Hummus Pizza

Top Peter Rabbit Organics flax seed or hemp seed crisp crackers with hummus, tomatoes, onions and basil to invent personal veggie pizzas.

"Ants on a Log"

Use Health Warrior Omega Protein Chia Quinoa Chips like edible spoons to scoop hummus mixed with raisins for a healthy remix on the classic snack.

Salad Topper

Crush multi-colored Saffron Road roasted chickpea snacks to sprinkle as protein rich croutons overleafy green salads with hummus dressing.

Tips for Making Your Own Healthy Hummus Chips

In addition to store-bought options, consider making your own custom flavors. Try these simple methods:

• Slice vegetables like zucchini, carrots, peppers into thin rounds. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast 15-20 minutes for crispy veggie chips.
• Brush pita or lavash bread with olive oil and garlic powder. Toast under broiler 2-3 minutes until crisp. Break into shards.
• Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and seasoning. Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned and crunchy.

Whip up a batch or two of homemade chips to dip, scoop and enjoy hummus in the healthiest, most delicious way possible!

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.