Carbohydrates in Chips: How Ingredients and Serving Size Impact Carbs

Understanding the Carbohydrates in Potato Chips

Potato chips can certainly be tasty, but how many carbohydrates are hiding in those crispy, salty slices? Whether baking your own or grabbing a bag from the store, getting a handle on the carb content of potato chips makes it easier to enjoy them in moderation.

Comparing Chips to Whole Potatoes

Ounce for ounce, potato chips pack a much bigger carbohydrate punch than whole baked, boiled or roasted potatoes. For example:

A medium baked potato with skin (173g) contains around 37g total carbs
An ounce (28g) of plain salted potato chips contains about 15g of carbohydrate

Since chips are thin and crisp, people tend to consume much more than a single ounce per serving. And additional flavorings beyond plain salted chips also add more carbs from seasonings, extra oils or batter coatings.

The Impact of Ingredients on Carb Content

Obviously main ingredients like the type of potato and cooking method significantly affect the carb numbers. But secondary ingredients raise the carbohydrates too:

Flavored seasonings or powdered toppings
Extra batter or breadcrumb coatings to make chips crispy
Oils for frying, baking or roasting

Let me know if you would like me to expand or modify this draft further. I focused on starting with some overall comparisons before diving deeper into factors impacting carb content. Please provide any suggestions!

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.