How Many Calories Are in a Small Bag of Chips? Nutrition Facts

How Many Calories Are in a Small Bag of Chips?

Chips are one of the most popular snack foods around. Despite their delicious taste, most traditional potato and corn chips are high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, over the past decade, healthier options made from alternative ingredients like beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains have emerged. These provide more nutrients and fewer empty calories than traditional chip varieties.

So how many calories are actually in a small, single-serving bag of chips? The answer depends on the brand and variety you choose.

Calories in a Small Bag of Regular Potato Chips

Classic potato chips are typically made by deep frying thin slices of potatoes in oil and seasoning them with salt. A 1 ounce (28 gram) serving of regular salted potato chips contains about 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 125 milligrams of sodium.

Most small, individual bags of potato chips contain 1 to 1.5 ounces (28 to 42 grams). So a typical small bag of regular salted potato chips provides:

• 150225 calories
• 812 grams of fat
• 125190 milligrams of sodium

Kettle-cooked brands that are thick-cut and lightly salted generally contain 110130 calories per 1 ounce (28 gram) serving. Meanwhile, flavored varieties like barbecue, sour cream and onion, and salt and vinegar tend to be higher in calories, providing about 160 calories per 1 ounce (28 gram) serving.

Calories in a Small Bag of Baked Potato Chips

Baked potato chips are considered a healthier alternative to fried chips. They're made by baking slices of potato rather than frying them. An ounce (28 grams) of baked salted potato chips has about 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, and 110 milligrams of sodium.

So the typical calorie count for a small bag of baked potato chips is:

• 120180 calories
• 23 grams of fat
• 110170 milligrams of sodium

Flavored varieties like barbecue and sour cream and onion baked chips may contain slightly more fat and calories, providing about 130150 calories per ounce (28 grams).

Calories in a Small Bag of Potato Crisps

Potato crisps are a thin, crunchy potato snack that originated in the United Kingdom. Brands like Kettle Chips and Lay's offer potato crisps in flavors like sea salt and balsamic vinegar.

A 1 ounce (28 gram) serving of salted potato crisps contains around 115130 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 140 milligrams of sodium. So a typical small bag provides:

• 115195 calories
• 712 grams of fat
• 140240 milligrams of sodium

Calories in a Small Bag of Pita Chips

Pita chips are a crunchy snack made by cutting pita bread into wedges and baking them. Most 1 ounce (28 gram) servings provide about 120140 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 150240 milligrams of sodium.

So the calorie content of a small bag of pita chips ranges from:

• 120210 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 150340 milligrams of sodium

Flavored varieties contain extra oil and seasoning, so they're a bit higher in fat and calories. Garlic and herb pita chips contain about 150 calories per ounce (28 grams).

Calories in a Small Bag of Corn Chips

Corn chips are a popular crunchy snack made from cornmeal that's fried or baked. Typical salted corn chips contain about 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 135 milligrams of sodium per ounce (28 grams).

So a small, single serving bag of corn chips has:

• 150225 calories
• 812 grams fat
• 135200 milligrams sodium

Baked corn chips are a bit lower in fat and calories, with about 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 125 milligrams of sodium per ounce (28 grams).

Calories in a Small Bag of Bean Chips

Bean chips are made from dried beans like black, pinto, kidney, and garbanzo beans. They contain more protein and fiber than traditional chips.

Most brands of bean chips contain around 130150 calories, 79 grams of fat, and 150200 milligrams of sodium per ounce (28 grams). So a small bag typically provides:

• 130225 calories
• 715 grams of fat
• 150350 milligrams of sodium

Calories in a Small Bag of Veggie Chips

Veggie chips feature slices or pieces of vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, kale, and carrots. Most contain minimal added oil and are baked rather than fried.

A 1 ounce (28 gram) serving of plain veggie chips averages about 120140 calories, 47 grams of fat, and 105170 milligrams of sodium. So a single serving bag has:

• 120210 calories
• 410 grams of fat
• 105255 milligrams of sodium

Calories in a Small Bag of Lentil or Pea Chips

Lentil and pea chips provide an added protein punch. They're made from lentil or split pea flour mixed with some potato starch and either baked or fried.

Most plain lentil and pea chips contain around 130160 calories, 59 grams of fat, and 170260 milligrams of sodium per ounce (28 grams). So you can expect a small bag to have:

• 130240 calories
• 515 grams of fat
• 170390 milligrams of sodium

Calories in a Small Bag of Reduced Fat Chips

To cut down on fat and calories, some brands of potato and corn chips undergo an extra processing step to absorb oil after frying. This results in chips that have 3050% less fat than regular varieties.

Reduced fat chips contain about 110120 calories, 34 grams of fat, and 135175 milligrams of sodium per ounce (28 grams). So a small bag has:

• 110180 calories
• 36 grams of fat
• 135260 milligrams of sodium

Healthiest Chip Options

When choosing a healthier chip, look for ones made from whole foods like beans, vegetables, lentils, and whole grains. Seek out versions that are baked instead of fried, and stick to plain, lightly salted flavors.

Some of the healthiest options in a small, single serving bag include:

• Baked pita chips: 120140 calories
• Baked veggie chips: 120150 calories
• Baked bean chips: 130160 calories
• Baked lentil or pea chips: 130170 calories
• Baked corn chips: 110130 calories
• Reduced fat potato chips: 110140 calories

Tips for Healthy Chip Snacking

Chips can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here are some tips for healthy chip snacking:

• Read labels and stick to single serving sizes.
• Enjoy

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.