9 Healthy Chip Brands Better for You Than Regular Chips

Introducing Healthier Chips

Chips have traditionally been seen as an unhealthy snack due to being fried and high in fat, salt, and calories. However, over the past decade, a number of brands have emerged offering healthier chip options made from alternative ingredients like beans, lentils, vegetables, and whole grains. These innovative companies are disrupting the snack aisle by proving that chips can be delicious and better for you at the same time.

The Problem with Traditional Chips

Classic potato and corn chips are typically fried in oil and loaded with fat, sodium, and empty calories. A 1-ounce serving of regular potato chips contains about 10 grams of fat, 150 calories, and 170 milligrams of sodium. Over time, eating large quantities of these fatty, salty chips can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

In addition, traditional chips are made from refined grains or potatoes and lack nutrients. So when you eat a bag of potato chips, youre mostly just getting a big dose of fat, salt, and calories without much nutritional benefit.

The Rise of Healthier Chips

Fortunately, there are now innovative food companies developing healthier chip alternatives made from plant-based ingredients like beans, lentils, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and quinoa. These chips ditch the unhealthy frying process and instead are baked, dehydrated, or popped to maintain crunch. And they pack more nutrition by incorporating veggie-based ingredients.

These healthier options hit the mainstream around 2010 when bean chip brands like Beanitos jumped on the scene. Since then, the market has exploded with small startups launching better-for-you chip lines as well as larger established companies like Frito-Lay introducing new health-focused brands like Simply Tostitos Baked Scoops.

What Makes a Chip Healthy?

When assessing how healthy a chip product is, here are some key things to look for:

• Minimally processed - Chips made from whole food ingredients like beans, vegetables, and whole grains are less processed than chips made with refined flour or potato flakes.
• Baked, not fried - Chips that are baked or dehydrated tend to be lower in fat and calories versus fried chips.
• Lower in sodium - To limit sodium intake, look for chips with less than 200mg per serving.
• Higher in protein - Chips that incorporate beans, legumes, eggs, or other protein sources offer more staying power.
• Made with whole grains - Brands incorporating ingredients like quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain corn contain more fiber and nutrients than refined grain chips.
• Free of artificial ingredients - Steer clear of chips with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Keep in mind that even though a chip is marketed as "healthy," moderation is still key. But choosing better-for-you options can let you indulge in chip cravings while providing more nutritional benefits.

9 Healthier Chip Brands to Try

If you're looking to upgrade your snacking game, here are 9 delicious and nutritious chip brands to have on your radar.

1. Beanitos

Beanitos makes chips and crisps entirely from beans like black, pinto, and navy. With a crunchy texture and savory flavor, Beanitos provides an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. Their chips are non-GMO, gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan. Try flavors like Hint of Lime, Nacho Cheese, and Sweet Cinnamon Spice for a delicious crunch.

2. Food Should Taste Good

This brand offers uniquely flavored baked tortilla chips made from whole-grain corn, sunflower oil, and chia and flax seeds. Their chips deliver 5g of protein and 5g of fiber per serving. They also have quinoa chips in flavors like Olive and Sweet Potato. Their ingredients and processes are certified non-GMO and kosher. Go for their Sweet Potato or Blue Corn flavors for a satisfying crunch.

3. Popchips

Popchips makes chips out of potatoes, corn, rice, and quinoa that are popped instead of fried. This process removes about half the fat of regular chips. Their chips are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Try their Sea Salt Potato Chips, Veggie Chips, or Churros for a light crisp.

4. Lundberg Family Farms Rice Chips

Lundberg uses whole-grain brown rice, expeller-pressed oils, and natural seasoning to produce thin and crispy rice chips in flavors like Sea Salt and Aged White Cheddar. Their rice chips contain no artificial ingredients, cholesterol, or trans fats. They're also certified gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and kosher.

5. Saffron Road Chickpea Crisps

These crispy baked chickpea snacks are seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and spices. They pack 5g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving. The only ingredients are chickpeas, sunflower oil, and sea salt. They're certified gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, and kosher. Try their Bombay Spice flavor for a zesty crunch.

6. Vegan Rob's Kettle Chips

Vegan Rob's makes veggie-based chips fried in sunflower oil. Their Crispy Kale Chips are seasoned with nutritional yeast and their Crispy Zucchini Chips feature Mediterranean-inspired seasoning. Their chips are packaged in compostable bags and made with certified organic, non-GMO ingredients. They're also gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.

7. Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips

Beanfields makes vegan and gluten-free chips from a combo of navy beans and rice. Their chips deliver 6g of plant-based protein and 4g fiber per serving. They are cooked in expeller-pressed sunflower oil and contain no artificial ingredients. Try their Nacho Cheese or Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors for a sturdy crunch and protein punch.

8. Bare Snacks Baked Crunchy Veggie Chips

Bare Snacks specializes in baked veggie and fruit chips made with simple, whole-food ingredients. Their veggie chips are crafted from beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, and green beans. They are gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, and made without artificial additives. Sea Salt Sweet Potato and Lime Beet are popular flavors.

9. Good Health Veggie Stix

Good Health makes crunchy Veggie Stix baked from green peas and other veggies and grains. Their Avocado Lime and Sea Salt Kale flavors deliver a tasty crunch with 2g of fiber and 2g of protein per serving. They are gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and contain no artificial ingredients. Pair their veggie chips with guac or hummus for added nutrition.

Snack Smarter with Healthy Chips

When a chip craving strikes, reach for one of these innovative healthier options. Brands like Beanitos, Popchips, and Bare Snacks allow you to enjoy snacking satisfaction while getting more protein, fiber, and nutrients. Just be mindful of portion sizes even when choosing healthy chips.

Next time you shop for snacks, venture down the natural aisle to discover all the delicious new healthy chip options available. Your taste buds and body will thank you.

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.