5 Healthier (But Still Delicious) Potato Chip Alternatives
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Potato chips—the unofficial snack of football season—are a train wreck for your body: high in fat, sodium, and calories. The good news is that there are plenty of chips that are just as addicting and not chock-full of grease. Here are five better ways to crunch this fall.
Root Vegetable
This is a grain-free snack that provides all the benefits of vegetables. Varieties include beet, jicama, sweet potato, and carrot. Buyer beware: Make sure the root vegetable is listed as the first ingredient so you know the chip truly contains vegetables. And go with a baked chip. Brands we like:Rhythm Superfoods, Siete, and Terra.
Quinoa
These are similar in crunch to potato chips, and they’re lower in saturated fat and calories than, say, Classic Lay’s. Buyer beware: Look for quinoa as the first ingredient on the package. Also, just know that these chips aren’t as nutritious as the other chips here. Brand we like:Simply 7.
Bean
Beans have a ton of fiber—which helps us get full faster and stay full longer—so these bean-based chips will satisfy cravings and keep weight in check. Buyer beware: Keep it to one serving, or about 10 chips. And look for brands that use whole beans. Brands we like:Beanitos and Beanfields.
Whey Protein
These chips are so high in protein—about 20g per serving—they’re great on game day or post-workout. They’re also low in carbs and semi-low in calories. Buyer beware: These contain dairy, so avoid them if you’re intolerant or on a dairy-free diet. And look for flavors low in sodium, like cheddar. Brand we like: Quest Nutrition.
Pea Protein
With flavors like spicy chili lime and nacho cheese, these gluten-free, vegan-friendly chips are low in carbs and high in fiber. The best part: Each chip contains about 1g of protein. Buyer beware: Stick to one serving to keep your intake of sodium low. Brand we like:Protes.
Potato chips—the unofficial snack of football season—are a train wreck for your body: high in fat, sodium, and calories. The good news is that there are plenty of chips that are just as addicting and not chock-full of grease. Here are five better ways to crunch this fall.
Root Vegetable
This is a grain-free snack that provides all the benefits of vegetables. Varieties include beet, jicama, sweet potato, and carrot.
Buyer beware: Make sure the root vegetable is listed as the first ingredient so you know the chip truly contains vegetables. And go with a baked chip.
Beans have a ton of fiber—which helps us get full faster and stay full longer—so these bean-based chips will satisfy cravings and keep weight in check.
Buyer beware: Keep it to one serving, or about 10 chips. And look for brands that use whole beans.
These chips are so high in protein—about 20g per serving—they’re great on game day or post-workout. They’re also low in carbs and semi-low in calories.
Buyer beware: These contain dairy, so avoid them if you’re intolerant or on a dairy-free diet. And look for flavors low in sodium, like cheddar.
With flavors like spicy chili lime and nacho cheese, these gluten-free, vegan-friendly chips are low in carbs and high in fiber. The best part: Each chip contains about 1g of protein.
Buyer beware: Stick to one serving to keep your intake of sodium low.