Yes, baked potato chips are generally considered a slightly healthier choice than regular fried chips because they have less fat and fewer calories due to less oil, but they often contain more sodium and potentially more of the cancer-linked chemical acrylamide, making them a better option for occasional treats, not a health food.
Baked chips are healthier than fried
But fried foods aren't the healthiest option, experts say. Research has found links between a diet high in fried and ultraprocessed foods an increases in the risks for cardiovascular issues, cancer, dementia and mental health issues.
The healthiest chips are typically made from whole foods like veggies, nuts, or legumes, cooked in healthy oils (avocado, olive) or baked, with simple ingredients, low sodium, and no inflammatory vegetable oils. Top choices include Siete tortilla chips, Jackson's sweet potato chips, Hippeas, Boulder Canyon, and veggie chips (beet, parsnip, cauliflower) for nutrient density, fiber, and protein, but always check labels for minimal processing and portion control remains key.
Go for an Oven-Baked Version
Find some oven-baked chips at the store if you want to enjoy potato chips on this national day or any other time you have a salty craving. You may see the terms oven-baked, baked, and kettle cooked on the label to indicate a healthier chip solution. These have less fat and calories.
The Verdict? Choosing baked varieties may save you calories and fat, but you'll still be chomping on more sodium and acrylamides. As an occasional treat, baked chips can be part of a healthy diet but if it's making more than a guest appearance, you may want to reconsider.
Any baked chips
They're highly processed and often so low in fat that you can consume large quantities without ever feeling full. This can increase blood sugar and cause an insulin surge, promoting fat storage.
The worst carbs for belly fat are refined carbohydrates and added sugars, found in sugary drinks, white bread, pastries, and processed snacks, because they spike blood sugar and insulin, leading to increased fat storage, especially around the abdomen. While no single carb is solely responsible, these quickly digested, low-fiber options promote inflammation and insulin resistance, contributing to visceral (belly) fat.
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There isn't one single "most unhealthy" chip, but highly processed, heavily flavored varieties like Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips, and some Pringles flavors are consistently cited for high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and refined ingredients, offering little nutritional value. Chips with long ingredient lists, artificial colors (like Red 40), sugars (dextrose, maltodextrin), and inflammatory oils (canola) are generally considered less healthy.
It states the chips are about equal when it comes to fat, calories and carbohydrates. The major difference between the two is how they are made. Kettle-cooked chips are made in batches, while regular chips are made in a continuous process.
The good news is you do not need to cut them out completely. Treat them as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit. Balance your cravings with healthier snacks and whole foods that keep you satisfied without risking your health. At the end of the day, a packet of chips should be a treat, not a threat.
Salty snacks – When only potato chips will do, you might have low potassium levels.
Protein- and fiber-rich snacks can provide beneficial nutrients and help keep you satisfied between meals. Examples of nutritious, filling snacks include hummus and sliced veggies, cheese with whole-grain crackers, and yogurt topped with fruit, nuts, and/or seeds.
As you can see, their nutritional profiles are fairly close, per serving. The choice is yours, but I would give the advantage to the crackers, because of its lower fat content and extra fiber, which is something kids often don't have enough of in their diets. In moderation, either can be part of a healthy diet.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Avoid Potato Chips and Other Packaged Snacks. Don't eat chips and other ultraprocessed foods sold in vending machines, says Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.
1. Almonds. There you have it — the humble almond can be considered the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. Used to the spotlight by now, almonds have been at the center of multiple studies on heart health and diabetes-related benefits.
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