The term “kettle cooked” doesn't mean a chip is healthy — just the opposite, in fact. It refers to chips that are continuously tossed with oil as they cook, says Ali. That tends to make them crispier but also higher in unhealthy fat.
Because the temperature of the oil drops when a new batch of potatoes is added, the potatoes take slightly longer to cook. This gives the starch in the potatoes time to absorb moisture and dissolve before the potato finishes frying. This results in a thicker and sturdier chip with a caramelized flavor.
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. Bottom line is they are both still fried in oil.
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.
With 40% less fat than regular potato chips, LAY'S® Kettle Cooked Original chips are ready for your enjoyment.
So whether you like the extra crunchy, thick texture from kettle chips or the thinner, crispier texture of regular potato chips, you won't be sacrificing any health benefits by choosing one or the other. It's just a matter of personal preference.
Potato chips are best known for two things: salt and fat. Studies have shown that eating salt triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls your brain's pleasure center. Once your brain gets that first reward hit, it starts craving more.
At Kettle Brand we exclusively use Non GMO, high monounsaturated safflower and/or sunflower and/or canola oil to make Kettle Brand® products.
Nancy Copperman, director of public health initiatives at North Shore - LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y., says that both potato chips and Pringles aren't exactly healthy, but Pringles contain 2.5 times more saturated fat per serving, a worse type of fat.
Crispy versus Crunchy
Crispy chips are cut thin and cooked relatively hot and fast, while kettle chips are cut roughly 50 percent thicker and fried at a lower temperature for longer.
Are Pringles® baked or fried? All Pringles® potato crisps are fried, not baked. 10.
Acrylamide is a chemical created in certain foods that are cooked at high temperatures. Because chips are sliced so thin and fried so hot, they're even heavier in acrylamide than French fries (which, sadly, 7 out of 9 experts warn against).
Ice Cream Versus Potato Chips
You're definitely avoiding sugar with a serving of these popular potato chips, but are actually consuming more calories and fat than in one serving of vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream!
“While there tends to be a lot of fear around potato chips, really, they're just potatoes, oil and seasoning,” says dietician and nutrition therapist Rachael Hartley. “There's nothing inherently dangerous about potato chips, and certainly, you could eat them every day if you'd like.”
"Kettle chips are your better option because they are made from actual potatoes," says Koff. Most other potato chips, like Pringles and Cheetos, aren't made from whole potatoes and have a laundry list of added ingredients and flavoring.
No, potato chips don't contain cholesterol, but they can be high in saturated fat, which can cause your cholesterol level to increase. They are also low in essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C.