There's no single "unhealthiest" chip, but they're generally high-fat, high-sodium "empty calorie" snacks; brands like Pringles, Doritos, Fritos (Chili Cheese often cited), and heavily flavored/seasoned varieties (like Herr's Salt & Vinegar) rank high due to high saturated fat, sodium, or unhealthy oils like palm oil, making them less nutritious choices compared to simpler chips or baked alternatives.
The healthiest potato chips are generally those with minimal ingredients (potato, oil, salt), cooked in healthier oils like avocado or olive oil, and offer options like baked or air-fried versions with less fat, while non-potato alternatives like veggie or chickpea chips can also be better choices, focusing on whole foods and fiber. Brands like Boulder Canyon, Siete, and Jackson's offer cleaner ingredient lists, but portion control remains key for any chip.
For healthier chip options at Woolworths, look for the Simply range (like 25% less fat potato chips or 40% less fat corn chips), Macro Organic (corn or potato chips with simple ingredients), Vege Chips (plant-based, allergen-free), or McCain Healthy Choice (97% fat-free frozen fries), focusing on lower fat, fewer additives, and real ingredients, with options like air-fried recipes offering even more control.
Have a Chip Craving? Here Are 6 Healthy Chip Alternatives to Try!
Doritos: One of the worst culprits, Doritos are higher in fat and calories than plain chips. And bad news for Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos lovers – this flavor is even higher in fat than the others. Fritos: One serving of Fritos is almost identical nutritionally to regular chips, with lots of sodium and saturated fat.
10 Healthy Crisps Alternatives
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.
Salty snacks – When only potato chips will do, you might have low potassium levels.
Healthy Snack Foods to Have on Hand for Energy All Day
No, Twisties are not considered healthy; they are ultra-processed snacks high in fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates, offering little nutritional value, making them best for occasional treats rather than regular consumption, especially for children. Healthier alternatives provide more fiber, protein, and nutrients, supporting better growth and well-being.
Made with specially selected potatoes, these frozen French fries are trans-fat and cholesterol-free for a snacking option you can feel good about. Just pop these straight cut fries into the oven or cook them in your air fryer for the same crispy, delicious results in even less time.
The "best" potato chip brand is subjective, but top contenders in taste tests often include Kettle Brand, praised for its crunch and potato flavor, and Cape Cod, noted for rich taste and satisfying texture, especially the Original Sea Salt. Other favorites are Lay's Classic for its widespread appeal, Miss Vickie's for kettle-cooked quality, and regional favorites like Australia's Smith's, highlighting different textures (kettle-cooked vs. thinly cut) and bold flavors (like Samboy Atomic Tomato).
Top 10 Low Calorie Chips for Healthy Snacking
This constant feeling of hunger may be due to nutrient imbalances, particularly a lack of vitamins B1 and B3, which are essential for energy metabolism. In addition, a deficiency in essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and certain minerals can also contribute to an increased appetite.
57 Healthy Snacks to Eat When Junk Food Cravings Hit
Symptoms such as pins and needles, disturbed vision, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and problems with balancing and walking, psychological problems such as depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement could also be related to B12 deficiency.
Made from mozzarella cheese, string cheese is known for its unique stringy texture that makes it fun to eat. It is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy option for both kids and adults.
Potato Chips are more calorie-dense and have a much higher fat content than French Fries due to being thinner, drier, and absorbent of more oil (they have more surface area relative to volume!) That being said, serving size plays an important role in determining the actual calories consumed.
And when TODAY.com asked for healthy snack ideas, experts previously suggested these chip options:
Other suggestions for making healthier snack swaps:
Popcorn is a wholegrain so it's packed with fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut and it's also lighter and far less processed than a bag of crisps.