Top 10 Best Healthy Chips in 2021 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)

When picking out a healthy chip to try, don’t be afraid of branching out and trying a chip made from an unexpected ingredient. Often, those turn out to be the tastiest. In this list, we've narrowed down the 10 healthy chips that are all crafted with different healthy ingredients and have different flavors for you to choose from! 

※Please note that these products were not picked by Kara Swanson, but chosen through extensive research and by combing through customer reviews by our staff at mybest.

Kara Swanson is a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life Well Lived. She is married to her best friend and the proud mother of three. Her passion is to make nutrition simple, easy, and delicious! You can find her amazing nutrition plans and learn tips and tricks to staying healthy on her website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Figuring out what makes chips healthy is all about reading the label, so don’t skimp on the research and try to understand a product's nutrition facts. In this buying guide, we'll introduce you to some healthy ingredients that are great alternatives to regular potatoes. 

As tasty as potatoes are, they don’t offer much in terms of vitamins and minerals. So, look for chips made from different base veggies—or even fruits!

Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, and beets can do wonders for your health. They contain a high level of antioxidants, fiber, potassium, as well as vitamins A and C. They have a naturally sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.

On top of that, root vegetables are low glycemic index foods, meaning that they're digested slowly by the body and won't rapidly increase your blood glucose level. They can also keep you full for longer, and are a great choice for those with diabetes! 

Green vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and kale are some other excellent choices. They are chock-full of nutrients such as fiber, folate, vitamins C and K while being low in calories and carbohydrates. If you're trying to control your calories, look for veggie chips! Once baked, root vegetables turn crispy and light. 

Besides vegetables, whole grains and seeds are healthy ingredients that you should include in your diet. Some popular ingredients that are frequently used to make chips include quinoa, corn, brown rice, lentils, and chickpeas. 

Whole grains are packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins and can help you feel full and satisfied for a while. A diet rich in whole grains has also been associated with various health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. 

Seeds are rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats. Incorporating seeds into your diet has been shown to help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Fruit chips are another healthy alternative to regular potato chips. They are naturally low in fat while being a great source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Bananas, plantains, and apples are some common fruits used to make chips. 

Since fruits contain sugar and are naturally sweet, they will be able to satisfy your sweet tooth. But they might increase your blood glucose level, so try to consume them in moderation. 

If you have diabetes, try to stay away from added sugars and preservatives such as maltodextrin. They are high glycemic foods and can lead to a spike in your blood sugar. 

Proteins are essential for the growth and maintenance of the body's tissues and organs and protein-rich foods usually keep you full for a while. On the market, there are various protein-packed chips that can provide from 10 to 20 grams of protein per serving. They're great for if you're looking for a snack high in protein.

Sodium can make you look and feel bloated. The FDA recommends choosing foods that will provide you with less than 100 percent of your daily value of sodium. Generally, five percent in a serving is light; anything over 20 percent is considered high.

Making healthier swaps with kids can be hard, but I've found that chips are pretty easy to swap for a healthier version. Grab a variety so they can taste test and see which ones they love. And if your kids are stubborn, start slow and invite them to choose a healthier chip option they would like to try.

Need more healthy snack options? These are crunchy, protein-filled, and great for you! Nutritionist Kara Swanson highly recommends Veggie Pops as a healthy alternative to chip snacking.

Life is all about trade-offs–between time and money, work and pleasure, convenience and the environment. But when it comes to your health and good food, who says you can’t have it all? Below are some other foods that are both nutritious and delicious.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a good crunchy chip. And just because you’re looking out for your health doesn’t mean that you have to give it up. Even though there are many healthy options available online, make sure to choose one that doesn't contain chemicals and is made with simple ingredients only. 

Hopefully, our buying guide has given you various tips so that you can pick out the right snack for you. Bon appétit!

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

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