Complete Chips & Crisps Guide

Comprehensive analysis of 200 chips and crisps products from 98 brands. Compare potato vs tortilla chips, baked vs fried options, and find the healthiest snacks for your diet.

200
Products Analyzed
98
Brands
3.5
Avg Processing Score
5.4/10
Avg Nutrition Score

Chips & Crisps by Processing Level

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed
34

Simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, salt. Minimal processing.

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
165

Added natural flavors or simple seasonings like paprika or vinegar.

Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
Level 3
Highly Processed
1

Multiple additives, artificial flavors, or flavor enhancers.

Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed
0

Highly processed with artificial colors, flavors, and many additives.

Healthiest Chips & Crisps Options

Top-rated chips with minimal processing and better nutrition scores

Organic Chickpeas

Arrowhead Mills

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed
Processing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10

Organic Beets

Natierra

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed
Processing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10

Poppers & Toppers Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato

Glean

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed
Processing:1.0
Nutrition:9.0/10

Original Green Pea Crisps Baked

Harvest Snaps

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:4.0
Nutrition:9.0/10

Dried Okra

Brookshire's

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:3.0
Nutrition:8.5/10

Newman's Own, Spelt Pretzels

Newman's Own

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:3.0
Nutrition:8.0/10

Balsamic & Herb Lupini Snack, Balsamic & Herb

Brami

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:4.0
Nutrition:8.0/10

Artisan Low Fat Pretzels

Tom Sturgis

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:4.8
Nutrition:8.0/10

Salted Crunchy Pretzel Twists, Salted

365 Whole Foods Market

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:4.8
Nutrition:8.0/10

Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, Blue Corn

Wegmans

Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed
Processing:2.0
Nutrition:7.5/10

Black Bean Skinny Dippers

Beanitos

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:3.0
Nutrition:7.5/10

365 Everyday Value, Organic Crunchy Pretzel Sticks

365 Everyday Value

Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed
Processing:3.0
Nutrition:7.5/10

How to Choose Healthier Chips

What to Look For

  • Short ingredient list: Best chips have 3-5 ingredients - potatoes (or corn), oil, salt, maybe natural seasonings
  • Low processing score: Look for chips with processing scores under 5.0 (simple chips typically score 1.5-3.0)
  • Simple oil and salt: Minimally processed potato or corn chips without excessive seasonings
  • Whole corn tortilla chips: Made from whole corn, oil, and salt can be a good choice
  • Lower sodium: Look for options with less than 200mg sodium per serving (most regular chips have 150-180mg)

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Artificial colors: Yellow 5, Red 40, and other synthetic dyes
  • Artificial flavors: Synthetic flavoring indicates higher processing
  • MSG: Monosodium glutamate used as flavor enhancer
  • Multiple preservatives: Excessive preservatives indicate heavy processing
  • Baked with many additives: Baked chips often need more additives for flavor - check ingredients carefully