Is Cassava Chips Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Cassava chips are highly processed (Level 3). They are typically made from cassava flour (or sliced cassava), fried in vegetable or coconut oil, and salted. Simpler than many mainstream chips, they still undergo industrial frying and may include additional starches.
Key Findings
- •Simple cassava chips (cassava, oil, salt) are at the lower end of Level 3
- •They are generally simpler than mainstream potato chip brands with flavoring systems
- •The "paleo" or "grain-free" marketing does not change the processing classification
Why Is Cassava Chips Level 3?
Cassava (also called yuca) chips start with a whole root vegetable that is peeled, sliced or ground into flour, and fried. Basic cassava chips contain just cassava, oil (often coconut oil for paleo-marketed brands), and salt — three ingredients, similar to simple potato chips. However, some brands add tapioca starch for texture, natural flavors for seasoning, and vegetable oil blends instead of the cleaner coconut oil. The processing level depends heavily on the brand — the simplest versions approach Level 2, while more complex formulations are solidly Level 3.
Cassava Chips Processing Level Distribution
How 135 cassava chips products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 7.9 · Average nutrition score: 4.2/10
Cassava Chips Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed cassava chips products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuca Cassava Chips | Chifles | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Salty Yuca Cassava Chips, Salty | Plant Chips | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Yuca Cassava Chips | Chifles | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Yuca Cassava Chips | La Cena | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Yuca Cassava Chips | La Cena | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Original Yuca Cassava Chips, Original | Goya | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Yuca Chips | Mayte | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Yuca Cassava Chips | Chifles | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
| Salty Yuca Cassava Chips, Salty | Plant Chips | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Salty Yuca Cassava Chips, Salty | Plant Chips | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
How to Read Cassava Chips Labels
- 1
The simplest cassava chips list only cassava, coconut oil, and salt — 3 ingredients
- 2
Watch for added tapioca starch, maltodextrin, or natural flavors that indicate more processing
- 3
Coconut oil frying is not less processed than vegetable oil — the chip itself is the same
- 4
Some brands add avocado oil or olive oil, but the processing method remains identical
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cassava chips ultra-processed?
Most cassava chips are Level 3, highly processed — not quite ultra-processed. Simple versions with just cassava, oil, and salt are at the lower end of this range. Flavored varieties with added starches and natural flavors are at the higher end.
Are cassava chips healthier than potato chips?
From a processing standpoint, simple cassava chips (3 ingredients) and simple potato chips (3 ingredients) are comparable. Both are fried starchy foods. The choice is nutritional and dietary, not a processing distinction.
Are cassava chips paleo?
Cassava is a paleo-compliant root vegetable, and many cassava chip brands market to paleo consumers. However, "paleo" is a dietary classification, not a processing one — cassava chips are still Level 3 fried snack food.