Chips are fun.
Crunchy, salty, sometimes spicy… They're a total crowd-pleaser.
But if you’re a health-conscious parent or someone who actually reads labels (guilty!), you’ve probably asked yourself:
Are there any healthy chips that still taste good?
Yes. And the snack aisle is finally catching up. Thanks to innovative brands and cleaner ingredients, today’s “chips” are a whole new game.
We're talking legumes, ancient grains, and even greens, not just fried white potatoes anymore.
We at 100 Cal Snacks have also been part of this gut-friendly glow-up with our crispy BBQ Protein Puffs.
So, if you're on a mission to snack smarter, you’re in the right place. Let’s learn more!
What Makes a Chip Healthy?
A truly healthy chip isn’t judged just by calories, but by its ingredients and nutrients.
Key factors include lower fat and salt, high fiber or protein, and real-food ingredients.
Unlike classic fried potato chips (Over 160 calories and 10g fat per ounce), some chips often aim for less than 200 calories, less than 2g saturated fat, and less than 300 mg sodium per serving.
These are the ones you should look for.
Some important things to consider include:
- Whole-food ingredients: Beans, peas, rice, quinoa, or real veggies (e.g. kale, beet, sweet potato) as primary ingredients. These add fiber, protein and micronutrients. 100 Cal Snacks is also found to be using organic greens like kale and spinach in its BBQ Protein puffs, making it a wonderful choice.
- Cooking method: Baked, air-popped, or lightly cooked in healthy oils (olive/avocado).
Avoid deep-fried or re-fried chips that soak up saturated fat.
- Nutrition profile: Aim for around 150–200 calories per serving, under ~300 mg sodium, and minimal saturated fat (≤2g).
Look for kosher, vegan or nut-free labels if needed.
- No junk: Zero or low added sugars, no trans fats or artificial additives.
A non-GMO certification is a plus.
And ideally, some kind of benefit, like fiber, protein, or even adaptogens. That’s where 100 Cal Snacks BBQ Protein Puffs stand out with 4g fiber, 11g protein, and adaptogen ashwagandha for stress relief.
Pro Tip: Turn your label-reading radar on. If you can pronounce the first five ingredients and they sound like real food, you're good.
What Chips Are Best for Kids?
If you’ve got little hands constantly reaching for snacks, you're not alone.
So let’s simplify:
What are the best healthy chips for kids?
You want:
- Baked Tortilla or Pita Chips: Look for 100% whole grain and mild salt.
- Veggie Chips: Brands like Terra (mix of root veg) or Saffron Road Veggie Chips, which use real vegetables.
- Popcorn: Though not a “chip,” lightly salted air-popped popcorn is a whole grain snack (and a kid face).
- Puffed Snacks: Quinoa puffs or brown rice chips can be fun. 100 Cal Snacks BBQ Protein puffs would be our pick.
- Seaweed Snacks: Roasted nori sheets (with mild salt) count as crispy, vitamin-rich chips.
Can I Make Healthy Chips at Home?
Absolutely, all you have to do is control the salt and the oil.
They’re a big hit and easier to prepare than you think.
To prepare homemade chips, try baking thin slices of sweet potatoes, beets, or zucchini. A light spritz of olive oil and a pinch of salt yields crispy chips in the oven or air fryer.
Kale chips are another kid-pleaser: massage kale leaves with a tiny oil and bake until crackly (season with mild parmesan or garlic powder for flavor).
These homemade veggie chips are low in calories and fat, and so much better than store-bought, since they skip unhealthy ingredients.
When serving chips to little ones, keep portions small (a handful) and pair with veggies or protein.
What are the Best Healthy Spicy Chips for Adults?
For adults who live on the spicy side of life, the challenge is finding that heat without excess junk.
Fortunately, spicy flavors have exploded in the snack aisle and you can pick versions that fit a healthier profile.
Look for chips with natural chili seasonings (like paprika, cayenne, chipotle or jalapeño) instead of neon MSG-laden powders.
Some ideas:
- Chili-Lime Sweet Potato Chips: Many brands now offer sweet potato chips lightly seasoned with chili or Tajín (chili-lime salt).
These provide vitamin A and potassium from the sweet potato base, plus a kick of flavor.
- Baked Chili Corn Chips: Opt for whole-corn tortilla chips (or salsita corn chips) dusted with chili or jalapeño seasoning.
- Spicy Bean Chips: Chickpea or black-bean chips seasoned with hot spices.
For example, some PopCorners or Beanitos flavors add spicy peppers. These give extra fiber/protein for an adult’s snack.
- Spiced Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn tossed with a sprinkle of cayenne or Sriracha powder. Popcorn is a whole grain with fiber; adding spice makes it grown-up.
- Nuts and Seeds: Roasted chickpeas or soy nuts are crunchy and can be spiced. Look for wasabi peas or chili-roasted chickpeas, many are low-sodium and high-protein.
- Sauce + Chip Combos: Pair regular veggie or pita chips with a spicy dip (salsa, harissa yogurt, or guacamole with diced peppers). This way the chip remains simple, and you get fresh heat from the dip ingredients.
You can also slice potatoes or veggies thin, bake them, and when done toss with a little chili powder, garlic powder, and lime zest.
Chips can also be made fiery by adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder before baking.
Is 100 Cal Snacks the Best Guilt-Free Option Out There?
We don’t like to brag.
Okay, maybe we do a little.
Here’s the deal:
If you're looking for clean, flavorful, high-protein snacks under 100 calories — we made them. For you, your kid, and your gut.
Meet our BBQ Protein Puffs:
- Just 100 calories per bag
- 11g protein to power through your day
- Made with organic kale, spinach, flaxseed oil
- Smoked paprika + mustard = addictively bold flavor
- Boosted with adaptogenic ashwagandha
- Super gut-friendly & bloat-free
- No sugar alcohols, no BS
Keto? Check.
Vegetarian? Yep.
Gluten-free? Of course.
Go ahead, grab a bag! Or two. Order your first box now!
