15 Healthier Chips That Actually Taste Good, According to Dietitians

Chickpeas are the first ingredient in these plant-powered chips that offer up three grams of filling protein and fiber per serving. Our registered dietitians point out that the chips are vegan, dairy-free, Certified Gluten-Free and non-GMO as well. Best of all, the ranch seasoning is spot on and a healthier take on a snacking classic. They also come in a nacho flavor and plain sea salt version.

Testers raved about the flavor profile, giving it top scores across the board for great taste and crunch. "I love how there was so much flavor of cool ranch for a product that was all plant-based! It felt like a more decadent chip than the basic kinds in a supermarket and I loved that they were made from chickpeas to give more protein," one person said.

These are not your average tortilla chips! This Certified Gluten-Free pick is made from a grain-free blend featuring cassava flour and coconut flour. It uses high-quality avocado oil, a rarity in the packaged foods and chip aisle.

Testers couldn't get enough of them, saying that they had the perfect crunch and just the right sprinkle of sea salt. Our registered dietitians also love many of the brand's other offerings, including their tasty churro strips and their kettle-cooked potato chips.

As a tasty, crunchy and wholesome popped-corn snack, PopCorners are air-popped and never fried. They come in a variety of fun flavors ranging from your basic sea salt to more vibrant flavors like sweet chili and spicy queso. The chips contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, are gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.

"It wasn't greasy like a chip. It has great flavor and was salted just the right amount," one taste tester said. Many loved the unique crunch that marries a chip and popcorn together. "They're light and airy but have a substantial crunch. Every Popcorner has a similar taste/crunch from the top of the bag to the bottom. Great savory snack option," another person commented.

Made with premium coconut oil or avocado oil, these sweet potato chips from Jackson's are cooked low and slow to maintain the stability and integrity of the oil's healthy fats. The brand uses non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes, and while the sea salt is the healthiest options, the flavored choices are truly delicious.

This Non-GMO Project Verified pick was a hit with taste testers who loved the simplicity but balanced flavor behind the chips. "They aren't greasy like other chips I've tried," one tester commented. "But they are perfectly crisp and really satisfying."

Created by two New York chefs who were looking to shake up the chip aisle, these premium chips include a mix of exotic vegetables and gourmet potatoes. Our registered dietitians appreciate that you'll get a mix of nutritious root vegetables, including taro, yuca, parsnip and sweet potato.

Testers praised the dynamic textures throughout the bag and loved the vibrant colors. Those bold colors translate to lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals, according to our nutrition pros. "Really nice and gourmet, something I would serve to company when we have people over," one tester said.

Essentially the potato chip brand of all potato chip brands, Lay's is a major player in the snack aisle. This welcome addition to their line of potato chips is baked, not fried, which cuts the fat in half here (65% less fat to be exact in these chips than regular potato chips). They only have 160 milligrams of sodium but deliver the perfect hint of sea salt in each and every bite.

Testers described them as "light" and "airy," and said that they still had a great crunch despite being baked instead of fried. The barbecue flavor was also a hit in taste tests, and they come in sour cream & onion too.

Air fried chips have entered the chat! These light and crispy chips are batch-cooked in kettles, then air fried to deliver that same great crunchy texture for 30% less fat than the original versions.

Taste testers raved about the chips, loving that they offer great texture and flavor at a fraction of the fat of traditional kettle chips. The jalapeno flavor was a pleasant surprise and had the perfect amount of heat. "They're less greasy and less heavy but still have all the flavor and satisfaction of a normal chip," one tester said.

Restaurant-style chips get a nutritious upgrade with the star ingredient of fresh beans in all of Beanitos chip recipes. The Certified Gluten-Free pick is a rich source of fiber and contains four grams of satisfying protein too. Their white bean chips are sourced from American farms and made without preservatives.

Testers said that the chips paired well with dips like salsa and guacamole, but note that the fiber may take some getting used to so don't overdo it. They come in a few different flavors and some options use black beans or pinto beans.

Known for their tasty frozen goods, Tattooed Chef is bringing its delicious innovations to the chip aisle. These grain-free tortilla chips have a dairy-free nacho seasoning that hits all of the marks. But the chips are also available in a dairy-free ranch variety.

Our registered dietitians appreciate that the chips are made using avocado oil and grain-free ingredients like cassava flour to accommodate for different dietary lifestyles and preferences, without sacrificing on taste. Vegan testers couldn't believe that the nacho seasoning was plant-based. "Delicious! I'll be adding these to my weekly shopping list," one tester said.

Those looking to watch their sodium intake but still indulge in potato chips will appreciate this offering from Utz. A no salt added potato chips is rare to the market. But these potato chips don't add any unnecessary extra ingredients — it's just farm-grown potatoes and oil, that's it. They have no sugar and offer up 370 milligrams of potassium, a necessary mineral that helps muscles to contract and supports normal blood pressure.

"When I saw unsalted in the title, I was expecting bland chips. I was surprised how flavorful and crispy the chips were. I didn't miss the salt," one taste tester said. "Personally, I like the lack of salt," another person commented. "Didn't leave a salty, thirsty aftertaste. Light, crisp texture."

Baked and never fried, Bare offers a line of delicious fruit chips that deliver crunchy perfection. The Fuji & Reds Apple Chips are a favorite amongst our dietitians and taste testers. Made without preservatives, these apple chips are a good source of fiber, fat-free, gluten-free, kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified and contain no added sugar.

"Love this snack! Slightly sweet, no salt and the apple hints are perfect," one taste tester said. "It was a nice alternative to salty chips or something not healthy. I would take this as part of my lunch," another person said.

Popadelics is on a mission to make mushrooms mainstream. But don't knock these chips until you've tried them — they come in delicious, adventurous flavors and offer a distinct crunch. Plus, the mushrooms are extremely nutrient-dense, according to our registered dietitians, as they pack in several important vitamins and minerals.

Testers found the snack to be super innovative. "If you like mushrooms, this snack is different from anything I’ve tried before and is very creative. This would be a pretty healthy and filling snack if you like the flavor," one tester said.