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Chips
Whether they’re made of potatoes, corn, or fruit, chips stake their
claim as the classic American snack.
Potato chips—made from thinly sliced potatoes that have been deep-fried and
salted—are an American classic. Corn chips, made from ground cornmeal that has been
formed into varying shapes and deep-fried, are a standard in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. As
health consciousness has grown, more nutritious versions of chips, many of which are baked
rather than fried, have been introduced, and they can now be an acceptable snack when enjoyed
as part of a healthful diet.
Varieties
Chips are most commonly made from potatoes or corn, but may also be made from other fruits
and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, blue potatoes, carrots, and apples, as well as more
unusual vegetables, such as taro root. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Low-fat and
fat-free versions, low-sodium varieties, and chips cooked in olive oil and unhydrogenated oil are also
available.
Buying and storing tips
Buy chips in smaller bags for maximum freshness. Store them, unopened, in a cool, dark
cupboard for up to six months. Store opened chips in a sealed plastic bag for up to one week.
Choose lower-fat, lower-sodium varieties, and avoid those that contain saturated fat or
hydrogenated oils.
Availability
A wide variety of chips are available in natural food stores, food markets, and specialty
stores.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Serve corn chips with low-fat bean dip; top salads with carrot chips for a healthier crunch
than croutons.
Nutritional Highlights
Potato chips (plain), 1 oz. (about 28g)
Calories: 158
Protein: 1.7g
Carbohydrate: 14.5g
Total Fat: 11g
Fiber: 1.02g
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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