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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