TOP 6: Healthier Alternatives to the Potato Chip

Crunch Time

Potato chips have been pleasing people since 1853, when a patron at a Saratoga Springs, NY café repeatedly sent his fried potatoes back to the kitchen for being too thick and soggy. The chef finally sliced the spuds paper thin, fried them and sent them out to the customer. And a legend was born! Nowadays you can find chips in flavors ranging from BBQ to Bleu Cheese. And potatoes aren't the only chips mingling with the Pringles. You'll find chips made from beans, nuts and more!

Here are a few of our favorite crunchy snacks:

Snikiddy Baked Fries

These crispy shoe-string style baked fries boast 50 percent less fat than regular potato chips. Even better, they contain no preservatives, trans or saturated fats or hydrogenated oils. Best of all, they taste great! Available in Original, Cheddar Cheese, Classic Ketchup and Bold Buffalo flavors.

Potato Flyers

Baked potato chips from the makers of Pirate's Booty, Potato Flyers are light, airy, and delicious. They're made from a few simple, wholesome ingredients, including potatoes, sea salt and just a dusting of all-natural flavors. Look for Salt & Vinegar, Original, Homestyle BBQ and Sour Cream and Onion.

Avocado Oil Potato Chips by Good Health Natural Foods

These kettle-cooked potato chips are thin, gnarled, salty, and flavorful, and because they are made with avocado oil, they have 30 percent less fat than conventional potato chips. Avocado oil is high in vitamins and contains monounsaturated fats that can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Try one or all three bold flavors: Sea Salt, Barcelona BBQ and Chilean Lime!

Chip'ins Popcorn Chips by Popcorn Indiana

Who says all good chips should be made from potatoes or corn? Give popcorn chips a try. It's no wonder these crispers are so light and airy when one of the main ingredients is actually air! Chip'ins tease your taste buds with their dual personality of two snack-time favorites. Find Chip'ins in Sea Salt, White Cheddar, Hot Buffalo Wing and Jalapeño Ranch. We highly recommend...well, all of them.

Beanfields

As the name suggests, these chips are made from beans with some rice thrown in for extra fiber. These crunchers are also high in protein, and are gluten-free and corn-free. Dip them in salsa and you'll have a taste sensation reminiscent of a Mexican fiesta! Available in Unsalted, Sea Salt, Salt and Pepper and Pico De Gallo.

Blue Diamond Nut Thins

While not exactly a chip, Nut Thins provide the same satisfying crunch. Made with nuts and all-natural ingredients, these gluten-free crackers have a subtle earthiness that pairs well with cheese and fruit. They are available in Hazelnut, Pecan and a variety of Almond flavors including Cheddar Cheese, Country Ranch, Smokehouse BBQ and Hint of Sea Salt. You can also find Blue Diamond Baked Nut Chips in Sea Salt, Nacho and Sour Cream and Chive.

from the September, 2011 edition of Fresh Off the Press