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Snacks generally don’t have the best reputation for health, and some options are worse than others. In reality, a few are mostly made up of air and additives. We consulted Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies to ask which snack chip brands rank the lowest concerning ingredients. “These snacks are often highly processed, lacking nutrients, and high in sodium. They can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, meaning occasionally and in small amounts,” advises Collingwood. Below are 10 snack chip brands that largely contain air and additives.
Pringles
Pringles don’t use whole potato slices; rather, they are created from dehydrated potato flakes, explains Collingwood. “They have a uniform, crunchy texture but are heavily processed and may have more sodium than standard potato chips,” she adds.
Lay’s Stax
Lay’s Stax have a similar texture and processing as Pringles. “Their ingredient list is lengthier than that of traditional chips, with added additives and flavor enhancers,” Collingwood points out.
Munchos
Munchos might be good, but they are mostly potato starch and oil, which gives a lighter, airy texture. “They don’t provide much fiber or satiety compared to chips made from whole potato slices,” Collingwood explains.
Bugles
Bugles are a popular snack that are corn-based rather than potato-based. “Fun shape, but usually high in sodium and often flavored with artificial colors and seasonings,” she says.
Doritos
Doritos, one of the most popular chips on the planet, are also one of the more heavily seasoned chips with “lots of sodium, artificial flavors, and colorings,” says Collingwood. “The ‘flavor dust’ adds appeal but also extra additives.”
Cheetos
Cheetos, another popular crunchy chip, are made from cornmeal puffs with cheese-flavored powder. “Generally low in protein despite the ‘cheese’ image,” she said, adding that they are “high in sodium.”
Funyuns
Funyuns may be flavored after a veggie, but the onion-flavored corn snacks use MSG and artificial flavors for taste. “They don’t provide the nutritional benefits of real onions,” says Collingwood.
Takis
Takis are rolled tortilla-style chips known for bold spice and bright artificial coloring. “Often very high in sodium,” says Collingwood.
Ruffles Flavored Chips
The ridges of Ruffles Flavored Chips are great for holding seasoning, “but that also means more sodium and additives compared to plain Ruffles,” says Collingwood. “Portion size is key.”
Herr’s Flavored Puffs
Herr’s Flavored Puffs are similar to Cheetos. “They are a cornmeal base coated with flavored powders,” she says. “Fun and light in texture, but low in nutrients and typically high in sodium.”