Veggie straw nutrition
One-ounce ofveggie straws(about 38 straws) has:
They’re made with potato starch, potato flour, canola oil (or another oil like safflower or sunflower oil), spinach powder, tomato paste and a few more ingredients including beet powder and turmeric for color.
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In comparison, a one-ounce serving (about 15 chips) ofpotato chipshas 160 calories, 10g fat, 170mg sodium, 15g of carbohydrate, 1g fiber and 2g protein. They’re made with just potatoes, vegetable oil and salt.
What about veggie chips?
Some veggie chips are actually veggies, just baked until crunchy and packaged up. Most of what you’ll see on the shelf is kale chips, but companies are making chips out of beets, carrots and sweet potatoes. Then you’re actually getting veggies in. These are a great option for a portable produce snack. You can also make your own veggie chips at home with thesehealthy veggie chip recipes.
You’ll also find veggie chips that look just like veggie straws, but in chip form. They have similar ingredients and nutrition, so they’re not a super nutritious snack.
Bottom line
Veggie straws and veggie chips aren’t a bad snack choice, but they’re not necessarily as healthy as their name implies. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips, you may be better off just choosing potato chips (and satisfying your snack cravings). If you want to get an actual veggie boost, choose veggie chips that are made with just veggies and perhaps a little salt or oil. Otherwise, to make sure you’re getting enough vegetables in your diet consider snacking on vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, peppers, tomatoes or snap peas. They’re all delicious paired with a dip, like hummus or guacamole, or some cheese or nuts.
Welcome to The Beet. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian Lisa Valente tackles buzzy nutrition topics and tells you what you need to know, with science and a little bit of sass.
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