Receta Can You ‘Cheat’ Your Veggies With a Chip?
A vegetable chip may be a better chip, but it can never be a vegetable.
Consumer Reports recently looked at the growing array of veggie chips on the market and concluded that most of them are not any better for you than a potato chip.
“…despite the parsnips, sweet potatoes, and taro pictured on packages of veggie chips—and boasts of a “full serving of vegetables in every ounce” in a couple of products—these aren’t crudités. They’re still fried and have plenty of fat and calories.”
Sure, some of these chips taste great (the Consumer Reports article rates the best-tasting ones) and you might find some fiber — or a little less sodium — compared to potato chips. But averaging 140-160 calories per 1-ounce serving, and 7-10 grams of fat, these veggie chips are no nutritional bargain. A little bean powder, potato starch and ground-up veggies (even kale!) doesn’t make them the equivalent of a real vegetable.
The Snikiddy Eat Your Vegetables brand seems to be coming on strong lately. Yet, I’m offended by their new commercial. I don’t find it funny, and it sends the wrong message that these chips can help you “cheat” your vegetables. Nope, it doesn’t work like that.
If you want some chips for a snack. Do it. Enjoy them. Single-serve, pre-portioned bags can help with moderation. And while some of these vegetable chips may be a bit more nutritious than regular potato chips, they’re not vegetables. Don’t check off a serving of vegetables when you finish off a bag.
Stay in your lane, chips.
Image courtesy of Guangyu (Leo) Cai on flickr