Dr. Thomas Dwan - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Thomas Dwan

Are Popchips Bad For You?


Grade

B-


Short answer

While bad for you in copious amounts, Popchips are a healthier option among other potato chips. They also contain little allergens making them a good choice for many people.

Grade

B-

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

While Popchips are a better option from traditional potato chips, it depends on what type of health changes you are trying to make as to decide if they are good for you or not. They contain fewer calories and less total fat, and no saturated fats compared to the average big brand potato chips. This is even true when comparing Popchips and kettle chips. But there’s a trade-off: Popchips contain a bigger amount of carbohydrates and sodium, and have less protein. Just like all snack foods, moderation is very important.

Popchips are mostly allergen free making them an acceptable snack food to most people as opposed to other potato chips. Some flavors contain dairy products, though, so you should still be sure to read the label. Popchips are certified gluten-free and soy-free, and contain zero preservatives or artificial colors/flavoring. Those points alone make this an excellent choice over most processed snack foods. The company also uses all non-GMO ingredients which saves you from toxin build-up and a variety of other health issues long-term.

These chips use safflower and sunflower oil which are healthier than many other oils used in other chip varieties. Popchips contain non-hydrogenated sunflower oil which provides higher amounts of omega-3s than omega-6s. Omega-3 limits inflammation in the body, while omega-6 in high amounts (like consumed in the American diet) causes inflammation leading to chronic disease. Safflower oil contains polyunsaturated fats which are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease.

Rice flour contains protein and fiber which helps you feel full.  On the negative side of things, Popchips do not specify if they use brown or white rice flour and that can make all the difference health wise. Brown rice flour offers more protein and fiber, along with B vitamins.

 


Possible long-term side effects

  • weight gain
  • effects from too much sodium

Ingredients to be aware of

  • carbohydrates
  • sodium

Benefits

  • provides prebiotics to the gut
  • contains omega-3 fatty acids
  • digestive and immune system boost
  • decreases ldl
  • free from preservatives/artificial ingredients
  • free from gmos

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Bare Baked Apple Snacks

  • Crunchy texture
  • Gluten-free snack
  • Natural fruit flavors
  • No preservatives
  • Convenient pack size
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-25-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-25-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023




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