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How to choose your healthier crunch.
Who doesn’t love a good crisp? That satisfying crunch is something we are all addicted to! But here’s the Truth: not all crisps are created equal, especially when it comes to your health. We’re diving into the crisp aisle with a mission: finding the tastiest options that are kinder to your body with three simple tips.
Understand the Fat Facts
Typical crisps can be oil sponges and contain over 30% fat from low quality vegetable oils that have been fried. What we are on the lookout for those that buck the trend and stay away from the fat. Aim for crisps that contain less than 15% total fat.
Fibre Up Your Snack Time
While crisps aren’t exactly salad, some can offer more nutritional value than others. Check the labels for options that have more fibre, or protein. These not only help you feel fuller longer but also keep your digestive system happy.
Portion Control
Let’s be real; it's easy to demolish an entire bag in one sitting. However, many brands offer multipack bags that are portion - controlled, usually around 25g per bag. This helps manage calorie intake and prevents overindulging.
Smart Picks at the Supermarket
ProperCorn Popcorn: the healthier, lighter option, isn’t actually the best option on the market for fat content with 17.4% but you do get double the fibre of standard crisps at 10.9g per hundred and at only £2.00 for a pack of six is well priced.
Walkers Oven Baked: Around £1.95 for a pack of six, these crisps are baked, not fried, slashing the fat content to 13%, so a great option.
Popchips: At around £2.25 for a 5 - pack that has just 13% fat content as they’re popped rather than fried, is a great way to go reducing fat without compromising on the crunch.
Snack A Jacks: Whilst technically not a crisp, as a rice cake, it does pack a crunch and if it works for you, then at only 8.3% fat per 100g it’s a great option at £2.20 for a pack of 5.
Penn State Baked Pretzels: Now for the winner, The German classic, a great option at only 4.6% fat per 100g. Not available in portioned bags though so be careful with the whole 175g bag for £1.50.
Want to be even healthier, switch to nuts, seeds or even dried cheese snacks. Higher in calories yes, but higher in good healthy fats too and are more satiating which will limit the chance of overeating.
With these tips, you can pick smarter, snack better, and still satisfy those crunchy cravings. These small changes might not immediately seem like a lot but if you eat a bag a day with your lunch, we are talking a whopping 2 litres of oil cut from your diet over the course of the year compared to a normal bag of crisps!
This in no way is permission to eat crisps everyday (enjoy as an occasional treat) but rather an indication of how small changes add up quickly overtime.
Happy snacking!
