Healthy Alternatives To Potato Chips

Burgers, hot dogs, and chips are a favorite American pastime. We celebrate some of our holidays, including our Nation´s Independence and Labor Day, with them in ample supply. There is no denying that the potato chip tastes great!

However, studies have since shown the many negative side effects of chips. Granted, many of the leading companies have taken great measures to make improvements to the original potato chip.

Let´s be realistic. The potato chip does not offer the immune system the nutrients that it needs to remain healthy and strong. This post explores some healthy yet tasty alternatives to chips.

The Potato Chip Industry

In 2020 the industry earned US$31.2 billion in revenues. The potato chip is one of the world´s most beloved snacks based on convenience and taste.

Some leaders in the industry are

Pepsico Inc (1965) NY, USA (Frito-Lay a subsidiary of Pepsico)

Kellogg´s (1906) Michigan, USA

Kraft Foods (1923) Illinois, USA

General Mills (1928) Minnesota, USA

The Market is expected to reach a value of US$39.8 billion by 2028.

The history of the potato chip

The history of the potato chip is not cut and dry. History shows that there were glimpses of its potential debuts until it accidentally became a hit once and for all. One thing is clear, the potato chip took the world by storm, and has not let go.

The first early record of a hint of what we now know to be potato chips can be traced back to 1817 in England, UK. It was found in a recipe book by William Kitchiner-The Cook´s Oracle.

At the time, the book was a best-seller both in the UK and the US.

Fast forward to decades later, with different tales and several people claiming to be its founder, the potato chip would make an undeniable, yet much-awaited debut. George Crum, on August 24, 1853, at Moon´s Lake House, Saratoga, NY, was the chef on duty at the time.

Legend has it that a wealthy aristocrat Mr. Vanderbilt was dissatisfied with his potato and sent it back twice, claiming it was too big.

Mr.Crum was none too happy about this and wanted to show him, so he sliced the potato into thin slices, fried them in oil, and garnished them with salt. To his amazement, Mr. Vanderbilt loved it and the rest, as they say, is history. The chips were known as Saratoga chips.

Other reports claimed that Crum´s sister Catherine Atkins Wicks, better known as Aunt Katie, was the founder as she accidentally dropped a thin slice into a boiling pot of fat while peeling potatoes. She took it out with a fork and intended to throw it out, but Crum came and ate it instead.

Still, Hiram S. Thomas and Emeline Jones, who worked under Mr. Thomas, also at the Moon´s Lake House, both stated that they were the founders. However, the timeline does not fit as this was 40 years after Crum´s time there.

In 1849, The New York Herald referred to someone named Eliza, who was praised for crisping potatoes. However, no other information was given about her. So she remains a mystery.

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Health concerns

The original potato chip consisted of high levels of sodium, fat, and calories. 1 oz of plain potato chip is the equivalent of about 15-20 chips and contains 10 g of fat and 154 calories.

Potato chips also seem to be addictive because you cannot eat just one, the more you eat the more you want. Unfortunately, potato chips are not a healthy power-packed meal.

Consuming too many chips can cause havoc on your health:

• can increase your risk of getting cancers
• can increase your risk of high blood pressure
• can increase your chances of heart disease
• can increase your chances of a stroke
• can be addictive-cause overeating
• increases the chances of you eating for pleasure and not hunger
• increases your chances of gaining weight

Interesting Facts

In 1920, Herman Lay from North Carolina began selling potato chips out of the trunk of his car to grocers across the South.

In 1938, Lay´s became the 1st successfully marketed national brand.

The US represents the biggest market for potato chips.

PA is known as ‘The Potato Chips Capitol’.

Barbeque chips were the 1st type of flavored potato chip.

Americans eat about 1.85 billion pounds of potato chips annually.

In 2020 the Potato Chip Industry pulled in $31.2 Billion.

Potato snacks sales jumped to 12.5% during Super Bowl week in 2021.

The US leads the world in chip production.

Air frying

Air frying is considered a healthier way to fry foods than the conventional deep fryers, which need to be filled with oil to fry your favorite foods.

In air frying, the air is warmed up by a heating element and circulated rapidly through and around the food. The hot air, in turn, browns and crisps your food through a fan in the chamber using little to no oil.

If you do not have an air fryer, do not fret. Your conventional oven and microwave can also be used as an air fryer. In both the oven and the microwave, a basket tray is needed to enhance airflow for the air to touch all parts of your food.

The downside to using the oven or microwave is you have to pay close attention to your food to see when it´s done. The oven takes the longest time of all three methods.

Healthier yet tastier alternatives

Healthy lifestyle choices place the focus on quality snacks that can help stabilize your blood sugar.

Below are a few alternatives that could be used in place of chips but that can still offer you the crunch and taste that the potato chip delivers. You can make yourself a fresh batch using the ingredients below in an air fryer and be able to eat guilt-free for a time.

1) Kale chips

Kale offers many benefits:

• good for your eyes
• boosts immunity
• helps make bones stronger
• contains manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, vitamins A, K, B6, C
• helpful for people with osteoporosis
• promotes healthy skin and hair
• good for digestion
• supports brain health
• prevents inflammation and contains anti-aging properties

(People who are prone to kidney stones or those who take blood thinner medication such as Coumadin/warfarin should limit their consumption of Kale. Please speak to your doctor before you start any diet).

To prepare

Cut Kale into thin slices. Assemble in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. Please follow your appliance manual for proper times and settings.

2) Zucchini chips

Zucchini has many health benefits, such as:

• low in calories-(1 cup= 20 calories)
• is a dense food source-satisfies your hunger
• can fight cancer
• can fight infections
• great for hair and skin
• eliminates free radicals from the body

To prepare

Cut Zucchini into thin slices. Assemble in an air fryer, oven, or microwave. Please follow your appliance manual for proper times and settings.

3) Red beets

Red beets:

• contain dietary fiber
• has Folate, iron, magnesium, manganese
• contains vitamin K and C
• lowers blood pressure

To prepare

Cut beetroots into thin slices. Place into the air fryer, oven, or microwave. Please follow your appliance manual for proper times and settings.

4) Sweet potato chips

Sweet potato has many health benefits, some of which include:

• can support digestive health
• can promote gut health
• can protect the body against free radicals
• can help you feel fuller, longer
• can stabilize blood sugar
• can help fight cancer
• good source of fiber

To prepare

Cut sweet potato into thin slices. Place into the air fryer, oven, or microwave. Please check your appliance manual for proper times and settings.

5) Pickle chips

Pickles are packed with health benefits, some of which include:

• excellent source of antioxidants
• can improve digestive health
• can help control diabetes
• can promote liver health
• can promote stomach health
• can help regulate weight

More Snack Ideas

If it´s a crunch that you crave, an assortment of nuts could be an option for you. Nuts are packed with nutrition and filled with anti-oxidants. They can also help you lose weight.

Celery and carrot sticks with dip. This healthy and crunchy snack paired with hummus or another dip of your choice could make a good healthy yet tasty snack.

Wheat crackers with cheese can provide a rich taste with a nice crunch.

Lastly, there are some commercial vegetable chips on the market now, which could make good substitutes for potato chips. There are many varieties such as Kale and Spinach Chips, Red Beets Chips, Carrot Chips, Sweet Potato Chips, and many more.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, the potato chip is not classified as a healthy superfood. Although the leading companies in the industry have made many changes to reduce fat, calories, and cholesterol, adding gluten-free, non-GMO, and sea salt among other things.

These are promising changes, no doubt, but this still does not make it an ideal healthy food choice. The vegetables mentioned above are healthier alternatives to the potato chip.

They are also tasty. And if consumed in moderation alongside healthy vegetable meals, could be considered a treat.

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