Potato chips have some nutritional value.
Most people love potato chips, which are made out of potatoes fried in oil and sprinkled with salt. Chips are usually found as a side dish to sandwiches and picnic foods, or they are consumed by themselves as a snack. Lay's is one very popular brand of potato chips. It offers a variety of chips, all with differing levels of nutrition. It is important to read the nutritional labels of each type.
Benefits
Although potato chips are not generally known to be healthy, there have a positive side. Lay's Classic Potato Chips have no preservatives or additives. A 1 oz serving of these chips has no cholesterol, 1g fiber, 9 percent potassium and 10 percent vitamin C. They also have healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, only 6 percent saturated fat and no trans fat. At 7 percent, the sodium is not that high either. The FDA explains that 5 percent or less of a nutrient is low, while 20 percent or more is considered high.
Negatives
On the negative side, a 1 oz serving of Lay's classic chips has 150 calories. They also have 16 percent total fat, which is close to the high side, according to the FDA's recommendations. Although Lay's marketing tells customers to eat more than one, they might want to limit the number they actually eat.
Ingredients
The ingredients of Classic Lay's chips are surprisingly simple. They only contain potatoes, sunflower or corn oil and salt. Lay's website claims that it has no additives and no preservatives, making this snack not as unhealthy as many other choices.
Types
Lay's offers many varieties of potato chips, including "Barbecue," "Cheddar & Sour Cream," and "Cajun Herb & Spice." Lay's offers a low sodium variety, with 4 percent sodium, and a light version with half the calories of regular Lay's and no fat. Lay's also has "Natural" potato chips which claim to be made with more natural ingredients and have sea salt. It also offers kettle-cooked potato chips and baked chips, which are baked instead of fried, for a healthier choice, according to the company website.
Considerations
Lay's "light" variety of chips have less fat and fewer calories, but they contain Olestra. Olestra has been controversial for a long time. In 2004, the Center for Science in the Public Interest warned that Olestra had returned to Lay's products in this variety, whose name was changed from the controversial WOW! variety of chips associated with Olestra side effects. The Center claims the FDA has been sent more than 20,000 reports of negative effects of Olestra, including diarrhea and cramps.
FAQs
LAY'S Classic Potato Chips
| Nutrition Fact and Amount | Daily Value Percentage |
|---|
| Calories 160 | |
| Fat 10g | 13% |
| Saturated 1.5g | 7% |
| Trans 0g | |
14 more rowsA single serving of Lay's Baked Potato Chips provides 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, zero grams trans fat, 23 grams of carbohydrate and 2 grams of sugar.
Which is healthier Doritos or Lays? ›
The two chips are similar as to number of calories per one-ounce serving (140 for 13 Doritos, 160 for 15 Lay's) and percent of those calories that come from fat (60 vs. 90). Doritos have a bit less total fat (7 grams vs. 10 grams), but since both are made with healthful vegetable oils, that's not a big deal.
How many calories and carbs are in Lays potato chips? ›
Frito-lay Lay's Classic Potato Chips (1 serving) contains 15g total carbs, 14g net carbs, 10g fat, 2g protein, and 160 calories.
Are potato chips healthy or junk? ›
Like other junk foods, these chips contain refined ingredients and processed oils, Minchen says. They also lack good stuff like fiber and essential nutrients. Minchen's advice: “It's not the end of the world to enjoy some [chips] every so often, but they should not be a part of your regular diet.”
Are Lay's chips healthy for you? ›
Lay's chips are not very healthy due to their processed vegetable oil, moderate to high salt content, and low fiber content. Some flavors also have added sugar and other processed ingredients. The healthiest Lay's chips are probably Baked Lay's Original, as they have 65% less fat.
Are Lay's chips unhealthy? ›
Although Lay's has a “low sodium” version of their chips, most contain an overabundance of salt. A diet consisting of too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and kidney disease. Even just one serving of Lay's chips is recognized as high in calories and high in fat by the FDA.
Is it OK to eat Lays chips everyday? ›
Similarly, eating chips everyday will increase your risk of experiencing negative health effects (not as much as smoking mind you), but doesn't guarantee you will experience any negative consequences. Another problem – yes, there are more problems – with nutrition is we don't eat in isolation.
Are pretzels or chips healthier? ›
When you place the nutritional information of pretzels and potato chips side-by-side, you'll notice why pretzels are the healthier choice. Pretzels have less calories than potato chips and less saturated fat. As we all know, excessive calories and saturated fat can ruin a diet.
Why are Mexican chips better? ›
Well, we will share what makes them so special. In general, Mexican Sabritas pack noticeably more flavor in every bite. Whether it is cheesy, spicy, salsa verde, salsa roja, limoncito or a combination of flavors, Mexican chips just have more your taste buds will look forward to.
Brand: Lay's
| Nutrition Facts |
|---|
| Sodium 150mg | 7% |
| Total Carbohydrate 15g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars 0g | 0% |
18 more rowsAn ideal daily intake of calories varies depending on age, metabolism and levels of physical activity, among other things. Generally, the recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men.
How many calories are in one Lays? ›
There are 156 calories in 1 packet (28 g) of Lay's Classic Salted.
Do potato chips have any health benefits? ›
Chips contain some B-complex vitamins like vitamins B5 and B6, as well as potassium. They also contain small amounts of fiber, protein and other nutrients.
What is the nutritional value of a small bag of potato chips? ›
Lay's Classic Potato Chips Small Bag (1 pack) contains 23g total carbs, 21g net carbs, 15g fat, 3g protein, and 240 calories.
