A Better Crunch

Gone are the days when your only chip options were potato and tortilla. The chip aisle is now full of brands that offer inventive base ingredients, oils and cooking styles that make snacking healthier and more appetizing. Here are our top choices—broken down by main ingredient—for getting your crunch on.

POTATO

Our pick: Boulder Canyon

Why we like it: Boulder Canyon kettle chips won our hearts with no-nonsense ingredients lists and the use of various oils, including coconut, avocado, rice bran and olive. The company’s small-batch cooking method results in 30 percent less fat than the average potato chip.

Our tasters say: “A thick chip that’s not overly greasy.”

Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Vegan

Also try: Kettle Brand

CORN

Our pick: Garden of Eatin’

Why we like it: You can taste the “natural” in the Garden of Eatin’ offerings, whether it be the original hearty Tortilla Chips, the recently introduced Bold Flavored Tortilla Chips in Ranch and Nacho varieties, or the new to market Corn Chips in both Sea Salt and BBQ Black Bean flavors, all of which are made with USDA Organic corn and USDA Organic flavor ingredients.

Our tasters say: “Thick, crunchy and satisfying.”

Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Organic

Also try: Simply Organic Tostitos

VEGETABLE

Our pick: Terra Real Vegetable Chips

Why we like it: We did not expect these to be so addicting! Whether the thick, crinkly sweet potato variety or the original mix of root vegetables (taro, cassava, parsnip and more), these chips deliver a depth of delicious flavor and natural color unusual for a chip—in a very good way.

Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Non-GMO

Our tasters say: “Sweet, salty—my new fave!”

Also try: Rhythm Superfoods Beet Chips

BEAN/LEGUME

Our pick: Food Should Taste Good — Black Bean

Why we like it: Just 10 of these black bean, multigrain chips provide 15% of your daily fiber from beans, seeds, corn and quinoa. The texture is hearty, and the touch of salt is just right. Perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole or beans.

Our tasters say: “A great blend of tastes.”

Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Vegan

Also try: Off the Eaten Path

 FRUIT

Our pick: Dang Coconut Chips

Why we like it: The crunch of a chip with the subtle sweetness of fruit—yum! Made from the simplest of ingredients—toasted coconut with minimal, real-food flavorings—these crisp snacks are high in fiber and healthy fats. Eat plain or atop salads or yogurt.

Our tasters say: “Yummy any time of day.”

Bonus points for: B Corp, Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Vegan

Also try: Terra Real Vegetable Chips – Plantains