Are HIPPEAS Bad For You?
Also Known As: HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs
Short answer
HIPPEAS organic chickpea puffs are gaining popularity in the snack world. Although eating natural cooked chickpeas are a much better choice nutritionally, HIPPEAS organic chickpea puffs have some interesting ingredients compared to other snack products. The ingredients are gluten-free but can still cause general intestinal upset.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
HIPPEAS organic chickpea puff snacks contain organic ingredients, are gluten-free, kosher, vegan and non-GMO. They do not contain artificial preservatives and are free from maltodextrin and MSG. They do contain some protein and fiber but compared to eating natural chickpeas they are void of any significant vitamins and minerals. HIPPEAS are relatively low in fat and calories but eating more than one recommended serving is going to boost your fat, carbohydrate, sodium and caloric intake. Unlike HIPPEAS, natural chickpeas are a great source of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium. Natural chickpeas contain vitamin K, folate, selenium, manganese, choline, phosphorous and zinc. HIPPEAS organic chickpea puffs have a minimal amount of calcium and iron and 140mg of sodium in each recommended serving.
HIPPEAS are composed mainly of organic chickpea flour, organic rice flour, organic sunflower oil, organic tapioca starch, and organic seasoning and spices. These are great gluten-free ingredients but the combination of these ingredients can cause intestinal upset in the form of flatulence, bloating, cramping and abdominal discomfort. The snacks have the shape and texture of “packing peanuts” and come in a variety of flavors-which are deemed “natural”. The company does not list the sources for these natural flavors which is a concern. These “natural” flavors can promote an allergic response.
It is not clear what source of sugar is used in HIPPEAS. HIPPEAS also contain dextrose which is usually manufactured commercially and then added to processed foods as a sweetener. HIPPEAS contain citric acid and it is not clear if the source is of the natural variety or manufactured in a lab. Naturally occurring citric acid is an organic acid found in fruits and vegetables-mainly from the citrus family. Citric acid created in a lab comes from a form of black mold.
The snack food industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry that offers a plethora of choices. There are significant amounts of snacks available today that are downright poisonous to our internal body. Many snacks still contain artificial ingredients, preservatives and toxic dyes. HIPPEAS contains organic ingredients and has gone the extra step to be gluten-free, vegan, kosher and non-GMO. If you love your snacks then this may be a better choice compared to other snack products available today. However, real food that comes directly from nature is a much healthier choice.
Possible short-term side effects
- possible allergic response
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intestinal upset with bloating, pain, gas and nausea
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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irritable bowel
Ingredients to be aware of
- added sugar and dextrose
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citric acid
-
"natural flavors" of unclear source
Benefits
- vegan
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gluten-free
-
kosher
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non-gmo
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no msg or maltodextrin
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contain some protein and fiber
Healthier alternatives
- naturally occuring chickpeas
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Taali Water Lily Pops
- Crunchy superfood snack
- Protein-rich
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Himalayan pink salt
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Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 11-14-2023
Last updated: 11-30-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 11-14-2023
Last updated: 11-30-2023