Are Popchips Bad For You?
Short answer
While bad for you in copious amounts, Popchips are a healthier option among other potato chips. They also contain little allergens making them a good choice for many people.
Recommended Alternative
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
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
While Popchips are a better option from traditional potato chips, it depends on what type of health changes you are trying to make as to decide if they are good for you or not. They contain fewer calories and less total fat, and no saturated fats compared to the average big brand potato chips. This is even true when comparing Popchips and kettle chips. But there’s a trade-off: Popchips contain a bigger amount of carbohydrates and sodium, and have less protein. Just like all snack foods, moderation is very important.
Popchips are mostly allergen free making them an acceptable snack food to most people as opposed to other potato chips. Some flavors contain dairy products, though, so you should still be sure to read the label. Popchips are certified gluten-free and soy-free, and contain zero preservatives or artificial colors/flavoring. Those points alone make this an excellent choice over most processed snack foods. The company also uses all non-GMO ingredients which saves you from toxin build-up and a variety of other health issues long-term.
These chips use safflower and sunflower oil which are healthier than many other oils used in other chip varieties. Popchips contain non-hydrogenated sunflower oil which provides higher amounts of omega-3s than omega-6s. Omega-3 limits inflammation in the body, while omega-6 in high amounts (like consumed in the American diet) causes inflammation leading to chronic disease. Safflower oil contains polyunsaturated fats which are responsible for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and therefore reduce the risk of heart disease.
Rice flour contains protein and fiber which helps you feel full. On the negative side of things, Popchips do not specify if they use brown or white rice flour and that can make all the difference health wise. Brown rice flour offers more protein and fiber, along with B vitamins.
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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effects from too much sodium
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- provides prebiotics to the gut
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contains omega-3 fatty acids
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digestive and immune system boost
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decreases ldl
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free from preservatives/artificial ingredients
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free from gmos
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Bare Baked Apple Snacks
- Crunchy texture
- Gluten-free snack
- Natural fruit flavors
- No preservatives
- Convenient pack size
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-25-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-25-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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