Are vegetable crisps really healthier than potato crisps?

We’re all looking for smarter ways to snack. Whether it’s to keep hunger at bay between meals or simply enjoy something savoury, many people are swapping traditional potato crisps for vegetable crisps in the belief that they’re a healthier choice.

But are they really?

The answer is: sometimes – but not always.

What are vegetable crisps?

Vegetable crisps are made by slicing vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, parsnip or sweet potato before baking or frying them until crisp. Many are lightly seasoned with sea salt or spices, and some bags contain a colourful mix of different vegetables.

They offer a different flavour and texture from traditional potato crisps and can help add variety to your snack cupboard.

Are vegetable crisps healthier than potato crisps?

Not necessarily.

Although vegetable crisps are made from vegetables, the nutritional profile depends on how they’re made (processed), not simply what they’re made from.

Some vegetable crisps are baked, while others are deep-fried. Many contain similar amounts of fat, salt and calories to traditional potato crisps.

The healthiest choice depends on factors such as:

• The cooking method (baked or roasted versus fried)
• The type of oil used
• Salt content (and type of salt used)
• Portion size
• The length of the ingredient list

Rather than assuming one snack is healthier than another, it’s always worth checking the nutrition label.

Why are vegetable crisps becoming so popular?

Consumers today are looking beyond taste alone. Increasingly, they’re choosing snacks made with simpler ingredients and looking for products that fit a healthier lifestyle.

Vegetable crisps appeal because they often offer:

• Greater variety than traditional potato crisps
• Different colours, flavours and textures
• Plant-based ingredients
• A more premium feel
• Shorter, more recognisable ingredient lists (depending on the brand)

Another crisp alternative: roasted seaweed snacks

Alongside vegetable crisps, roasted seaweed snacks have become increasingly popular with consumers looking for lighter, plant-based snacks.

Although seaweed grows in the ocean rather than on land, it is an edible marine vegetable that’s naturally packed with flavour.

Unlike many crisp-style snacks, roasted seaweed delivers an incredibly light, crispy texture with a distinctive umami taste.

Depending on the product, seaweed snacks can also provide:

• Naturally low calories
• Naturally low carbohydrates
• High fibre
• Naturally high vitamin B12
• Naturally high iodine, which contributes to normal thyroid function and normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Naturally occurring antioxidant compounds

Vegetable crisps vs seaweed snacks

Both can be excellent alternatives to traditional crisps – they simply offer different benefits.

Vegetable crisps are ideal if you enjoy the familiar taste of roasted root vegetables.

Roasted seaweed snacks provide a lighter, crispier snack with a unique umami flavour and a naturally nutrient-rich profile.

If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrate intake, increase fibre or simply add more variety to your snacking, roasted seaweed is well worth trying.

How to choose healthier crisps

When comparing snacks, don’t rely on the front of the pack alone. Instead, look for products that:

• Use simple, recognisable ingredients
• Are baked or roasted where possible
• Use quality oils, such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
• Avoid unnecessary additives and added sugars
• Contain moderate amounts of salt
• Provide useful nutritional benefits, such as fibre or naturally occurring vitamins and minerals

Generally, the shorter and more recognisable the ingredient list, the better.

The verdict

Vegetable crisps can be a great alternative to traditional potato crisps, but they’re not automatically healthier. The best approach is to look beyond the marketing and choose snacks made with quality ingredients and a nutritional profile that suits your lifestyle.

Roasted seaweed snacks are another delicious option, offering light, satisfying crunch together with naturally occurring nutrients and clean, simple ingredients.

If you’re looking for Snacks With Benefits, MORiSH crispy seaweed snacks are well worth adding to your snack rotation.

However, if you’ve found a stunning plant-based snack that you’re just dying to share, reach out on social and tag @morishsnacks.