Potato chips are a popular choice for movie nights, parties, or just hanging out with friends. But chips are full of extra calories, salt, saturated fat, and sugar. According to the NHS UK, eating too many ultra-processed foods like chips can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Well, you don’t have to give up snacking. You can enjoy tasty, healthier options that are better for your body.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, recently shared eight alternatives to potato chips on Instagram. He wrote, “I am a board-certified Gastroenterologist, and here are 8 better snacks I advise my patients to eat instead of potato chips. Snacks can heal or harm. It depends on what you choose.”
5 Healthy Snacks That Can Replace Potato Chips
Here are Dr Sethi’s top picks:
1. Roasted chickpeas
These are crunchy, high in protein and fibre, and filling. They give you energy without the greasy oils of chips.
2. Air-popped popcorn
Popcorn is a whole-grain snack packed with fibre. Dr Sethi advises, “skip the butter and artificial flavours” to keep it healthy.
3. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. They support your heart, brain, and liver.
4. Edamame
Green soybeans are full of plant protein and nutrients. “It is a satisfying and gut-friendly swap,” Dr Sethi says.
5. Greek yoghurt with berries
This snack is creamy, rich in protein and probiotics, and supports gut and liver health.
6. Seeds
Pumpkin, sunflower, chia, and flax seeds are full of fibre, omega-3s, and healthy fats. They give steady energy and help digestion.
7. Veggie sticks with hummus
Carrots, cucumbers, and celery are crunchy and full of fibre. Pair them with hummus for a tasty, low-calorie snack.
8. Dark chocolate
Choose chocolate with 70% cocoa. It is high in magnesium and polyphenols, and satisfies sweet cravings without a sugar crash.
Small changes in snacking can make a big difference to your health. Next time you reach for potato chips, try one of these eight healthy snacks instead. Your body and taste buds will thank you.
