Crisps are a dietary staple in the UK, with the average British resident reportedly consuming 150 packets every year. Supermarkets are stocked with numerous flavours and brands, each offering a unique taste and texture. For those who enjoy a meal deal, crisps are a popular snack choice. However, as more people become mindful of their eating habits, it can be challenging to determine which crisps are healthier than others.
Crisps are generally not the most nutritionally dense option, as many varieties are highly processed and loaded with sodium and saturated fats. Nevertheless, some options are better than others, and consumer experts at Which? set out to identify them.
Which? Test Methodology
The experts stated: "As well as traditional potato crisps and reconstituted snacks such as Quavers, this burgeoning market now includes lentil chips, veggie straws and other plant-based options aimed at the health-conscious searching for a guilt-free crisp experience. But are these 'healthy' options quite what they seem?"
They tested 66 different crisp varieties using the government's Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM), the official scoring system used to determine whether foods are high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS). They also applied a University of Oxford equation to convert scores into a scaled score out of 100.
Top Healthiest Crisps
Coming out on top with an NPM score of 74 was Kettle Chips Lightly Salted. These crisps achieved a 'perfect balance' of negative nutrients with solid fibre and protein, and they are relatively low in calories and saturated fat. Among all crisps reviewed, they had the lowest sugar content (0.4g per 100g) and low salt levels.
They are available in most supermarkets, but the cheapest place to buy them is Poundland, where a multipack of five costs just £1. Alternatively, a 130g bag can be purchased from Asda for £2.64.
Fans praise the crisps for their flavour and texture. One reviewer wrote: "I love these crisps. They have the perfect crunch with every bite. The flavour is just right too, not too salty, just the perfect balance." Another said: "I really enjoyed these crisps. The texture felt good and there was just the right amount of salt added to make the crisps really tasty."
Full List of Healthier Crisps
Here is the complete list of the 'healthier' crisps available in the UK, according to Which?, along with their NPM scores:
- Kettle Chips lightly salted - 74/100
- Holland & Barrett carrot & beetroot chips lightly sea salted - 72/100
- Simply Roasted sea salt & cider vinegar - 72/100
- Tyrrells Lentil Crisps sour cream & onion - 72/100
- Tyrrells Lentil Crisps sweet chilli & red pepper - 72/100
