Baked potato chips are widely available on the market and are considered to be a healthier option than the deep fried variety. This is because generally baked potato chips don't contain nearly as much fat or as many calories as the fried version. However, not all baked chips are created equally so some of them simply don't fit the bill when it comes to satisfying a craving for salty, fried potato chips. The good news is that there are a few different options on the market that provide the crunch, flavor and texture of fried chips, but don't come with all the fat.
Baked Lays
These chips come in a variety of different options. The original flavor provides a hefty crunch and the salty taste that is associated with fried potato chips. The barbeque and sour cream and onion flavors provide a rich alternative to their counter parts. Baked Lays tend to have less calories and fat as the fried variety, but do still contain a considerable amount of fat and sodium. They should be enjoyed sparingly if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Kettle Brand Baked Potato Chips
Kettle Brand prides itself in using all natural ingredients that are GMO free. They don't use a lot of unnecessary ingredients in their chip varieties, and the chips they produce are light and crisp. Many different flavors including barbeque, jalapeño, cheddar, sour cream and chive, among others, are available at competitive prices in most supermarkets and health foods store.
As with the Baked Lays, just because these are better for you than fried chips doesn't mean you can eat an unlimited number without having to worry about your waist line.
Make Your Own Baked Potato Chips
You can easily make your own chips at home which will actually save you money, fat and calories. Unlike the commercially produced variety, homemade potato chips can be done without the use of a lot of oil. In fact, to really keep the fat in check, consider using a spray instead. Cut your potatoes into thin slices and then spread them on a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of each potato and then sprinkle your favorite flavors on such as salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese or even fresh herbs.
Bake your potatoes in the oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes, then take then out and flip them over. Lightly spray them with oil, sprinkle them with the spices you used on the other side, and then put them back in the oven until they're almost completely crisp and light brown. As they cool, they will crisp up even more, creating a great baked chip you can enjoy anytime without all the fat and calories of the options you will find on the market.
If you want to make a tasty treat that's even healthier than baked chips, consider experimenting with different vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips and bake them as you would potatoes. You'll find that many root vegetable make great chips that can be used with dips and dressings just as potato chips.
