Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips (Everything You Need to Know)
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last Updated on August 21, 2023
If you love eating chips, you might be wondering about plantain chips vs potato chips – how they stack up against each other. Let’s dive right in and take a look at a side-by-side comparison of plantain chips vs potato chips.
Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips
Have you ever considered the nutritional value of plantain chips vs potato chips? The two foods are both tasty snack foods to heat, but one is made from plantains while traditional potato chips are made out of potatoes.
Plantains are actually just as versatile as potatoes! There are so many delicious plantain recipes that might surprise you. If you are on a special diet like the autoimmune protocol, then you know that potatoes are off-limits. Snacking on plantain chips is a great alternative.
Plantain Chips
Plantain is a starchy fruit that comes from the tropics. They’re a member of the banana family but taste more like a vegetable than a fruit. Green plantains have a starchy and bland flavor while ripe plantains have a sweet taste.
What Are Plantain Chips?
You can slice yellow and green plantain into thin slices to create plantain chips. The chips will satisfy your AIP snack cravings and are an excellent alternative to regular potato chips and pair well with dips.
How Are They Made?
Plantain chips are made by peeling the fruit before slicing it thinly. Then you can fry the chips in oil like avocado oil or bake them in the oven.
How Plantain Chips Taste
Plantain chips usually have a roasted and nutty flavor that’s not too sweet. When you make your own plantain chips, you can make them to be salty, spicy, or sweet depending upon what variety of flavors you use when preparing the chips.
Are Plantain Chips Healthy?
Plantains are an excellent source of fiber and essential nutrients that might make them a healthy snack depending upon the cooking method. If the chips have been fried, you should consider eating them in moderation as fried food may increase your risk of chronic health issues.
Nutritional Overview of Plantain Chips
The nutritional value of plantain chips can vary depending on the preparation method, added seasonings, and serving size.
Here’s a general overview of the nutritional value of plaintain chips.
Plantain Chips Calories
Plantain chips are somewhat high in calories due to the frying process. A 1-ounce serving of plantain chips contains approximately 150-160 calories.
Plantain Chips Carbohydrates
Plantain chips are primarily composed of carbs, which come from the natural starches present in plantains. A 1-ounce serving of plantain chips contains on average around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.
Plantain Chips Fat Content
The fat content in plantain chips can vary depending on the frying oil used and the specific brand. On average, a 1-ounce serving of plantain chips may contain around 7-10 grams of fat. It’s important to note that the type of fat used in the frying process can impact the overall healthiness of the chips.
Plantain Chips Fiber Content
Plantain chips provide a moderate amount of dietary fiber. A 1-ounce serving may offer approximately 2-3 grams of fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals of Plantain Chips
Plantain chips contain various vitamins and minerals, although the specific amounts can vary. Plantains are a good source of potassium, providing around 400-500 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. They also contain some vitamin A and vitamin C, although the amounts are not substantial compared to other fruits and vegetables.
Potato Chips
Potatoes chips are made from potatoes, a type of root vegetable and a nightshade food. You can find variations such as sweet potato chips and chips with less sodium. However, potato chips are salty snacks that are generally considered to be junk food as they have very little nutritive value.
You might enjoy: Sweet Potato vs Russet Potato
How Are Potato Chips Made?
Potato chips are usually fried. However, you can make the popular snack at home to create a healthier option. This usually involves baking the thinly sliced potatoes in the oven and reducing the amount of sodium on the chips.
Are Potato Chips Healthy?
While potatoes are not one of the high-fiber foods, they can be a source of fiber for many people. Also, potato chips don’t have many nutrients in the food, especially for the amount of calories in the chips. So, potato chips are not considered healthy to eat.
Nutritional Overview of Potato Chips
The nutritional value of potaot chips can vary depending on the preparation method, preservatives, added seasonings, and serving size. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional value if plaintain chips.
Calories in Potato Chips
Potato chips are generally high in calories due to the frying process and the added fats. On average, a 1-ounce serving of potato chips contains approximately 150-160 calories.
Carbohydrates
Potato chips are primarily composed of carbohydrates, mostly from the starches present in potatoes. A 1-ounce serving of potato chips typically contains around 15-16 grams of carbohydrates.
Fat Content of Potato Chips
Potato chips are known for their high fat content. The frying process typically involves the use of oils that contribute to the overall fat content. On average, a 1-ounce serving of potato chips may contain around 9-10 grams of fat. The type of oil used can impact the overall healthiness of the chips.
Fiber Content of Potato Chips
Potato chips generally have low fiber content since most of the fiber is lost during processing. A 1-ounce serving may provide only about 1-2 grams of fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals in Potato Chips
Potato chips are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, they do contain small amounts of certain nutrients present in potatoes, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The amounts are relatively low compared to fresh potatoes or other nutrient-rich foods.
Sodium in Potato Chips
One notable concern with potato chips is their high sodium content. The addition of salt during the manufacturing process contributes to their savory flavor. A 1-ounce serving of potato chips can contain around 150-200 milligrams of sodium or even higher, depending on the brand and flavor.
Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips: Why One Isn’t Healthier?
Many grocery stores are starting to carry both types of chips. While plantain chips have slightly fewer calories than potato chips, neither is considered healthier than the other. This is because both types of chips have a similar nutritional value and number of calories.
Nutritional Comparison Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips
Here’s an excellent nutritional comparison of plantain chips and potato chips that will help you choose between the two snack foods.
Calories of Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips
Both plantain chips and potato chips are relatively high in calories.
Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips Fat Content
The fat content can vary depending on the frying method and oil used. Plantain chips may have a slightly lower fat content compared to potato chips, but the difference is not significant.
Fiber Comparison
Plantain chips generally contain more dietary fiber compared to potato chips.
Protein Comparison
A 1-ounce serving of plantain chips typically contains less than 1 gram of protein, whereas the same amount of potato chips contains 2 grams of protein. Both plantain chips and potato chips contain a low amount of protein.
Carbohydrates Comparison of Plantain Chips vs Potato Chips
Plantain chips and potato chips are both predominantly composed of carbohydrates.
Sodium of Plantain Chips & Potato Chips
Both plantain chips and potato chips can be high in sodium, especially if salt is added during the frying or seasoning process. It’s important to check the labels as sodium content can vary among different brands and flavors.
Choosing chips that are seasoned with an unrefined type of salt, such as sea salt, is best.
Cholesterol of Plantain Chips Vs Potato Chips
Both plantain chips and potato chips are plant-based snacks and naturally do not contain cholesterol. However, if the chips are cooked in or coated with unhealthy fats or oils, it can increase the saturated fat content, which may have an impact on cholesterol levels in the body when consumed in excess.
Opting for chips that are cooked in healthier oils is a better choice from a cholesterol perspective.
Vitamins and Minerals
Plantain chips tend to be richer in certain vitamins and minerals compared to potato chips. Plantains are a good source of potassium, whereas potatoes are lower in potassium content. Plantains also contain some vitamin A and vitamin C, although the amounts are not substantial.
Potato Chips and Plantain Chips Taste and Texture
It’s worth noting that both types of chips can be a great healthy snack when made with natural ingredients and healthy oil. They have a neutral taste that makes seasoning the chips easy and a crunchy texture.
Flavor Profiles
Potato chips have a neutral taste to the chips. This makes seasoning the chips with sea salt, barbeque sauce, vinegar, and other flavors easy. Plantain chips have a naturally sweet flavor that is able to be seasoned as well.
Crunchiness
Plantain chips have the upper hand when it comes to crunchiness as they’re slightly more crunchy than potato chips.
Are Their Benefits of Eating One Over the Other?
The benefits of eating one type of chip over the other type of chip depend upon what advantages you’re looking for.
Plantain Chip Benefits Over Potato Chips
The plantain chips have nutritional advantages, a lower fat content, and more fiber in a two-ounce serving.
- Higher Nutrient Content – Plantain chips tend to have more vitamins and minerals in the food than potato chips do.
- Lower Fat Content – You’ll find less fat in plantain chips than in potato chips, particularly saturated fat.
- High Fiber Content – Plantain chips also have a higher fiber content as it has 3 grams of fiber per 28-gram serving. Potato chips tend to have 1 gram of fiber.
- Potential Lower Glycemic Index – If you’re watching your blood sugar levels, consider eating plantain chips as they have a potentially lower glycemic index number.
Potato Chip Benefits Over Plantain Chips
Potato chips offer a lower calorie content and are more widely available than plantain chips.
- Lower Calorie Content – Potato chips may have less calories than plantain chips.
- More Widely Available – Potato chips are a common food that is easily found in your local grocery store. You may need to search specialty stores to find plantain chips.
- Familiar Taste – Since most people have eaten potato chips since childhood, the taste is familiar, unlike the unique flavor of plantain chips.
- Potential Lower Sodium Content – Many brands of potato chips are offering a healthier alternative without so much sodium as you will find in the regular types of potato chips.
Cooking Methods
When you are cooking plantain or potato chips at home, there are several different types of cooking methods you can try. Some cooking methods offer significant health benefits over other methods.
Frying
Cooking chips with a frying method isn’t considered the healthiest alternative. You may increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, or another chronic illness. You do have a variety of oils to choose from when frying like avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Baking
Consider baking plantain and potato chips at home instead of frying them. You will end up with a crunchy side dish.
Air Frying
Another option is to air fry your plantain and potato chips. Air frying is a method that circulates hot air and gives food a crunchy texture similar to frying in oil.
Kettle Cooked
Using a kettle to cook your chips will give you a delicious crunchy texture. Kettle cooking involves frying the chips in a kettle of oil in smaller batches.
Serving Suggestions
While you can eat your potato chips or plantain chips plain, they also pair well with a variety of dips.
Salsa
Salsa is the name for a group of sauces. Often these sauces include tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients. Consider serving up salsa with chips at your next party.
Guacamole
Avocados are the main ingredient in guacamole. Guacamole is another excellent choice when you’re eating plantain or potato chips.
Hummus
My white bean hummus tastes great with plantain chips. Hummus is traditionally a combination of chickpeas, sesame paste, and an acid like lemon juice. It pairs delightfully with both plantain chips and potato chips.
Yogurt-based Dips
The next time you’re pulling out traditional potato chips or plantain chips, consider a yogurt-based dip, like tzatziki. The dip will add a yummy flavor to your snack.
Cheese Dips
Another option is to make a cheese dip for your chips. Both plantain and potato chips taste divine when paired with cheese.
Different Ways of Enjoying Plantains
Plantains are frequently eaten in a baked dish, soup, or fried as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading to find out the answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about potato chips vs plantain chips.
Are Plantains a Healthy Snack?
Plantains are an excellent source of B-complex vitamins and vitamin A, which means they can be a healthier snack option.
Which is Healthier? Potato Chips or Plantain Chips?
Neither potato chips nor plantain chips are considered healthier than the other. Potato chips may have fewer calories and less salt, but plantain chips tend to have more vitamin A and higher fiber content.
What is the healthiest chips to eat?
If you’re looking for healthy chips to snack on, consider eating banana chips, kale chips, or chips made from sweet potatoes.
What is a healthy alternative to potato chips?
Kale chips can be a healthy alternative to potato chips if you’re looking for weight loss. Other alternatives are banana chips and sweet potato chips.
In Conclusion
Potato chips and plantain chips are delicious snack foods to enjoy in limited amounts. They’re usually made by frying thin slices of the produce in hot oil. Both foods have some of the daily vitamin requirements. In general, plantain chips have more nutrients and fiber, while potato chips have fewer calories and are easily found in grocery stores.
