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Whether they’re made of potatoes, corn, or fruit, chips stake their
claim as the classic American snack.
Potato chips—made from thinly sliced potatoes that have been deep-fried and
salted—are an American classic. Corn chips, made from ground cornmeal that has been
formed into varying shapes and deep-fried, are a standard in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. As
health consciousness has grown, more nutritious versions of chips, many of which are baked
rather than fried, have been introduced, and they can now be an acceptable snack when enjoyed
as part of a healthful diet.
Varieties
Chips are most commonly made from potatoes or corn, but may also be
made from other fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, blue potatoes, carrots, and
apples, as well as more unusual vegetables, such as taro root. They come in a variety of
shapes and sizes. Low-fat and fat-free versions, low-sodium varieties, and chips cooked in olive oil and unhydrogenated oil are also
available.
Buying and storing tips
Buy chips in smaller bags for maximum freshness. Store them,
unopened, in a cool, dark cupboard for up to six months. Store opened chips in a sealed
plastic bag for up to one week. Choose lower-fat, lower-sodium varieties, and avoid those that
contain saturated fat or hydrogenated oils.
Availability
A wide variety of chips are available in natural food stores, food
markets, and specialty stores.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Serve corn chips with low-fat bean dip; top salads with carrot chips
for a healthier crunch than croutons.
Nutritional Highlights
Potato chips (plain), 1 oz. (about 28g)
Calories: 158
Protein: 1.7g
Carbohydrate: 14.5g
Total Fat: 11g
Fiber: 1.02g
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires December 2003.
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