5 Healthy Alternatives to Fried Potato Chips

I love BBQ chips so naturally (pun intended) I had to try Popchips take on the classic chips. Popchips are a somewhat recent arrival on the chip scene (if there is one). Their take on the classic potato chip is to air pop them. What this means is that that "add a little heat and pressure" to make the chip pop. No oil, no baking and no preservatives. The result, a healthier, non-fried potato-based alternative to fried chips.

I currently have a large bag of these in my pantry that is quickly dwindling by the day. They look like a cross between a french fry and a cheese puff but with a light-as-air taste and a spinach or tomato aftertaste. My four-year-old loves them to and I can give him plenty with the knowledge that they are much healthier than a potato chip.

Super crunchy, tasty, and they boast 30% less fat than the leading potato chip.

Potato Flyers state that they have "50% less fat and 20% less calories than regular potato chips". While "regular potato chips" is a little vague, these do compete in flavour with the popular brands of fried potato chips. They are baked and that is where the bulk of nutritional savings are. They are also gluten and trans-fat free which is a plus.

If you are looking for a Baked Lays alternative, then this is a good choice. Simple crunchy potato flavour through and through. Available in original (salt), Homestyle BBQ, and Sour Cream and Onion. Try them, you'll like them!

You're probably already familiar with Terra Chips as they are very popular. Rightly so. They are a veteran in the potato chip alternative snack market with over twenty years experience providing veggie-based treats.

While Terra Chips are cooked in expeller pressed oils, they also feature a full serving of vegetables and no trans fats. Terra Chips are a great compromise if you want the fried taste but with a healthy kick. Original flavour for me: seasonal mix of root vegetables (sweet potato, parsnip, batata, taro, yuca), canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, salt.

I love cheese puffs and I love white chedder so right off the bat, this is a winner. The big crunch, the mouth-watering goodness, and the knowledge that these are a little better for you than your average potato chip add up to a great snack. Their slant on the ever-popular cheese puff is to include no artificial colors, preservatives or harmful additives.

Barbara, the founder, started the company as a "natural bakery" in 1971 in Northern California. The plan, to "make wholesome food taste incredibly delicious". She succeeded. Bonus, they also use environmentally-friendly packaging.

By popular demand, I am adding popcorn to the list. It seems many people who have visited this lens want our fluffy kernal friend to join the list.

I'll admit, I haven't tried the Paragon brand of popcorn but, to me, pop corn is popcorn (am I wrong!?). The way to differentiate is in how you pop it and what you put on top. In that sense, yes, popcorn can be a healthy alternative, as long as you keep the salt and butter to a minimum. Though that can be harder than it sounds!