Chips may be one of America’s favorite snacks, but not all brands are created equal. Some are made with just a few simple ingredients, while others pack in artificial flavors, preservatives, and dyes. For health-conscious shoppers, knowing the difference can help reduce exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Clean chips can still deliver crunch and flavor without a laundry list of additives. Let’s break down the five cleanest and five most chemical-laden chips currently sitting on store shelves.
1. Cleanest: Kettle Brand Sea Salt Chips
Kettle Brand Sea Salt Chips are often praised for their simplicity. They typically contain just three ingredients—potatoes, oil, and sea salt. Without added colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives, they appeal to shoppers seeking minimal processing. The bold crunch comes from small-batch cooking rather than chemical enhancers. These chips prove that clean snacking doesn’t have to be boring.
2. Cleanest: Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
Jackson’s uses only sweet potatoes, coconut oil, and sea salt in their popular chip line. The use of coconut oil instead of vegetable oil makes them a standout among competitors. Their sweet and salty balance offers a flavorful alternative without additives. Many health-conscious shoppers prefer Jackson’s for its transparency in ingredients. This is a go-to option for those avoiding artificial chemicals in their chips.
3. Cleanest: Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Chips
Boulder Canyon has earned fans with its use of avocado oil for frying. These chips have simple ingredient lists that often stop at potatoes, oil, and salt. The avocado oil not only provides a unique taste but also healthier fat content. Shoppers appreciate the absence of artificial preservatives and unnecessary chemicals. Boulder Canyon proves that premium oil can elevate chip quality.
4. Cleanest: Terra Original Vegetable Chips
Terra chips bring variety to the clean snack category with a mix of root vegetables. Their ingredients highlight beets, taro, sweet potatoes, and parsnips cooked in natural oils. Without artificial flavors or dyes, the vibrant colors come naturally from the vegetables themselves. They offer a healthier snacking experience while still delivering satisfying crunch. Terra appeals to those who want diversity in both flavor and nutrition.
5. Cleanest: Late July Multigrain Tortilla Chips
Late July tortilla chips are made with organic corn and a blend of grains. They avoid artificial preservatives and focus on USDA-certified organic ingredients. Their chips often contain chia seeds, flax, and quinoa, adding nutritional value. With clean oil frying and no added colors, they’re a favorite among families. Late July shows that even tortilla chips can prioritize clean ingredients.
6. Most Chemical-Laden: Doritos Nacho Cheese
Doritos may be iconic, but their ingredient list is long and chemical-heavy. Artificial flavors, dyes like Red 40, and preservatives all make the cut. The bold flavor comes from engineered additives rather than natural seasonings. While tasty, these chemicals raise concerns for long-term health-conscious shoppers. Doritos are the poster child for highly processed snacking.
7. Most Chemical-Laden: Pringles Original
Pringles are technically not even traditional potato chips—they’re potato-based crisps formed with added starches and chemicals. The ingredient list includes artificial flavors and preservatives to maintain texture and taste. Their unique shape comes from heavy processing rather than natural slicing. Shoppers often rank them among the least “clean” options due to these additives. Convenience comes at the cost of natural ingredients.
8. Most Chemical-Laden: Cheetos Crunchy
Cheetos aren’t just chips, but they dominate the snack aisle with a bright orange coating. That famous color comes from artificial dyes and flavoring agents. The cheesy dust sticks thanks to additives that don’t exist in real cheese. While addictive in taste, the chemical profile is far from clean. Cheetos highlight how engineered flavor can overshadow natural ingredients.
9. Most Chemical-Laden: Lay’s Sour Cream & Onion
While Lay’s classic salted chips are relatively simple, flavored varieties take a different turn. The Sour Cream & Onion flavor contains artificial flavorings, preservatives, and multiple additives. These chemicals mimic dairy flavors and extend shelf life. Compared to plain chips, they are noticeably more processed. The extra complexity makes them one of the more chemical-laden choices on shelves.
10. Most Chemical-Laden: Takis Fuego
Takis are known for their fiery taste, but their ingredient list is just as intense. Artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 6, plus chemical flavor enhancers, dominate the formula. The spicy powder is engineered for maximum punch rather than natural seasoning. Takis often rank among the worst for clean-label shoppers due to their heavy processing. The flavor may be bold, but so are the additives.
Choosing Crunch Wisely
Not all chips are created equal, and the cleanest options prove that simple ingredients can still deliver big flavor. Meanwhile, chemical-laden snacks rely on artificial additives that concern many shoppers. Reading labels and understanding what’s behind the crunch helps you make smarter choices. Your snack can either fuel your body or just fill it with chemicals.
Which chips do you reach for most often, and do you notice the ingredient lists when you shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You May Also Like
- Why Couples Fight More Over Snacks Than Big Purchases
- 6 Theme Park Snacks That Are Marked Up More Than Jewelry
- 10 Airport Snacks That Cost Triple But Travelers Still Buy
- The 7 Snack Foods That Grocery Stores Pull From Shelves Without Announcing
- Buy These 6 Snacks Before Halloween or Expect Empty Shelves
The post Best and Worst Snacks: Here Are the 5 Cleanest and 5 Most Chemical-Laden Chips on Shelves appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
