4 healthier versions of chips

We tested four healthier alternatives to traditional munchies

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Threeworks Apple Chips

Threeworks Apple Chips

Threeworks Apple Chips are made from Fiji apples that are sliced and dehydrated to retain the natural flavour. We found these at Loblaws. Available in six flavours: Original, Cinnamon, Caramel, Vanilla, Lemon and Mixed Berry. A regular size (50 g) has 200 calories and 2 g protein; snack size (25 g) has 100 calories and 1 g protein. Neither has any fat. ($2 for 25 g; $4 for 50 g)

Love the canister-it looks like such a NEAT treat. I can still taste the apple, and the caramel flavour I tried was great. The “chips” retain the shape of the original apple slices (peel and all). They’re sweet like apples, but crispy like chips.
-Ruth Hanley, Copy Chief

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Simply Protein Chips

Simply Protein Chips

Simply Protein Chips are made from pea protein and potato flakes, and they’re really high in protein, which helps you feel full longer. This vegan snack is also gluten-, dairy- and soy-free. Available in two flavours: Herb and Chili. We found these at Bulk Barn. A 33-g snack bag has 140 calories, 4 g fat (0.3 g saturated fat) and 15 g protein. ($2.50, 33 g)

Being vegan, I always appreciate a snack that’s packed with protein. I loved the spicy kick of the chili flavour, and these chips provide 20 percent of your daily iron needs. They come in handy for those 4 p.m. hunger pangs.
-Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

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Beanitos bean chips

Beanitos bean chips

Beanitos chips are made from pinto or black beans, so they are high in fibre. Available in four flavours (Black Bean, Pinto & Flax, Chipotle BBQ Black Bean and Cheddar Cheese Pinto Bean), and regular (170 g) or snack size (35 g). We found these at Sobeys. A 35-g bag has 175 calories, 8 g fat (0.75 g saturated fat) and 6 g protein. ($2 for two 35-g bags;
$4 for a 170-g bag)

Some potato- or nacho-chip alternatives lack a satisfying crunch. Not Beanitos. They are delicious on their own, but the proof is in the nachos: When I heated these in the toaster oven with salsa and cheddar, they stayed crunchy.
-Joana Lourenço, Associate Editor

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Rhythm Kale Chips

Rhythm Kale Chips

Rhythm Kale Chips are made with organic ingredients. Fresh kale is tossed in a vegan sauce mix, and then dehydrated under low heat-a healthier alternative to frying. Available in five flavours: Bombay Curry, Kool Ranch, Zesty Nacho, Mango Habanero and Texas BBQ. We found them at Whole Foods. A 28-g serving has 160 calories, 7 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat) and 6 g protein. ($7, 57 g)

These were full of flavour, and the Zesty Nacho also had some heat. Unfortunately, the kale crumbles. You have to be careful not to crush the bag, which wasn’t ideal for my packed lunch. (But the crumbs still tasted great!)
-Melissa Greer, Content Producer

Related:
9 healthy, crunchy snacks
6 healthier salty snack ideas
15 guilt-free snack ideas

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