25 Unhealthiest Chips on the Planet

When it comes to choosing a snack, many people reach for a bag of chips. Whether you prefer classic potato chips or those with bold flavors like Cheetos, Doritos, and Takis, it's important to be aware of their nutritional content. Chips are by no means considered a healthy treat, but some varieties are healthy, and others are much worse. In this article, we will examine the 25 unhealthiest chips available on the market today, helping you make more informed choices and avoid the worst options.

Registered Dietitian Kiran Campbell, RD, advises that it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, fat and sodium content, and any unwanted added ingredients when choosing chips. "Most brands of chips on the market contain fat and a decent amount of sodium and calories, which may make them the unhealthiest component of your meal. You may also want to avoid chips with added dyes, which can be used for coloring."

That's why it's important to look at the nutritional content located on the nutrition facts label. To help you navigate the chip aisle more easily, we've done that groundwork for you.

How We Chose the Unhealthiest Chips

When choosing the unhealthiest chip brands, we looked at one or more of the following factors:

• Artificial Dyes: Many popular chip brands use artificial dyes and colors, but these additives have been linked to possible allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, bowel diseases, and even an increased cancer risk in some cases. When reading the nutrition label, avoid brands that use Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake, or Blue 1. Instead, look for brands that use natural flavorings and dyes.

• Sodium Content: Many brands of chips are loaded with sodium. This ingredient is necessary for our bodies in small quantities, but in excess, it can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Because of this, the FDA recommends a limit of 2,300 milligrams per day, and the American Heart Association says this limit can be lowered to 1,500 milligrams when you're watching your heart health. If you can, look for chips that are lower than 150 milligrams of sodium per serving.

• Lack of Filling Nutrients: Snack foods should be able to fill you up and give you a boost of energy in between meals, but many chip brands lack the nutrients to do so. For instance, snacks with nutrients like protein and fiber can reduce hunger and cravings, but most of the chips on our list contain only 1 or 2 grams of each, and some don't contain any at all. These chips won't satiate you and instead may lead to over-snacking.

With these things in mind, check out the following list of the 25 unhealthiest chips on the market. Then, check out The 40 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet.

Fritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips

If you love chili as much as you love cheese and corn chips, Fritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips may seem like a savory taste bud-pleasing dream. Unfortunately, no matter how much you adore this offering from the popular brand, it's not something that you should be eating every day.

"Per serving size of 31 chips, this provides an outrageous 10 milligrams of total fat with 1.5 milligrams of saturated fat," Campbell says to explain why these Fritos are among the unhealthiest chips on store shelves. Although that's enough of a reason to only enjoy these occasionally (if ever), she points out that "the sodium amount of 210 milligrams per serving is also something that may lead to water retention for some consumers with certain health issues."

 40 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet

Doritos Flamin' Hot Cool Ranch

These Doritos Flamin' Hot Cool Ranch Tortilla Chips contain every artificial dye under the sun: Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Yellow 6 Lake. These various dyes have been linked to bowel diseases and hyperactivity in children and possibly contain contaminants that have been linked to cancer risk.

 10 Best Tortilla Chips—and 3 to Avoid

Pringles Enchilada Adobada Chips

Flavors of classic Mexican enchiladas combined with your favorite savory snack are tempting, but you're better off eating actual enchiladas and leaving these Enchilada Adobada Pringles on the shelf. With 280 milligrams of sodium per serving, it's far too easy to load up on too much salt if you exceed the suggested serving size. On top of that, these chips also contain Red 40, an artificial dye linked to an increased risk of bowel diseases.

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Lay's Sour Cream & Onion

Lay's Sour Cream & Onion is a classic option, but these chips don't offer up much in the nutrition department. In a 1-ounce bag, you're getting almost 300 milligrams of sodium and only 3 grams of protein. The lack of protein means this snack won't fill you up, and you'll be tempted to keep snacking.

Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Chips

"The frightening thing about [Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Chips] is that only 10 chips will provide 7 grams of total fat and 1 gram of saturated fat," Campbell tells us while referring to these unhealthy chips.

An option that should obviously cause a considerable amount of concern for anyone who wants to keep their snacks on the reasonable side, Campbell notes that "if you are not paying attention to how much you're eating, you could end up consuming a significant amount of fat, just from your choice of snack."

"The sodium content is also on the high end at 280 milligrams per serving, making it not the most suitable or healthiest snack or meal accompaniment," she adds. That may be putting it mildly which might be the only mild aspect of this spicy snack.

 15 Best High-Protein, Low-Calorie Snacks at the Grocery Store

Pringles Philly Cheesesteak Chips

The Philly Cheesesteak is the kind of sandwich that can spark fierce debates over the ideal ingredients and proper preparation. Although every version surely has its tasty merits, most of them share a few things in common that define the dish. Indeed, when you bite into a Philly Cheesesteak, you surely expect to taste "caramelized onion, sirloin steak, cheese, and a hint of garlic."

Pringles has done its best to capture those flavors and deliver them via its Pringles Philly Cheesesteak Chips, which are inspired by the beloved sandwich. Unfortunately, to do so, they came up with a snack that contains 150 calories per serving, hence why Mary Wirtz, MS, RDN, CSSD, a nutritional consultant at Mom Loves Best, advises against eating them.

Lay's Wavy Hickory BBQ

The Wavy Hickory BBQ Chips from Lay's are another example of a snack food that won't come close to filling you up. With only 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein per serving, these chips are the opposite of satiating. We do appreciate that these chips are free of artificial dyes, but you're still better off leaving them on the shelf and finding a more filling snack to enjoy between meals.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

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Cheetos Flamin' Hot Tangy Chili Fusion

Along with containing artificial dyes, Yellow 5 Lake and Red 40 Lake, these Flamin' Hot Tangy Chili Fusion Cheetos contain 200 milligrams of sodium per sodium—a number that may be high for those watching their sodium intake. As a reminder, the FDA recommends limiting your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, but the American Heart Association says it's even better if you can keep it below 1,500 milligrams. 200 milligrams may not seem like that much at first, but this number will quickly add up if you snack beyond the suggested serving size.

Lay's Flamin' Hot

There's a pattern when it comes to unhealthy chips: if you see "Flamin' Hot" in the title, they're more than likely going to make our list (usually because of high sodium counts and/or artificial dyes). The Flamin' Hot Lay's Potato Chips are a good example, as these are high in sodium and low in fiber and protein, meaning they'll leave you feeling hungry afterward.

Takis Fuego Rolls

You'll definitely want to take these out of your grocery basket if you're watching your salt intake. In a small 12-chip serving, these Takis Fuego Rolls have over 400 milligrams of sodium, a number that may get you too close your maximum daily intake if you exceed the serving size. Along with a high sodium count, these chips also contain artificial dyes Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake.

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Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites

If you haven't heard of Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites, that's because they "are newer on the market," according to Campbell, who points out that they are "also an unhealthy choice."

"The ingredients list states that the Flamin' Hot seasoning contains artificial coloring, including Red 40 Lake and multiple yellow dyes," Campbell says while bringing up another issue with this particular variety of Cheetos. Although that may not seem like much of a problem, Red 40 has been linked to a range of side effects, including allergic reactions, asthma, skin irritation, migraines, and hyperactivity, as well as changes in mood, such as feeling depressed or irritable, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

On top of that, MSG (or monosodium glutamate) is another ingredient found in Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites, which Campbell says "some consumers may be sensitive to."

Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings

Fun fact about Funyuns: They're known as "Cebolitos" in Brazil under a brand known as Elma Chips. Unfortunately, going by a different name doesn't necessarily make them any healthier. That also goes for using these unhealthy chips to create a blooming onion of sorts or putting them on burgers and pizza. We probably shouldn't even mention the Funyun-topped ice cream and Funyun-covered banana split.

While you might need a moment to digest those dish (and dessert) ideas, you definitely shouldn't be consuming an abundance of Funyuns. Indeed, however, you like to eat them, Wirtz says that these are the kind of crunchy snack that you should cut back on ASAP before you find yourself overindulging.

Takis Blue Heat Waves

It's safe to say that your potato chips should never be blue, and these Takis Blue Heat Waves achieve this concerning color from the artificial dye Blue 1 Lake. Most animal studies have found that there isn't a connection between Blue 1 consumption and cancer, but some studies show that there may still be toxic side effects, such as hyperactivity in children.

Ruffles Flamin' Hot Cheddar & Sour Cream

These Ruffles Chips combine Flamin' Hot and Cheddar Sour Cream flavors for a savory snack, but the additives and lack of nutrients aren't worth it. You're only getting 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein per serving, meaning you won't feel anywhere close to full after one serving. Plus, these chips contain artificial dyes Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Red 40 Lake, which have been linked to possible toxicity.

 6 Healthiest Potato Chips—and 4 To Avoid

Tostitos Hint of Guacamole

At first glance, you. may think these Tostitos Hint of Guacamole are healthier than regular tortilla chips, but don't be fooled. There is no trace to be found of guacamole or anything resembling avocado. Instead, these chips contain three artificial dyes: Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake.

Funyuns Flamin' Hot Flavored Rings

Remember how we said "Flamin' Hot" chips are often the most unhealthy? Let's look at another example: these Funyuns Flamin' Hot Onion Rings. They contain Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake, and a small serving of 13 chips contains almost 300 milligrams of sodium.

Takis Intense Nacho Rolls

Takis Intense Nacho Rolls are a tasty snack, but the high sodium count and lack of helpful nutrients are reason enough to leave them behind. Also, the 2.5 grams of saturated fat may not seem like much at first, but when you compare it to the AHA's recommended daily max of only 13 grams, you can see how it may quickly add up.

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Munchies Flamin' Hot Snack Mix

This combination of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Doritos, Sunchips, and Rold Gold Pretzels makes our list of unhealthiest chips because not only does a small 3/4-cup serving have almost 300 milligrams of sodium, but these snack bags contain a whopping seven artificial dyes: Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1.

Ruffles Flamin' Hot BBQ

Barbecue-flavored chips are always tasty, but these Flamin' Hot BBQ Ruffles are better left behind. Made with Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake, these chips contain artificial additives with potential side effects related to hyperactivity in children and possible exposure to toxicity.

Doritos Dinamita Sticks Tangy Fiery Lime

These Doritos Dinamita Sticks not only contain the artificial dye Red 40, but they also lack any nutritional value whatsoever. With less than 1 gram of fiber and only 2 grams of protein, nothing about this snack will satiate you or fill you up.

Funyuns Spicy Queso Flavored Rings

We know that the sound of Spicy Queso Onion Rings sounds delicious, but this snack won't provide any nutritional value to help keep you full until your next meal. Plus, it comes with three types of artificial coloring: Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake.

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Chester Flamin Hot Fries

When it comes to Chester Flamin Hot Fries, they use "a special blend of real cheese seasoning to give each bite the perfect pop and zing," says Campbell. Granted, that particular "pop" and "zing" come with an unhealthy twist.

"A serving of 33 pieces contains 8 grams of total fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, and 280 milligrams of sodium which is a nutrient that most of us do not need more of," Campbell points out. "[Furthermore,] these also contain red and yellow artificial dyes and MSG," which we've already noted are ingredients you might prefer to avoid.

Lay's Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips

"Unlike most other chips which have 1 gram of saturated fat per serving, these contain 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 28 gram serving," Campbell mentions while discussing Lay's Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips. You should consider that this is also "along with 10 grams total fat, 160 milligrams sodium, and 150 calories."

"The ingredient list is minimal for this product, which is nice," Campbell notes before also mentioning that "the vegetable oil used to fry these chips and salt added for flavoring do not make these chips a healthy choice."

If you're curious, a cup of either regular or low-sodium dill pickles only has about 18 calories, so you're better off snacking on the real thing as opposed to the chip version.

Ruffles Queso Cheese Chips

There's no doubt that Ruffles chips can be delicious, and any cheese-lover will likely tell you that the queso is a drool-worthy dip. While combining the two in Ruffles Queso Cheese Chips may be a flavor overload, the real reason why these are among the unhealthiest chips you can find is that they also contain a high number of calories, fat, and sodium in each serving, according to Wirtz. In fact, even if you only nibble on 13 chips in a single serving, you'll still be consuming 150 calories along with 10 grams of fat and 200 milligrams of sodium. Although that might already seem like an iffy issue, let's be honest—who only eats 13 chips at a time?

Mac's Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds

"These are probably the worst choice out of all the options listed, simply due to the extreme amount of sodium per serving," says Campbell, which is surely not what fans of Mac's Salt and Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds want to find out. However, disappointment won't change the fact that "these salt and vinegar pork rinds contain half its calories from fat which is 5 grams per 1/2 ounce serving, 2 grams saturated fat, and 400 mg sodium!"

Campbell also explains that Mac's Salt and Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds "are marketed as keto and paleo-friendly and have 7 grams of protein per serving." Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that you should immediately stock your cupboards with this snack.

"For those wanting more protein in their diet, opt for lean pork loin or eggs and choose options with more mono- or polyunsaturated fats instead," Campbell says. In fact, she notes that this product "should be avoided for the sodium content alone."