A Dermatologists Take on Crunchy Snack Swaps

These blue corn chips have a satisfying, hearty crunch and a subtle nutty flavor from the flax and sesame seeds. The ingredient list is straightforward, featuring organic blue corn and a blend of heart-friendly oils. With 4g of sugar per 100g, they have a hint of sweetness that makes them dangerously moreish. I found these to be a perfect, non-messy companion for a long afternoon at the office, easily scooping hummus without breaking. The trade-off is that the oil blend means they can leave a slight sheen on your fingers, so keep a napkin handy. They feel like a substantial upgrade from standard corn chips.

The texture of these cassava and coconut flour chips is unique—lighter and slightly more brittle than a classic corn chip, with a delicate snap. The use of avocado oil is a major plus for anyone tracking their fats, and the 1g of sugar is practically negligible. I packed these in my gym bag for a post-workout refuel, and they felt clean and light, not heavy or greasy. The honest trade-off is the flavor profile; without any salt, they rely entirely on the mild coconut flour for taste, which can feel a bit flat if you're used to saltier snacks. You may find yourself reaching for a dip more for flavor than hunger.

Don't let the zero sugar fool you; these potato chips pack a serious savory punch. The white truffle and sea salt aroma hits you as soon as you open the bag. The ingredients are simple—organic potatoes and oil—but the tapioca maltodextrin helps the seasoning cling to every ridge. They are incredibly crisp and airy. This is my go-to for a late-night movie snack when I want something intensely flavorful without the sugar. The trade-off is the oil blend, which includes palm olein. While common in chips, some people prefer to avoid palm oil for environmental reasons. The rich flavor might also be a bit too intense for sensitive palates.

These plantain chips offer a fantastic, dense crunch and a natural sweetness that comes straight from the plantains. The ingredient list is beautifully simple: just plantains, sunflower oil, and salt. It's a clean, whole-food feel. I tucked a bag into my kid's lunchbox, and they were a huge hit, providing a more satisfying chew than a standard potato chip. The trade-off is that the sweetness, while natural, is present. With 3g of sugar, it's not a zero-sugar option, so it's something to be mindful of if you're strictly cutting sugars. The texture can also be a bit harder and more fibrous than a thin potato chip.

This is the quintessential corn chip. The taste is pure, toasted corn with a hint of salt, and the texture is sturdy enough to hold a heavy scoop of salsa without shattering. The ingredients are as basic as it gets: corn, vegetable oil, and salt. With 0g of sugar, it's a safe bet for almost any dietary plan. I brought these to a casual backyard get-together, and they were the perfect, no-frills vehicle for guacamole. The trade-off is the vegetable oil blend; it's effective for frying but is a more generic fat source compared to the avocado or high-oleic oils in other options on this list. It's a classic, but not a health-forward reformulation.