Is Peppercorn & Poppy Water Crisps Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the label of Peppercorn & Poppy Water Crisps, the verdict is clear: these are a traditional grain-based snack, not a low-carb one. The primary issue lies in the first ingredient listed, which dictates the bulk of the product's composition.

The main culprit is ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID). This is essentially refined wheat. On a keto diet, wheat is strictly limited because it is a carbohydrate that rapidly converts to glucose in the bloodstream. Even a small serving of wheat flour can contain enough net carbs to exceed your daily limit.

Additionally, the inclusion of SUGAR is a major red flag. Keto relies on keeping insulin levels low, and added sugar is the fastest way to spike insulin. While the sugar provides the slight sweetness and browning texture, it renders the snack metabolically unsuitable for ketosis. Finally, while POPPY SEEDS and BLACK PEPPER are perfectly keto-friendly and add flavor, they cannot offset the massive carb load from the flour and sugar.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crisps are designed as a light, savory treat, likely intended to be a lighter alternative to heavy potato chips. However, 'light' does not equal 'low-carb.' The calories come primarily from the wheat flour and the oils used for baking.

The SUNFLOWER OIL AND/OR CANOLA OIL provides the fat content, but it is not the kind of fat you are looking for on keto. Keto emphasizes healthy fats like avocado oil, olive oil, or animal fats to fuel ketone production. The fat here is simply a cooking medium. Because the product is low in protein and fiber, it lacks the satiety factor that helps with weight loss. You would likely feel hungry again quickly after eating these, despite having consumed calories and carbohydrates.