Chips are a favorite snack for many, but not all chips are what they seem.
Some are made from sliced real potatoes, while others come from processed potato paste, molded into uniform shapes and loaded with additives.
Here’s how to identify real, natural chips and avoid ultra-processed alternatives at the store.
Potatoes
Vegetable oil (e.g., sunflower, canola)
Salt
Modified starch or potato flakes
Artificial flavors
E-numbers like E621 (monosodium glutamate)
Preservatives or colorings
👉 A long, complex ingredient list usually means you’re dealing with a highly processed product.
Have irregular shapes and sizes
Show natural browning or bubbles from frying
Often curl or fold due to natural slicing
Are identical in shape
Perfectly curved and machine-made
Often look like “discs” rather than thin slices
Natural chips are light, crispy, and break easily.
Reconstituted chips tend to be thicker, uniform, and may feel slightly pasty or oily to the touch.
Real chips have a mild potato flavor, with a hint of oil and salt.
Processed chips often rely on strong artificial seasonings (cheese, barbecue, sour cream, etc.) to mask the lack of real potato taste.
Chips labeled as:
“Kettle-cooked”
“Hand-fried” or “Batch-cooked”
“Made from whole potatoes”
Without additives or artificial flavorings
👉 These are often higher quality and made from real sliced potatoes.
Conclusion: If you want real chips, check the label, look at the shape, and trust your senses. The fewer the ingredients and the more natural the appearance, the more likely you’re getting authentic, unprocessed potato chips. When in doubt, go for simple—or make your own at home!
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