Are Rye Chips Healthy?

When it comes to chips, there are a lot of different options on the market. From traditional potato chips to more unique flavors like beet or kale chips, there seems to be a chip out there for everyone. However, one type of chip that doesn’t seem to get as much attention is rye chips. So, are rye chips healthy? Let’s take a closer look.

rye chips

What Are Rye Chips?

Rye chips are made from rye flour, which is milled from the whole grain of rye. Rye flour is a good source of fiber and also contains some B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. However, rye chips also contain other ingredients such as wheat flour, oil, salt and flavorings.

Rye chips are usually baked rather than fried, which makes them sound like a healthier choice than regular potato chips. However, it’s important to remember that rye chips still contain a lot of calories and fat, so they should be eaten in moderation.

They can be served with a variety of dips like hummus, guacamole, or zesty salsa. 

In terms of taste, rye chips usually have a more intense flavor than other types of chips and can range from subtly sweet to slightly spicy. They are also thicker and crunchier than traditional chips, making them a delicious snack or topping for salads or soups.

Ingredients in Rye Chips

The ingredients in rye chips vary depending on brand and flavor, but generally speaking, rye chips contain wheat flour, rye flour, oil, salt and flavorings. Some brands may also use spices or natural flavorings like garlic powder or onion powder.

One of the most popular rye chip brands is Gardetto’s. Their rye chips contain a quite long list of ingredients, although some of them in only very small amounts:

Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Rye Flour, Vegetable Oil (soybean, high oleic soybean, canola, and/or high oleic canola oil). Contains 2% or less of: Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate, Yeast, Caramel Color, Maltodextrin, Dried Worchestershire Sauce (vinegar, molasses, corn syrup, salt, caramel color, garlic powder, sugar, spice, tamarind, natural flavor), Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Fumaric Acid, Spice, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Sodium Diacetate. Freshness Preserved by BHT. 

Another popular brand of rye chips is Pinahs. Their Original rye chips are made simply with wheat flour, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, rye flour, salt, yeast and caraway. They contain no artificial colors or flavors. The same brand offers a Garlic flavor that includes additional ingredients such as maltodextrin, dehydrated garlic and onion, sugar, paprika and other spices, cornstarch, turmeric and extractives of paprika.

Nutritional Value of Rye Chips

Rye chips are generally lower in fat than regular potato chips and contain more fiber. A serving of Pinahs Original Rye Chips is 1 oz (28g), containing 140 calories, 8 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 3g protein and 1g dietary fiber.

In comparison to a similar-sized serving of regular potato chips (1 oz), which contains around 155 calories and 10 g fat, rye chips are slightly lower in fat and calories. However, they contain a similar amount of carbohydrates, so it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes when eating rye chips.

A 30g serving of Gardetto’s Rye Chips contains 160 calories, 9g of fat, 17 g carbohydrates and 1 g of dietary fiber. Although this is not the same serving size as the Pinahs chips, per 100g, the Gardetto’s Rye Chips contain slightly more calories and fat than the Pinahs chips.

Carbs in rye chips

The main source of carbohydrates in rye chips is wheat flour and rye flour. A 30g serving of Gardetto’s Rye Chips contains 17 g of carbohydrates, while a similar-sized serving of Pinahs Original Rye Chips contains 15 g.

Most of the carbs in rye chips come from starch, which is a type of complex carbohydrate that is digested and broken down into glucose, the body’s main source of energy. The rest comes from simple carbohydrates like sugar.

In comparison, potato chips contain 20 g of carbohydrates per 30g serving. However, potato chips also contain more fat than rye chips.

Are rye chips keto-friendly?

Rye chips are not considered keto-friendly, as they contain too many carbohydrates to fit into a typical keto diet. A 30g serving of Gardetto’s Rye Chips contains 17 g of carbohydrates, which is too much for a typical keto diet, which typically limits the daily intake of carbs to 20-50 g.

Fat content in rye chips

Rye chips are generally lower in fat than potato chips. A 30g serving of Pinahs Original Rye Chips contains 8 g of fat, while a similar-sized serving of potato chips contains 10 g.

The main source of fat in rye chips is usually vegetable oil. However, some brands may also contain small amounts of trans fats or other unhealthy fats. It’s best to check the nutrition label of your chosen brand to make sure it doesn’t contain any trans fats m, as these can increase your risk of heart disease.

How much sodium is in rye chips?

The amount of sodium in rye chips can vary depending on the brand. A 1 oz (28g) serving of Pinahs Original Rye Chips contains 420mg of sodium, while a similar-sized serving of their Garlic flavored rye chips contain 420mg as well.

In comparison, Gardetto’s Garlic Rye Chips contain 340mg of sodium per 1/2 cup (30g). Again, it’s best to check the nutrition label of your chosen brand to make sure you’re not consuming too much sodium.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of sodium is 2,300mg per day. This means that a single serving of rye chips can contain up to 18% of your RDA for sodium, so it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not rye chips are healthy.

Tips for Choosing Healthier Rye Chips

When buying rye chips, it’s important to choose a brand that is low in sodium and free of unhealthy trans fats and other additives. Additionally, it’s also important to pay attention to the serving size listed on the nutrition label, as the amount of sodium and fat contained in a single serving can vary significantly between brands.

It’s also important to remember that although rye chips may be slightly lower in fat and calories than potato chips, they should still be eaten in moderation. It’s best to pair rye chips with a healthy protein and vegetable-based snack, such as hummus and carrots or nuts and berries, to ensure you’re getting a balanced meal.

Are There Any Health Risks Associated with Eating Rye Chips?

Eating rye chips in moderation is unlikely to pose any health risks. However, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of sodium that they contain, as consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

It’s also a good idea to check the nutrition label of your chosen brand of rye chips before buying them, as some brands may contain unhealthy trans fats and other unhealthy ingredients, such as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). MSG is a common additive used to enhance the flavor of food, but consuming too much of it can lead to health problems.

Final Thoughts on Are Rye Chips Healthy or Not

In conclusion, rye chips can be a healthier alternative to regular potato chips if eaten in moderation. They are generally lower in fat and calories than potato chips and contain more fiber. However, it’s important to check the nutrition label of your chosen brand before buying them, as some brands may contain unhealthy ingredients that could increase your risk of heart disease. Additionally, it’s also important to be mindful of the amount of sodium that they contain, as consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

Overall, rye chips can be a healthy snack option if eaten in moderation and with other nutrient-dense foods.