Have a Chip Craving? Here Are 6 Healthy Chip Alternatives to Try!
by Cheryl S. Grant
Love chips? Who doesn't?! They're crunchy, salty, and pair well with so many foods. While it's totally fine to indulge in a bag of chips from time to time, there are a number of healthy chip alternatives worth trying!
Keep the following six substitutes in mind next time you want to fulfill your chip craving while also getting the nutrients your body deserves.
1. Sweet Potato Chips
If you are a die-hard potato chip fan, you'll definitely enjoy this version using sweet potatoes! To make a batch at home, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and then wash and peel your sweet potatoes (if you prefer no skin). Cut the potatoes into thin slices and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Place the slices of sweet potato atop the paper-lined pan — making sure none of the slices are overlapping each other — spritz everything with a little cooking spray and then sprinkle salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Now bake for about 8–10 minutes, or until the edges become crispy. Flip and bake for an additional three minutes.
2. Kale Chips
If you are having a serious snack-attack, kale can banish those cravings — and offer plenty of nutrients to boot! Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth, according to Healthline. It contains a range of vitamins, as well as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
To enjoy this delicious alternative, first preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash and dry the kale before tearing it into bite-size pieces, then toss the leaves in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Evenly spread the mixture on a cookie sheet that has been covered with cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Plantain Chips
In need of a starch fix? Turn to the banana's bigger cousin, the plantain. Rich in fiber and vitamin A, plantains make for a tasty, healthy chip alternative. While many recipes call for frying them, plantains are super delicious when baked!
To fix yourself a batch, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and washing (and peeling) four ripe plantains. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil and place all four on a cookie sheet. Then, bake for about 40 minutes. When you remove them from the aluminum foil, they should be soft, savory, and a little sweet. Slice them up and enjoy as a snack or side dish to a larger meal!
4. Brussels Sprouts Chips
Brussels sprouts are an awesome alternative to the traditional chip because they are rich in antioxidants but still offer plenty of crunch! First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and then wash—and dry—one pound of Brussels sprouts. As you trim and peel leaves from the core, discard the wilted outer layers
In a large bowl, toss and coat the Brussels sprout leaves with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and some salt. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, making sure that none are not stacked on top of each other. Bake for 5–10 minutes or until brown and crispy, then flavor to your delight!
5. Beet Chips
Beets not only contain dietary nitrates — which have been shown to enhance athletic performance — they also fight inflammation and improve digestive health. Even better, making them into delicious chips is quick and easy!
First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then rinse (and scrub) three beets before thinly slicing them. Divide the slices between two baking sheets that have been coated with cooking spray. Finally, add salt and pepper, then bake for 15–20 minutes.
6. Zucchini Chips
Even if you are not a huge zucchini fan, you really ought to give these a try. To make some, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Mix together a 1/4 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs and a pinch of Parmesan cheese with a 1/4 teaspoon each of sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Next, place 1/4 cup of skim (or nut) milk in a shallow bowl.
Cut the zucchini into thin slices and dip each in the milk, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Allow the slices to set by placing them on a wire rack coated with cooking spray. After a few minutes, place the rack on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes — then enjoy!