Premium Crisps Often Offer Little Health Benefit Over Cheaper Alternatives, Experts Say

Britons are increasingly spending up to £5 on premium crisps, including truffle-flavoured and lentil chip varieties, but nutritionists warn these expensive options may offer no significant health advantages over traditional brands like Walkers.

The market for premium snacks has grown, with products boasting unique ingredients, cooking methods, and branding. However, experts suggest that terms like 'artisan,' 'hand-cooked,' and 'premium' often refer to marketing rather than nutritional superiority.

Rhiannon Lambert, founder of the Rhitrition Clinic, stated that these labels tell us more about branding than nutrition. Registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine added that higher prices frequently reflect flavour, texture, packaging, and production methods, not substantial improvements in nutritional value.

Kettle-Cooked Crisps

Kettle-cooked or hand-cooked crisps are often perceived as healthier due to their appearance and price. Nutritionally, however, they are very similar to regular crisps in terms of calories, fat, and carbohydrates per serving. For example, Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted crisps, made with potatoes, sunflower oil, and sea salt, contain approximately 207kcal and 11.7g of fat per 40g bag. This is comparable to a 40g bag of Walkers Ready Salted, which has 207kcal and 12.4g of fat.

The difference in production lies in the cooking method. Standard crisps are made on a continuous conveyor belt, while kettle-cooked crisps are prepared in smaller batches where the oil temperature drops when potatoes are added. This can result in a thicker, crunchier texture and, in some cases, greater oil absorption.

Vegetable and Lentil Chips

Snacks marketed as lentil, quinoa, or vegetable chips are also under scrutiny. Experts warn that their perceived health benefits can be misleading. A report by Which? found that some of these products rely heavily on salt and flavourings, placing them on par with less healthy snacks. For instance, Proper Chips Barbecue Lentil Chips, despite claims of being 'better for you,' provide roughly 140kcal and 5.8g of fat per 30g serving, with minimal fibre and a comparable salt content to many traditional crisps.

While some vegetable crisps, particularly those made from beetroot or parsnip, might offer slightly more fibre, they are still often fried and should not be considered a substitute for actual vegetables.

Cooking Methods: Baked, Popped, or Fried

The cooking method can impact fat content and calorie density, but experts caution against assuming 'healthier' methods always lead to healthier products. A Which? report indicated that 'baked' does not automatically guarantee a healthy crisp, and 'fried' does not always mean unhealthy. Some baked products, like Mini Cheddars and Monster Munch, scored poorly in health rankings, while others, such as Twiglets and Walkers Oven Baked range, were considered healthier options. Techniques like 'popping' under heat and pressure can reduce fat content, as seen with Popchips. However, even light and airy snacks like Skips and Quavers can be calorie-dense with little nutritional value.

Olive Oil and Sea Salt Varieties

Premium brands often highlight the use of extra virgin olive oil or sea salt. While olive oil is associated with heart health, frying potatoes in it does not make crisps a health food; they remain high in fat and calories. Some artisanal varieties, like Bonilla a la Vista Olive Oil and Sea Salt crisps, contain around 163kcal and 10.3g of fat per 30g serving, which is comparable to or even higher than cheaper alternatives. For example, a 30g serving of Walkers Ready Salted contains approximately 156kcal and 9.3g of fat.

Similarly, 'sea salt' does not necessarily equate to a healthier choice. The difference in salt content between sea salt and table salt is minimal by weight, and both contribute to sodium intake, a driver of high blood pressure. Premium brands may use larger salt crystals that dissolve slower, giving a perception of less saltiness even when total levels are comparable.

Overall Diet Matters Most

Experts agree that no crisp can be considered truly healthy, and price is not a reliable indicator of a better choice. While some varieties might have slight advantages, most do not offer dramatically different health benefits compared to standard options. Both Lambert and Ludlam-Raine emphasize that the frequency of consumption and overall dietary patterns are far more important than the specific brand or price of crisps. In many cases, a standard bag of crisps may have a nutritional profile similar to or even better than some premium, higher-priced alternatives.