When trying to lose weight, it’s easy to fall for snacks marketed as “healthy” or “better-for-you” options. The packaging often features buzzwords like “veggie,” “low-fat,” or “gluten-free,” making them seem like the right choice for your diet. However, some of these snacks can actually hinder your progress. One such example? Veggie straws and veggie chips.
Why Veggie Straws and Veggie Chips Aren’t as Healthy as You Think
Despite their colorful packaging and vegetable-themed names, veggie straws are not the health food they’re cracked up to be. Doctors and dietitians are warning against these popular snacks, as they are highly processed, packed with unhealthy oils, and can be surprisingly high in calories and sodium.
High in Calories and Sodium
According to Mitchell Roslin, MD, chief of bariatric surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital, veggie chips, including veggie straws, are often no better for you than regular potato chips. They may seem like a healthier alternative, but they are loaded with added oils and have little nutritional value. In fact, they can be “highly processed” and just as calorically dense as traditional snacks like Doritos or Pringles.
The Sneaky Ingredients in Veggie Straws
Dietitian Sarah Glinski, RD, specifically pointed out the Veggie Straws brand as an example of misleading marketing. Despite their name, these snacks don’t actually contain many vegetables. The first ingredients listed are potato starch, potato flour, and vegetable oil—all of which are ingredients you’d typically find in regular potato chips.
In addition to the starches and oils, Veggie Straws also use dehydrated vegetables and food coloring to mimic the look of vegetables, creating an illusion of nutrition without offering much in terms of actual veggies. Jaclyn London, MD, RD, a certified dietitian, also criticized the product for its lack of real vegetables, saying, “You could’ve just had some vegetables and moved on with your life.”
A Problem with Portion Control
Even if you aren’t fooled by the “healthy” marketing, veggie chips can still sabotage your weight loss goals because they’re hyper-palatable—meaning they’re designed to be irresistible. High levels of salt and fat stimulate areas in the brain that control cravings, making it difficult to stop eating. As Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, explains, these kinds of snacks can trigger the brain’s reward system, diminishing your sense of fullness and making it harder to stick to portion control.
Are Regular Potato Chips a Better Option?
Interestingly, some experts suggest that opting for regular potato chips might actually be a better choice than veggie chips. While they’re still a snack you should consume in moderation, the ingredients in potato chips—potatoes, oil, and salt—are more straightforward and free of the deceptive health claims associated with veggie chips. In fact, Jaclyn London advises reaching for classic potato chips if you’re craving a crunchy snack, as they often contain less sodium and a bit more protein than veggie straws.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
While veggie straws and chips may seem like a healthier option, they’re not the magic bullet they’re marketed to be. They’re typically low in fiber and protein, and the added oils and preservatives can detract from any real health benefits. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to read labels carefully and be cautious of products that make lofty health claims without backing them up with solid nutritional value.
For a truly healthy snack, opt for whole vegetables, nuts, or fruits, or stick with simple snacks that have minimal added ingredients. When in doubt, you might be better off just choosing a traditional potato chip made from real potatoes.
In Conclusion
Not all snacks are created equal, and even those marketed as “healthy” can fall short of their promises. Veggie chips and straws are one example of how clever marketing can lead us to believe we’re making a healthier choice when, in reality, they may be just as bad as traditional snacks. By making more mindful choices and understanding food labels, you can better support your weight loss journey and avoid sabotaging your progress with deceptive snack options.
Related Topics:
Simple Strategies to Cut 300 Calories a Day in January
