Snacks

Snacks, banana chips

FDC 168849oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 10 · -34 vs Snacks median

Fried and lightly sweetened, banana chips score 10 of 100, Low band, rank 59 of 60 among snacks, trailing a category median of 44, despite carrying real fiber at 28% DV, magnesium at 18% DV, and potassium at 11% DV, all inherited from the banana itself.

These are thin banana slices fried in oil and lightly sweetened, eaten by the handful, with a standard ounce serving around 28 g. The catch is processing: 35.3 g of sugar and 29 g of saturated fat per 100 g show how much frying and sweetening add to a fruit that starts out fairly modest in both. Beef sticks, smoked, is listed as a higher-scoring option among snacks, though it trades the fruit character for a savory, meat-based snack.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around snacks, banana chips, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 2.3 g · 2%Carb 58.4 g · 43%Fat 33.6 g · 55%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories519 kcal26%
Total fat34 g43%
Saturated fat29 g145%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium6 mg0%
Carbohydrate58 g21%
Dietary fiber7.7 g28%
Sugars35 g
Protein2.3 g5%
Potassium536 mg11%
Calcium18 mg1%
Iron1.3 mg7%
Magnesium76 mg18%
Vitamin C6.3 mg7%
Vitamin A4 µg0%
Vitamin E0.24 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168849

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Dietary fiber28% DV
Magnesium18% DV
Potassium11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density10 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g2.3 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g7.7 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g6 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Snacks, beef sticks, smokedDensity 17 vs 10Snacks, Pretzels, gluten- free made with cornstarch and potato flourDensity 17 vs 10Snack, Pretzel, hard chocolate coatedDensity 17 vs 10

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Banana chips are made by slicing bananas thin and either deep-frying them, often in coconut oil for extra crispness, or dehydrating them for a chewier result. Fried versions have a crunchy, almost brittle texture with a concentrated sweet banana flavor, and they are eaten straight from the bag as a snack, tossed into trail mix, or scattered over granola and cereal for crunch. Their sweetness and texture make them a common substitute for chips in a snack mix.

Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry, since any moisture in the air will quickly soften their crisp texture; it is worth checking the label, since fried varieties run much higher in fat than baked or air-dried ones. At 519 calories per 100 g and 33.6 g of fat per 100 g, they are calorie-dense, a 1 oz (28 g) serving comes to about 145 calories, so they work best as a portioned snack rather than something eaten freely from the bag. They do provide 28% of the Daily Value for fiber, 18% DV magnesium, and 11% DV potassium per 100 g, and they are naturally low in sodium at 6 mg per 100 g, unlike most fried salty snacks in the same aisle.

Frequently asked questions about snacks, banana chips

How many calories are in banana chips?

519 calories per 100 g; a 1 oz (28 g) serving comes to about 145 calories, since many varieties are fried.

Are banana chips a good source of fiber?

Yes, they provide about 28% of the Daily Value for fiber per 100 g, along with 18% DV magnesium and 11% DV potassium.

How should banana chips be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, since moisture will quickly soften their crisp texture.

View the USDA source record