Snacks

Snacks, potato chips, lightly salted

FDC 174805pieces (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 52 · +8 vs Snacks median

Lightly salted potato chips score 52 of 100, Fair band, ranking 17 of 60 in Snacks, above the category median of 44. The numbers behind that ranking are the vitamin E content at 51% of the Daily Value, vitamin C at 30%, and potassium at 28%, unusual figures for a fried snack.

These are the everyday bagged chips eaten by the handful alongside a sandwich or on their own, made from potato slices fried and lightly salted rather than heavily seasoned. At 560 calories per 100 g they are calorie dense, and the brief flags 5.5 g of saturated fat per 100 g as a limit worth keeping in mind if chips are a frequent snack rather than an occasional one.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 6.7 g · 5%Carb 53.5 g · 38%Fat 35.4 g · 57%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories560 kcal28%
Total fat35 g45%
Saturated fat5.5 g27%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium187 mg8%
Carbohydrate54 g19%
Dietary fiber4.2 g15%
Sugars0.34 g
Protein6.7 g13%
Potassium1300 mg28%
Calcium24 mg2%
Iron1.4 mg8%
Magnesium62 mg15%
Vitamin C27 mg30%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E7.7 mg51%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174805

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.

Vitamin E51% DV
Vitamin C30% DV
Potassium28% DV
Dietary fiber15% DV
Magnesium15% DV
Protein13% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density52 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g6.7 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g4.2 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g187 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Snacks, potato chips, plain, unsaltedDensity 53 vs 52Snacks, popcorn, microwave, low fatDensity 53 vs 52Snacks, potato chips, plain, saltedDensity 53 vs 52

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Lightly salted potato chips are thin slices of potato fried until crisp, seasoned with a reduced amount of salt compared to standard chips. They are a snack food eaten straight from the bag, alongside sandwiches, or crushed as a crunchy topping for casseroles and baked mac and cheese. Their thin, crisp texture and mild salt-and-potato flavor pair well with dips like French onion, salsa, or guacamole, and they are a common side at picnics and casual lunches.

Keep the bag sealed and stored in a cool, dry pantry to preserve crispness, and reseal or transfer to an airtight container once opened. Per 100 grams, potato chips are calorie-dense at 560 calories with 35.4 grams of fat and 53.5 grams of carbohydrate, so a reasonable serving size like the 28-gram portion listed here is worth measuring out rather than eating from the bag. Despite being a fried snack, this lightly salted version shows some notable nutrient contributions from the potato itself: 30% of the daily vitamin C value and 28% of potassium per 100 grams, alongside 4.2 grams of fiber.

Frequently asked questions about snacks, potato chips

How many calories are in lightly salted potato chips?

They have 560 calories per 100 grams, so measuring out a portion like a 28-gram serving helps with portion control.

Do potato chips have any potassium?

Yes, this lightly salted variety provides 28% of the daily potassium value per 100 grams, along with 30% of vitamin C.

How should potato chips be stored?

Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry pantry, and transfer to an airtight container once opened to maintain crispness.

View the USDA source record