Snacks, potato chips, plain, unsalted
FDC 170649oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 53 · +9 vs Snacks medianUnsalted plain potato chips score 53 of 100, a Fair rating that ranks 16th of 60 in the Snacks category, above the group's median of 44. They carry an excellent 61% DV of vitamin E, 35% DV of vitamin C, and 27% DV of potassium, all within 536 calories per 100 grams, the highest calorie count among this group of chips.
Without added salt, these chips are often chosen by people managing sodium intake, and sodium here is genuinely low at just 8 mg per 100 g. The trade-off shows up in the fat column instead: saturated fat runs high at 11 g per 100 g, the frying oil rather than the potato driving that number. A single ounce is the reference serving, and pairing a smaller portion with a dip or side is a practical way to manage the calorie density.
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
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 536 kcal | 27% |
| Total fat | 35 g | 44% |
| Saturated fat | 11 g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 53 g | 19% |
| Dietary fiber | 4.8 g | 17% |
| Sugars | 0.22 g | |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
| Potassium | 1280 mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 24 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% |
| Magnesium | 67 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 31 mg | 35% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 9.1 mg | 61% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 9.7 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 3.1 g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 2.2 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 15 g | 5% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.3 g | 5% |
| Sugars | 0.06 g | |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Potassium | 358 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 6.7 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.46 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 19 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 8.7 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 2.6 mg | 17% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 170649Original 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.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the snacks median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Snacks, popcorn, microwave, low fatDensity 53 vs 53Snacks, potato chips, plain, saltedDensity 53 vs 53Snacks, potato sticksDensity 53 vs 53Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Unsalted potato chips are made the same way as their salted counterparts, thin potato slices fried or baked until crisp, but without the finishing salt applied afterward, leaving more of the plain potato flavor to come through. They work well as a base for dips and salsas where the dip itself provides the seasoning, are used in cooking for crushed chip toppings on casseroles, or are simply preferred by those who want to control their own salt level by adding it at the table. Their crunch and texture match salted chips closely, since the only difference is the seasoning step.
Bags should be stored sealed in a cool, dry pantry and resealed tightly once opened to keep them from turning stale. At 536 calories per 100 grams, unsalted chips run about the same as salted versions calorie-wise, but their sodium content is dramatically lower at just 8 milligrams per 100 grams, making them a practical swap for the salted version when the goal is to cut sodium while keeping the same fried-potato snack. Per 100 grams they still provide 61% of the Daily Value for vitamin E and 35% for vitamin C from the potato and oil.
Frequently asked questions about snacks, potato chips
How many calories are in unsalted potato chips?
Unsalted potato chips have 536 calories per 100 grams, similar to the salted version.
Are unsalted potato chips lower in sodium?
Yes, they contain just 8 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams, far less than the 527 milligrams found in the salted version.
How do unsalted potato chips differ from salted chips?
They are made the same way but skip the finishing salt, leaving more of the plain potato flavor and letting people season to taste.