FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentsnackKETTLE BRAND· 1 ONZ

KETTLE BRAND, POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO, HOT JALAPENO

KETTLE BRAND POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO scores 46/100 (Decent) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content, despite notable micronutrient contributions.

  • This KETTLE BRAND product received a FoodScore of 46/100, categorized as Decent.
  • It provides 31% DV of potassium, 40% DV of Vitamin A, and 36% DV of Vitamin C per 100g.
  • A serving contains 642.86mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
  • As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs substantially from air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables.
  • Consider portion control to manage sodium and calorie intake when consuming this snack.
  • Scores +5 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
2.5g
5% of Daily Value
Sodium
642.86mg
28% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+6
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.6g)-1
Sodium (642.9mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 46

KETTLE BRAND POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO received a FoodScore of 46/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, it earned bonus points for its fiber content (3.6g per 100g) and protein (7.1g per 100g). Additionally, it provides meaningful amounts of certain micronutrients, specifically 31% DV for potassium, 40% DV for Vitamin A, and 36% DV for Vitamin C per 100g. However, several factors led to significant penalties. The product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a substantial penalty. It also received penalties for its sodium content (642.86mg per 100g) and saturated fat (3.57g per 100g). The presence of dextrose and sugar contributes to the added sugar content (2.5g per 100g), though this amount is relatively low compared to some other snack foods. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, this KETTLE BRAND product is considerably more processed and higher in sodium and fat.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in kettle brand, potato chips, hot jalapeno, hot jalapeno actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Potassium

This product contributes to potassium intake, providing 1460.71mg, or 31% of the Daily Value, per 100g. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Including foods with potassium can support overall cardiovascular health and help to counteract the effects of sodium in the diet. While this product contains sodium, its potassium content is notable for a snack food.

Provides Vitamins A and C

KETTLE BRAND POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO contains 40% DV of Vitamin A and 36% DV of Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth, while Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that supports the immune system and collagen production. These vitamins are naturally present in potatoes, and their retention in the final product offers some nutritional value beyond just energy.

Contains Dietary Fiber

With 3.61g of fiber per 100g, this product offers a modest contribution to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a primary fiber source, this amount can be a small part of meeting the recommended daily fiber intake, which is often lacking in typical American diets. The fiber comes from the whole potato used in the chips.

How to eat it

Potato chips like KETTLE BRAND are typically consumed as a snack between meals or as a side dish with sandwiches. A common portion size is around 1 ounce (28g), which is less than the 100g used for the nutritional data provided. Due to their palatability, it can be easy to overconsume chips, leading to higher intake of calories, fat, and sodium.

Pair with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices to add volume and nutrients to your snack.
Measure out a single serving into a bowl instead of eating directly from the bag to help with portion control.
Consider using these chips as a crunchy topping for salads or soups to add texture without consuming a large quantity.
For a lower-sodium alternative, consider plain baked potato chips or air-popped popcorn with minimal seasoning.
Things to keep in mind

This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods often contain ingredients like maltodextrin, natural flavors, and various oils, which can contribute to a diet higher in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats if consumed frequently or in large portions. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be mindful of the 642.86mg of sodium per 100g. While the added sugar content is low, the overall caloric density from fats (safflower, sunflower, and/or canola oil) should be considered. There are no declared major allergens on the label, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list.

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Reader questions
Is KETTLE BRAND POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO healthy?
This product scores 46/100, categorizing it as 'Decent' by FoodScore standards. While it provides some potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, it is also an ultra-processed food with a notable sodium content. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with attention to portion sizes.
How does KETTLE BRAND compare to other potato chip brands?
Compared to some other potato chip brands like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, KETTLE BRAND POTATO CHIPS, HOT JALAPENO may have similar or slightly higher sodium and fat content depending on the specific flavor and brand. However, the nutritional profile can vary significantly between different types of chips (e.g., baked vs. fried, plain vs. flavored). Always check the nutrition facts label for direct comparison.
What is 'natural flavors' in the ingredient list?
The term 'natural flavors' refers to flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. While they originate from natural sources, they undergo processing to extract and concentrate the flavor compounds. Their presence in a product like this contributes to its ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for these chips?
The manufacturer-recommended serving size is 1 ounce (28g). This amount contains approximately 150 calories, 9g of total fat, and 180mg of sodium. Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of calories, fat, and sodium, which are higher per 100g.
Can these chips be part of a low-sodium diet?
With 642.86mg of sodium per 100g, or about 180mg per 1-ounce serving, these chips are not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals following a low-sodium diet should consume this product sparingly or opt for alternatives specifically labeled as low sodium to help manage their daily intake.

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Data & references