Lay's 1.87OZ LAY'S HONEY BBQ scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its concentrated fat content.
FoodScore: 40/100 (Poor) due to ultra-processing and concentrated fat.
Contains 1152.83mg of potassium (25% DV) and 105% DV of Vitamin A per 100g.
The product includes 5.28g of added sugar and 4.72g of saturated fat per 100g.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed snack, it offers less nutritional density than whole-food alternatives.
Best consumed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.
Scores -1 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.81g
14% of Daily Value
Protein
5.66g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
5.28g
11% of Daily Value
Sodium
358.49mg
16% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.8g)+4
Protein (5.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+6
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (5.3g)-4
Saturated fat (4.7g)-3
Sodium (358.5mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 40
Lay's 1.87OZ LAY'S HONEY BBQ receives a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a substantial penalty of -10 points. Further deductions include -3 points for concentrated ultra-processed fat, -4 points for 5.28g of added sugar, -3 points for 4.72g of saturated fat, and -1 point for 358.49mg of sodium per 100g. Despite these penalties, the product does earn some bonus points: +4 for 3.81g of fiber, +1 for 5.66g of protein, and +6 for notable micronutrients like potassium (1152.83mg, 25% DV), Vitamin A (105% DV), and Vitamin C (19% DV). The presence of maltodextrin and natural flavor in the ingredient list are common in ultra-processed items and contribute to the NOVA 4 classification. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, Lay's offers a less favorable nutrient profile due to its processing and specific macronutrient balance.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lay's 1.87oz lay's honey bbq actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Potassium
This product provides a notable amount of potassium, with 1152.83mg per 100g, contributing 25% of the Daily Value. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Including potassium-rich foods in the diet can support overall cardiovascular health and help manage blood pressure within a balanced eating pattern.
Good Source of Vitamin A
Lay's 1.87OZ LAY'S HONEY BBQ contains a significant amount of Vitamin A, providing 105% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth and differentiation. While this product offers Vitamin A, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context and balance it with other nutrient sources.
Provides Some Fiber
With 3.81g of fiber per 100g, this snack contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While not a primary fiber source, it can add to the total intake when consumed as part of a varied diet that includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Lay's 1.87OZ LAY'S HONEY BBQ scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its concentrated fat content.
How to eat it
Lay's Honey BBQ flavored potato chips are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in single-serving bags like this one. They are a common choice for on-the-go snacking or as an accompaniment to meals like sandwiches. Due to their flavor profile and calorie density, portion control is a key consideration.
Pair with a source of lean protein or healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to create a more balanced snack.
Consider sharing a bag or portioning out a smaller amount into a bowl to help manage calorie and sodium intake.
Use these chips as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack to limit intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
For a similar crunchy texture with more fiber and less processing, consider swapping for air-popped popcorn or baked vegetable chips.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk as a declared allergen, which is part of the natural flavor ingredients. Individuals with a milk allergy should avoid this product. The presence of maltodextrin and other simple sugars like dextrose and fructose contributes to the added sugar content, which may be a consideration for individuals monitoring blood sugar levels. As an ultra-processed food, it contains several ingredients such as caramel color and paprika extracts, which are generally recognized as safe but contribute to its processed nature. The overall sodium content, while not extremely high per 100g, can add up quickly if larger portions are consumed, which is a factor for those managing blood pressure.
Lay's 1.87OZ LAY'S HONEY BBQ scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some potassium and Vitamin A, its classification as an ultra-processed food with added sugars and saturated fat means it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional snack.
How does Lay's Honey BBQ compare to other snack chips?
Compared to a generic plain potato chip, Lay's Honey BBQ has added sugar (5.28g per 100g) due to its seasoning, which plain chips typically lack. Its NOVA 4 classification is common for many flavored potato chips, including brands like Pringles. The nutritional profile is similar to many other flavored potato chips in terms of fat and sodium content, but the added sugar is a distinguishing factor.
What is 'Natural Flavor [Including Milk]' in the ingredients?
The term 'Natural Flavor [Including Milk]' indicates that the flavor components are derived from natural sources, and specifically that milk ingredients are used in its formulation. This is important for individuals with milk allergies, as it confirms the presence of this allergen. Natural flavors are common in processed foods to enhance taste.
What is a reasonable portion size for these chips?
This specific product is a 1.87oz (approximately 53g) bag. While the nutritional information is provided per 100g, consuming the entire bag means you'd get about half of the listed values for calories, fat, and sugar. For moderation, consider consuming half a bag (around 26g) to reduce calorie, fat, and sodium intake, especially if you are having other snacks or a large meal.
Can I eat Lay's Honey BBQ chips if I'm trying to lose weight?
While no food is strictly 'off-limits' for weight management, Lay's Honey BBQ chips are calorie-dense (547.17 calories per 100g) and offer limited satiety due to their low fiber and protein relative to calories. Incorporating them in very small, controlled portions as an occasional treat can fit into a calorie-managed diet, but they are not ideal for regular consumption if weight loss is a primary goal.