PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS, Olive & Sea Salt achieves a FoodScore of 73/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score is primarily driven by its significant nutrient contributions. The product receives a substantial bonus for its fiber content, providing 10.71g per 100g, and its protein content of 17.89g per 100g. Additionally, it offers meaningful amounts of micronutrients, including 22% DV for calcium, 32% DV for iron, and an impressive 240% DV for Vitamin C per 100g. The ingredient list, featuring organic kale and organic cashews, contributes to these nutritional highlights. However, the product incurs minor penalties for its saturated fat content (3.57g per 100g) and its sodium level (771.43mg per 100g). As a NOVA class 3 food, it also receives a penalty for being processed. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS offers a more robust protein and fiber profile but also a higher calorie and sodium density.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pacific northwest kale chips, kale chips, olive & sea salt, olive & sea salt actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
This product is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 10.71g per 100g. Adequate fiber intake is important for maintaining regular bowel movements and supporting overall digestive function. The fiber in these kale chips comes from the organic kale and organic cashews, contributing to satiety and potentially aiding in blood sugar management. Incorporating fiber-rich snacks can help meet daily recommended fiber goals.
Contributes to Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
With 17.89g of protein per 100g, PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS can contribute to your daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it plays a role in numerous bodily functions. The protein content, largely from the organic cashews and kale, can also help increase feelings of fullness, which may be beneficial for managing appetite between meals. This makes it a more substantial snack option compared to many other chip varieties.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
These kale chips offer several important vitamins and minerals. Notably, they provide 240% DV of Vitamin C and 32% DV of iron per 100g. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health, while iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing fatigue. The product also contains 22% DV of calcium, which is important for bone health. These micronutrients enhance the nutritional value of this snack.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS, Olive & Sea Salt scores 73/100 (Good) due to its notable fiber and protein content, despite being a processed snack.
How to eat it
PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS are typically consumed as a savory snack, often as an alternative to potato chips. A common portion is around 1 ounce, but the calorie density means larger portions can quickly add up. They can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a meal.
To manage sodium intake, pair these chips with unsalted vegetables like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips.
Use these kale chips as a crunchy topping for salads or soups instead of croutons to add nutrients.
Portion out a serving (around 1 ounce) into a small bowl to help control calorie intake.
Consider these as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple due to the moderate sodium content.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with a tree nut allergy should be aware that this product contains organic cashews, which are a common allergen. While the sodium content is not excessively high, those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management should consume this product in moderation, as 771.43mg per 100g contributes significantly to daily limits. The product is a NOVA class 3 processed food, meaning it has undergone some processing steps, though its ingredient list remains relatively simple and recognizable, without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. There are no specific interactions or concerns for particular populations beyond general dietary considerations.
Is PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS, Olive & Sea Salt healthy?
PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS, Olive & Sea Salt scores 73/100, which is considered 'Good' by FoodScore standards. It offers notable amounts of fiber, protein, and several micronutrients like Vitamin C and iron. However, it is a processed snack with a moderate sodium content, so portion control is key for a balanced diet.
How does PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS compare to other snack chips?
Compared to many conventional potato chips, PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS offers significantly more fiber and protein, along with beneficial micronutrients. For example, a typical serving of Lay's Classic Potato Chips has less fiber and protein. However, it is still a processed snack and has a higher calorie density than plain air-popped popcorn.
What is 'organic nutritional yeast' and why is it in these chips?
Organic nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast product used for its savory, cheesy flavor and its nutritional profile. It is often a good source of B vitamins, though specific amounts are not listed here. In these kale chips, it likely contributes to the umami taste profile without adding dairy.
What is a reasonable portion size for these kale chips?
The declared serving size is 1 ounce. Given that 100g contains 442.86 calories, a 1-ounce serving (approximately 28g) would be around 124 calories. This is a reasonable portion for a snack, but it's important to measure your serving to avoid overconsumption, especially if you are managing calorie intake.
Can I eat PACIFIC NORTHWEST KALE CHIPS if I have a nut allergy?
No, this product is not suitable for individuals with a tree nut allergy as it explicitly lists 'organic cashews' in its ingredients. Cashews are a common tree nut allergen. Always check the ingredient list carefully if you have any food allergies.
Are these kale chips a good source of Vitamin A?
Despite being made from kale, which is typically rich in Vitamin A, this specific product shows 0% DV for Vitamin A per 100g. This may be due to processing or the form of Vitamin A not being measured. Therefore, it should not be relied upon as a significant source of Vitamin A.