PACIFIC NORTHWEST, KALE CHIPS, LAVA ROCK SRIRACHA, FIERY HOUSEMADE ORGANIC SRIRACHA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha scores 64/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its **high micronutrient content** and **significant protein per serving**, balanced against its sodium level.
FoodScore: 64/100 (Good), indicating a generally positive nutritional profile.
Provides 17.9g protein per 100g, a notable amount for a snack item.
Contains 1000mg sodium per 100g, which is a significant amount for a single serving.
Compared to air-popped popcorn, this product offers a much richer micronutrient profile.
Classified as NOVA class 3 (processed), typical for packaged snack foods.
Scores +23 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha achieves a FoodScore of 64/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects a strong contribution from its micronutrient density, including 1500mg potassium (32% DV), 357.14mg calcium (27% DV), 6.43mg iron (36% DV), 243mg magnesium (58% DV), 4.29mg zinc (39% DV), 357% DV Vitamin C, and an exceptional 2378% DV Vitamin A per 100g. The product also receives a bonus for its substantial protein content at 17.9g per 100g, which can contribute to satiety. However, the score is moderated by penalties. The sodium content is high at 1000mg per 100g, contributing a -5 penalty. Additionally, the presence of ingredients like organic agave nectar and organic tamari classifies it as a NOVA class 3 (processed) food, incurring another -5 penalty. While it contains 3.6g of saturated fat, this only results in a minor -1 penalty. Compared to a baseline like air-popped popcorn, PACIFIC NORTHWEST offers a significantly more nutrient-dense option, particularly in vitamins and minerals, though with higher sodium.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in pacific northwest, kale chips, lava rock sriracha, fiery housemade organic sriracha actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Rich Source of Vitamins A and C
This PACIFIC NORTHWEST product is an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, providing 2378% DV and 357% DV respectively per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health, while Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production. Including snacks rich in these vitamins can help meet daily nutritional needs, especially for individuals who may not consume enough fruits and vegetables.
Good Source of Essential Minerals
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips provide a significant amount of several essential minerals, including potassium (32% DV), calcium (27% DV), iron (36% DV), magnesium (58% DV), and zinc (39% DV) per 100g. These minerals play vital roles in numerous bodily functions, from bone health and energy metabolism to nerve function and immune response. Incorporating mineral-rich snacks can contribute to overall dietary adequacy and support various physiological processes.
Contribution to Protein Intake
With 17.89g of protein per 100g, these kale chips offer a notable protein contribution for a snack food. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping to keep you feeling full between meals. Choosing snacks that provide protein can be beneficial for managing hunger and supporting a balanced diet, particularly for those looking to increase their protein intake without relying solely on main meals.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha scores 64/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its high micronutrient content and significant protein per serving, balanced against its sodium level.
How to eat it
Kale chips are typically consumed as a crunchy snack, often replacing potato chips or crackers. They can be enjoyed on their own or as a component of a larger meal. A common portion size is around 1 ounce (28g).
Pair with a source of healthy fats like avocado or a small handful of unsalted nuts to enhance nutrient absorption and satiety.
Use as a crunchy topping for salads or soups instead of croutons to add flavor and nutrients.
Be mindful of portion sizes due to the sodium content; measure out a serving to avoid overconsumption.
Consider these as a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional fried potato chips for a snack.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains organic cashews, which are a common tree nut allergen. Individuals with cashew allergies should avoid this product. The high sodium content (1000mg per 100g) is a consideration, particularly for individuals monitoring their sodium intake due to blood pressure concerns or other health conditions. While the product contains organic agave nectar, it is listed after several organic peppers and garlic, suggesting it is not a primary ingredient and the product has 0g added sugar per 100g, which is positive. However, the NOVA class 3 designation indicates it is a processed food, meaning it has undergone several processing steps and contains multiple ingredients, some of which are food additives like nutritional yeast.
Is PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha healthy?
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha scores 64/100 (Good) on FoodScore. It is a nutrient-dense snack, particularly rich in Vitamins A and C, and several minerals. However, its sodium content is high, so moderation is key, especially for those monitoring sodium intake.
How does PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips compare to other snack options?
Compared to traditional fried potato chips like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips offer a significantly higher micronutrient profile and more protein. While both are processed snacks, the kale chips provide more beneficial vitamins and minerals, making them a more nutrient-dense choice, though they also have a notable sodium content.
What is 'organic agave nectar' and how does it affect the product?
Organic agave nectar is a sweetener derived from the agave plant. In this product, it contributes to the flavor profile of the sriracha seasoning. However, the product declares 0g of added sugar per 100g, indicating that the amount of agave nectar used is minimal and does not contribute significantly to the sugar content.
What is a recommended portion size for these kale chips?
The recommended serving size is 1 ounce (approximately 28g). Adhering to this portion size helps manage the intake of calories and sodium. While the chips are nutrient-rich, consuming large quantities could lead to excessive sodium intake.
Are these kale chips suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, PACIFIC NORTHWEST Kale Chips, Lava Rock Sriracha appears to be suitable for a vegan diet. All listed ingredients, including organic cashews and nutritional yeast, are plant-based. There are no animal-derived ingredients.