FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentsnackSTACY'S· 1 ONZ

STACY'S, PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO

STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO scores 50/100 (Decent). Its high sodium content is a primary factor impacting its overall score, despite some micronutrient contributions.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 50/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
  • A serving provides 36% DV for iron and 79% DV for Vitamin A, contributing to micronutrient intake.
  • The sodium content is high at 1000mg per 100g, a significant penalty.
  • As a NOVA class 4 food, it is ultra-processed, unlike raw vegetables or air-popped popcorn.
  • Consider portion control due to its calorie density and sodium level.
  • Scores +9 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
10.71g
21% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1000mg
43% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (10.7g)+6
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+6
What holds it back
Sodium (1000mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 50

STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO achieves a FoodScore of 50 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial nutrients and significant penalties. The product gains 3 points for its fiber content of 3.61g per 100g and 6 points for its protein content of 10.71g. Additionally, it receives 6 bonus points for notable micronutrient contributions, specifically iron (36% DV), Vitamin A (79% DV), and Vitamin C (24% DV). However, these benefits are offset by penalties. A substantial penalty of 5 points is applied due to the high sodium content, which is 1000mg per 100g. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, incurring a 10-point penalty. Ingredients like enriched wheat flour and natural flavors are characteristic of ultra-processed foods. In comparison to a baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, STACY'S pita chips contain more sodium and are more processed, though they offer more protein and certain vitamins.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in stacy's, pita chips, fire roasted jalapeno, fire roasted jalapeno actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Iron

STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO provides a notable amount of iron, with 6.43mg per 100g, contributing 36% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and supporting energy metabolism. Including iron-rich foods in the diet can help maintain healthy red blood cell production. For individuals looking to increase their iron intake through snacks, this product can be a contributing source when consumed in moderation.

Contains Vitamin A

This product is a source of Vitamin A, supplying 79% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth and differentiation. The presence of dried red bell pepper and fire roasted jalapeno pepper likely contributes to this vitamin content. Incorporating foods with Vitamin A can support overall eye health and immune system resilience.

Provides Vitamin C

STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO offers 24% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a key role in immune system support and collagen production, which is important for skin, bones, and connective tissues. The inclusion of ingredients like dried red bell pepper and fire roasted jalapeno pepper contributes to this vitamin content.

How to eat it

STACY'S PITA CHIPS are typically consumed as a snack on their own or paired with dips. A common portion size is 1 ounce, which is significantly less than the 100g used for nutrient calculations. Be mindful of the sodium content when pairing with other salty foods.

Pair with unsalted dips like homemade hummus or guacamole to manage overall sodium intake.
Measure out a single serving (1 ounce) to control calorie and sodium consumption effectively.
Use as a crunchy topping for salads or soups instead of consuming a large portion as a standalone snack.
Consider swapping for plain air-popped popcorn or raw vegetable sticks with dip for a lower sodium and less processed alternative.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with wheat allergies or sensitivities should avoid STACY'S PITA CHIPS due to the presence of enriched wheat flour and wheat gluten. The product also contains natural flavors, which can be derived from various sources and may be a concern for some individuals with specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities. The high sodium content (1000mg per 100g) is a significant factor to consider, especially for individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management. While the product does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, or egg, cross-contamination is always a possibility in manufacturing facilities. The presence of maltodextrin (made from organic corn) may be a consideration for those sensitive to corn-derived ingredients.

Swap suggestions
Very good
ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE GRAIN, SPAGHETTI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE WHEAT PASTA
Score85
Very good
BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN ELBOWS PASTA
Score85
Very good
BEECH-NUT ORIGINAL CRISPEAS BAKED PEA PUFFS, ORIGINAL
Score85
Reader questions
Is STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO healthy?
STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO has a FoodScore of 50/100, indicating it is a 'Decent' choice. While it provides some iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature are significant drawbacks. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with awareness of its nutritional profile.
How does STACY'S PITA CHIPS compare to other snack crackers?
Compared to some other snack crackers, STACY'S PITA CHIPS offers a notable amount of iron and vitamins. However, its sodium content is higher than many plain crackers. For example, compared to a brand like Wheat Thins, STACY'S may have a different micronutrient profile but often similar calorie and sodium levels per serving. Always check the nutrition facts for direct comparisons.
What is 'enriched wheat flour' and why is it in STACY'S PITA CHIPS?
Enriched wheat flour is refined wheat flour that has had certain B vitamins (niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron added back after processing. This enrichment helps restore nutrients lost during the milling of whole wheat into white flour. It is a common ingredient in many baked goods and snacks, including STACY'S PITA CHIPS, to improve nutritional value.
What is a reasonable portion size for STACY'S PITA CHIPS?
A reasonable portion size for STACY'S PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO is typically 1 ounce, as indicated on the nutrition label. This portion helps manage the intake of calories and sodium. Consuming larger portions frequently could lead to excessive sodium intake, which is a concern for many individuals.
Can STACY'S PITA CHIPS be part of a weight management plan?
STACY'S PITA CHIPS can be part of a weight management plan, but portion control is essential due to its calorie density. At 464.29 calories per 100g, it's important to stick to the recommended serving size. Pairing it with low-calorie, high-fiber options like raw vegetables can help increase satiety without adding excessive calories.
Are the 'natural flavors' in this product safe?
The 'natural flavors' in STACY'S PITA CHIPS are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies. These flavors are derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, or vegetables, to enhance the product's taste. For most consumers, they pose no issue, but individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies may wish to investigate further if they experience adverse reactions.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll STACY'S SKUs Competitor · 74/100365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET ROASTED & SALTED CASHEWS, ROASTED & SALTED Competitor · 74/100365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET ROASTED & UNSALTED CASHEWS, ROASTED & UNSALTED GoalBest foods for anemia GoalBest foods for muscle building GoalBest foods for iron deficiency Head-to-headSTACY'S, PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO vs. 365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET ROASTED & SALTED CASHEWS, ROASTED & SALTED Head-to-headSTACY'S, PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO vs. 365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET ROASTED & UNSALTED CASHEWS, ROASTED & UNSALTED Head-to-headSTACY'S, PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO vs. 365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET STRAWBERRY FRUIT STRIPS, STRAWBERRY Head-to-headSTACY'S, PITA CHIPS, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO, FIRE ROASTED JALAPENO vs. Angie's Boomchickapop Sea Salt Popcorn

Data & references