Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb 8 Ounce Plastic Bag
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb scores 51/100, primarily due to its **moderate sodium content** and classification as a processed food.
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb has a FoodScore of 51/100 (Decent).
It provides 10.71g of protein and 3.61g of fiber per 100g, contributing to satiety.
A notable concern is the 964.29mg of sodium per 100g.
This product is a NOVA class 3 (processed) food, unlike air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables.
Consider portion control due to its calorie density and sodium level.
Scores +10 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
964.29mg
42% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (10.7g)+6
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (964.3mg)-5
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 51
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb receives a FoodScore of 51 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial nutrients against processing and sodium levels. The product gains points for its protein content, providing 10.71g per 100g, and its fiber content of 3.61g. It also receives a small bonus for iron, contributing 14% of the Daily Value per 100g. However, significant penalties are applied due to its sodium content, which is 964.29mg per 100g, a factor that can contribute to elevated blood pressure when consumed in excess. Additionally, its classification as a NOVA class 3 (processed) food incurs a penalty, indicating it has undergone considerable industrial processing. The ingredient list includes enriched wheat flour and a blend of sunflower and/or canola oil. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, Stacy's Pita Chips are more calorie-dense and higher in sodium, offering a different nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in stacy's pita chips parmesan garlic & herb 8 ounce plastic bag actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb provides 10.71g of protein per 100g. Protein is an essential macronutrient that supports muscle maintenance and repair, and contributes to feelings of fullness. Including protein in snacks can help manage appetite between meals. While not a primary protein source, this amount can contribute to daily protein intake, especially when paired with other protein-rich foods.
Contains Dietary Fiber
With 3.61g of fiber per 100g, these pita chips offer a moderate amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. While not a high-fiber food, this contribution can be part of a balanced diet that includes various fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The presence of whole wheat flour and oat fiber contributes to this content.
Provides Iron
Stacy's Pita Chips contribute 2.57mg of iron per 100g, which is 14% of the Daily Value. Iron is a crucial mineral involved in oxygen transport throughout the body and energy production. Adequate iron intake is important for preventing iron deficiency anemia. While not a significant source, it can help meet daily iron needs, particularly when consumed as part of a varied diet rich in iron-containing foods.
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb scores 51/100, primarily due to its moderate sodium content and classification as a processed food.
How to eat it
Stacy's Pita Chips are typically consumed as a snack, often paired with dips like hummus or salsa, or as a crunchy accompaniment to sandwiches and salads. A common portion size is around 28-30g, which is significantly less than the 100g used for nutritional analysis. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie and sodium intake.
Pair with vegetable-based dips like hummus or baba ghanoush to add fiber and micronutrients to your snack.
Use these pita chips as a crunchy topping for salads or soups instead of croutons to add texture and flavor.
Measure out a single serving (e.g., 10-12 chips) to help control calorie and sodium intake, rather than eating directly from the bag.
Consider alternating with fresh vegetable sticks or whole-grain crackers for variety and a broader nutrient profile.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should note that Stacy's Pita Chips contain enriched wheat flour and malted barley flour, making them unsuitable. The product also contains milk ingredients from Parmesan cheese, which is relevant for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The sodium content, at 964.29mg per 100g, is relatively high. Those monitoring their sodium intake for conditions such as hypertension should consume this product in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes. While the product contains antioxidants like rosemary extract and ascorbic acid, these are primarily for product preservation rather than significant health benefits.
Is Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb healthy?
Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb has a FoodScore of 51/100, indicating it's a decent choice within a balanced diet. It offers some protein and fiber, along with iron. However, its sodium content is relatively high, and it is classified as a processed food. Moderation and portion control are key when including it in your diet.
How does Stacy's Pita Chips compare to other snack options?
Compared to a generic bag of potato chips, Stacy's Pita Chips may offer slightly more protein and fiber due to the use of wheat flour. However, its sodium content is comparable to many other savory snacks. When compared to Triscuit crackers, Stacy's Pita Chips generally have a similar calorie density but may have a different fat and fiber profile depending on the specific Triscuit variety.
What is 'enriched wheat flour' in the ingredient list?
Enriched wheat flour is wheat flour that has had certain B vitamins (niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron added back after processing. This enrichment helps to restore nutrients lost during milling and contributes to the product's iron content, as noted in the micronutrient breakdown.
What is a recommended portion size for Stacy's Pita Chips?
While the nutritional data is provided per 100g, a typical serving size for pita chips is often around 28-30g. This smaller portion would contain approximately 140-150 calories and around 270-290mg of sodium. Adhering to a measured serving size can help manage overall intake of calories and sodium.
Are Stacy's Pita Chips suitable for a low-sodium diet?
No, Stacy's Pita Chips Parmesan Garlic & Herb are not suitable for a low-sodium diet. With 964.29mg of sodium per 100g, or roughly 270-290mg per typical serving, they contribute significantly to daily sodium intake. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should seek out alternative snack options with much lower sodium levels.