FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentsnackSUN CHIPS· 15 CHIPS | ABOUT

SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION

SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its score is primarily driven by its whole grain content, which is balanced by notable amounts of added sugar and sodium.

  • This product received a FoodScore of 45/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
  • It provides 7.11g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its nutritional profile.
  • A serving contains 7.1g of added sugar and 500mg of sodium per 100g, which are areas for moderation.
  • As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, unlike a baseline of air-popped popcorn.
  • Consider portion control due to its calorie density and moderate sodium and added sugar content.
  • Scores +4 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
7.11g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.1g
14% of Daily Value
Sodium
500mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.1g)+9
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.1g)-7
Sodium (500mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 45

SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION achieves a FoodScore of 45/100, categorized as 'Decent.' This score reflects a balance of beneficial components and areas for moderation. The product earns significant bonuses for its whole grain content, providing 7.11g of fiber per 100g, which is a notable amount for a snack food. It also contributes 7.14g of protein per 100g and a modest amount of iron (12% DV). However, several factors reduce its overall score. It contains 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, listed as 'sugar' and 'brown sugar' in the ingredients, which incurs a penalty. The sodium content of 500mg per 100g also contributes to a penalty. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 4 food indicates it is ultra-processed, resulting in a substantial deduction. Compared to a baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, SUN CHIPS contains more added sugar and sodium, and is more processed, though it does offer more fiber than many other snack chips.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in sun chips flavored whole grain snacks, french onion actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS provides 7.11g of fiber per 100g, primarily from its whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour ingredients. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can support overall gut function and may help manage appetite.

Contribution of Whole Grains

The primary ingredients in this product are whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour, indicating a significant presence of whole grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which are sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating whole grains into the diet is aligned with dietary guidelines for promoting long-term health.

Provides Iron

This product contributes 2.14mg of iron per 100g, which is 12% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for many bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen in the blood and energy production. While not a primary source, this contribution can help meet daily iron needs, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet.

How to eat it

SUN CHIPS are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in single-serving bags or from larger bags. They are a common choice for lunchboxes, parties, or as a quick bite between meals. A standard serving size is 15 chips, which is a relatively small portion.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair SUN CHIPS with a source of lean protein like a hard-boiled egg or a small handful of nuts to increase satiety.
Consider using SUN CHIPS as a crunchy topping for salads or soups instead of eating them as a standalone snack to integrate them into a more balanced meal.
Practice mindful portion control by pre-portioning a serving into a small bowl rather than eating directly from the bag to avoid overconsumption.
For a more balanced snack, combine a small serving of SUN CHIPS with raw vegetables like carrot sticks or bell pepper slices to add vitamins and additional fiber.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with allergies to milk or wheat should be aware that SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION contains both whey protein concentrate, skim milk, and various cheeses, as well as whole wheat. The product also contains maltodextrin, which is a carbohydrate and can impact blood sugar levels, so individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, should consider this. The sodium content of 500mg per 100g is moderate, and those advised to limit sodium intake should account for this in their daily allowance. The presence of 'natural flavors' means the exact components are not disclosed, which may be a consideration for some consumers.

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 SUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION healthy?
This product scores 45/100 on FoodScore, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it provides whole grains and fiber (7.11g/100g), it also contains notable amounts of added sugar (7.1g/100g) and sodium (500mg/100g). It is considered an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4). Its healthfulness depends on portion size and overall dietary context.
How does SUN CHIPS compare to other snack chips?
Compared to many other snack chips, SUN CHIPS offers a higher fiber content due to its whole grain ingredients. For instance, a comparable serving of Lay's Classic Potato Chips would typically have less fiber and protein. However, SUN CHIPS still contains moderate levels of added sugar and sodium, similar to many processed snack options.
What does 'natural flavors' mean in the ingredient list?
The term 'natural flavors' refers to flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. These are added to enhance the taste of the product. While derived from natural sources, the specific chemical compounds used to create the flavor are not individually listed, meaning the exact composition remains proprietary.
What is a reasonable portion size for SUN CHIPS?
The declared serving size is 15 chips, which is approximately 30g. This portion provides about 150 calories, 2.1g fiber, 2.1g added sugar, and 150mg sodium. Adhering to this portion size helps manage intake of calories, added sugar, and sodium. For a balanced snack, consider pairing this portion with a nutrient-dense food.
Are SUN CHIPS a good source of vitamins and minerals?
While SUN CHIPS provide some iron (12% DV per 100g), they are not a significant source of many other vitamins and minerals. For example, they contain 0% DV for Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. For a broader range of micronutrients, focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll Chips Ahoy! SKUs Competitor · 69/100BARBARA'S ORGANIC ORIGINAL HONEST O'S CEREAL, ORIGINAL Competitor · 69/100BARILLA ENRICHED PASTA WITH WHITE FIBER, SPAGHETTI, WHITE FIBER GoalBest foods for anemia GoalBest foods for iron deficiency GoalBest foods for muscle building Head-to-headSUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION vs. BARBARA'S ORGANIC ORIGINAL HONEST O'S CEREAL, ORIGINAL Head-to-headSUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION vs. BARILLA ENRICHED PASTA WITH WHITE FIBER, SPAGHETTI, WHITE FIBER Head-to-headSUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION vs. BEST YET SALTED CASHEW HALVES WITH PIECES Head-to-headSUN CHIPS FLAVORED WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS, FRENCH ONION vs. ENLIGHTENED COCOA DUSTED CRUNCHY BROAD BEANS, COCOA DUSTED

Data & references