SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS received a FoodScore of 54/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its notable fiber content from whole grains, balanced by the presence of added sugar and moderate sodium.
FoodScore: 54/100 (Decent) for these SUN CHIPS.
A strength is its 10.71g of fiber per 100g, contributing to satiety.
The product contains 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, a factor to consider for daily intake.
Compared to air-popped popcorn, this snack is more processed (NOVA 3) and higher in fat.
Portion control is key for this snack due to its calorie density.
Scores +13 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
10.71g
38% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.1g
14% of Daily Value
Sodium
410.71mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (10.7g)+12
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.1g)-7
Sodium (410.7mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 54
SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS earned a FoodScore of 54/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial components and areas for moderation. The product receives significant bonuses for its fiber content, providing 10.71g per 100g, largely due to the whole corn and whole wheat listed as primary ingredients. Protein also contributes positively with 7.14g per 100g. However, the score is tempered by penalties, notably 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, which is a moderate amount for a savory snack. The sodium content at 410.71mg per 100g also incurs a minor penalty. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a penalty reflecting its level of processing. When compared to a reference baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, SUN CHIPS are more calorie-dense and contain more added sugar, though they do offer more fiber than plain popcorn.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sun chips whole grain and sweet potato snacks actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS provide 10.71g of fiber per 100g, which is a significant contribution to daily fiber recommendations. Dietary fiber is known to support digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in appetite regulation. The fiber in this product comes primarily from its whole grain ingredients, such as whole corn and whole wheat, which are beneficial for overall gut function.
Contains Whole Grains
The primary ingredients in this product are whole corn and whole wheat, indicating a focus on whole grain consumption. Whole grains are a cornerstone of a balanced diet, offering a range of nutrients including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Regular intake of whole grains is associated with various health benefits, and incorporating snacks like SUN CHIPS can be one way to increase your daily whole grain intake, though portion size remains important.
Provides Iron
This snack contributes 2.14mg of iron per 100g, which is 12% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy metabolism. While not a primary source, this contribution can help meet daily iron needs, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet. The iron content is a positive micronutrient highlight for this snack.
SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS received a FoodScore of 54/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its notable fiber content from whole grains, balanced by the presence of added sugar and moderate sodium.
How to eat it
SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS are typically consumed as a standalone snack between meals or as a side dish with sandwiches. A common portion is 15 chips, which is about 28g. It's easy to overconsume calorie-dense snacks like these, so mindful portioning is important.
Pair with a source of lean protein like a hard-boiled egg or Greek yogurt to enhance satiety and balance the snack.
Combine with fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks or bell pepper strips, to add more fiber and micronutrients to your snack.
Measure out a single serving (15 chips) into a bowl to help control portion size and avoid overeating directly from the bag.
Things to keep in mind
This product is classified as NOVA class 3, indicating it is a processed food. While it contains whole grains, it also includes added sugar and moderate sodium. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, should be mindful of the 7.1g of added sugar per 100g. Those on sodium-restricted diets should also consider the 410.71mg of sodium per 100g. The ingredient list includes calcium chloride, which is generally recognized as safe but can cause mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals if consumed in very large quantities. The product contains whole wheat, so it is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS healthy?
With a FoodScore of 54/100, these SUN CHIPS are considered 'Decent'. They offer a good amount of fiber and some iron from whole grains. However, they also contain added sugar and are a processed food. 'Healthy' is subjective and depends on your overall dietary pattern and individual needs. For a snack, it offers more nutritional value than many highly processed options.
How does SUN CHIPS compare to other snack chips?
Compared to a classic potato chip like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, SUN CHIPS WHOLE GRAIN AND SWEET POTATO SNACKS generally offer more fiber and whole grains. However, they may have similar or slightly higher sodium and added sugar content depending on the specific potato chip flavor. For example, a plain potato chip typically has no added sugar, while SUN CHIPS has 7.1g per 100g.
What is 'whole corn' in the ingredient list?
Whole corn refers to corn kernels that have not had their bran and germ removed, meaning they retain more of their natural fiber and nutrients. This is a positive aspect of the ingredient list, contributing to the product's whole grain content and higher fiber score.
What is a reasonable portion size for these SUN CHIPS?
A single serving size is listed as 15 chips, which is approximately 28g. This portion provides around 140 calories. Sticking to this recommended serving size is important for managing calorie intake, especially given the calorie density of this snack.
Can I eat SUN CHIPS every day?
While SUN CHIPS offer some nutritional benefits like fiber, they are still a processed snack with added sugar and sodium. Incorporating them into your diet occasionally as part of a balanced eating pattern is generally fine. Daily consumption should be in moderation and balanced with nutrient-dense whole foods to ensure you meet your overall nutritional needs without excessive intake of added sugars or sodium.