SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ FLAVORED 100% WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS scores 46/100, primarily driven by its whole grain content and fiber, balanced against its classification as an ultra-processed food and contributions from added sugar and sodium.
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ scores 46/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile for a snack.
A serving provides 7.11g of fiber, contributing positively to daily intake.
The product contains 7.1g of added sugar and 464.29mg of sodium per 100g.
It is a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, unlike the reference baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus.
Consider portion control to manage intake of added sugar and sodium.
Scores +5 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
464.29mg
20% 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 (464.3mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 46
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ FLAVORED 100% WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS achieves a FoodScore of 46 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and factors that detract from its overall nutritional quality. The product receives positive points for its fiber content, providing 7.11g per 100g, and its protein content at 7.14g per 100g. Additionally, it contributes 16% of the Daily Value for iron. However, the score is significantly impacted by its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a 10-point penalty. The presence of 7.1g of added sugar and 464.29mg of sodium per 100g also contributes to deductions. Ingredients like maltodextrin and sugar are sources of these added sugars. While the product highlights '100% Whole Grain,' which is supported by whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour as primary ingredients, consumers should note the overall nutritional context. Compared to a baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, SUNCHIPS contains more added sugars and is more processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sunchips sweet & spicy bbq flavored 100% whole grain snacks, sweet & spicy bbq actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Whole Grains and Fiber
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ are made with whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour, contributing to their 100% whole grain claim. This formulation provides 7.11g of fiber per 100g, which can support digestive health and contribute to feelings of fullness. Including whole grains in the diet is associated with various health benefits, and this product offers a convenient way to increase whole grain intake as part of a balanced diet.
Contribution to Iron Intake
This product provides 2.86mg of iron per 100g, which accounts for 16% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and various bodily functions. While not a primary source, SUNCHIPS can contribute to meeting daily iron requirements, particularly for individuals who may need to increase their intake of this nutrient. This can be a useful aspect when considering snack choices.
Provides Energy for Activity
With 500 calories per 100g, SUNCHIPS offer a calorie-dense snack that can provide quick energy. This can be beneficial for individuals with higher energy needs, such as athletes or those engaged in physically demanding activities. The combination of carbohydrates from whole grains and fats from sunflower and/or canola oil contributes to this energy provision, making it suitable for certain active lifestyles.
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ FLAVORED 100% WHOLE GRAIN SNACKS scores 46/100, primarily driven by its whole grain content and fiber, balanced against its classification as an ultra-processed food and contributions from added sugar and sodium.
How to eat it
SUNCHIPS are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in single-serving bags or from larger bags shared among groups. They are a common choice for lunchboxes, parties, or as a quick bite between meals. A typical portion is 15 chips, which is about 28g. The main pitfall is overconsumption due to palatability and the ease of eating multiple servings.
Pair SUNCHIPS with a source of lean protein like a hard-boiled egg or a handful of nuts to enhance satiety and balance the snack.
Measure out a single serving (15 chips) into a small bowl to practice portion control and avoid unintentional overeating.
Combine with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots or celery to add volume and additional fiber and nutrients to your snack.
Consider these chips as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple, especially if you are monitoring added sugar and sodium intake.
Things to keep in mind
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ contains milk as a declared allergen, which is important for individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities. The product is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA class 4), meaning it has undergone significant industrial processing and contains ingredients like maltodextrin and natural flavors. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of ultra-processed foods. The sodium content, at 464.29mg per 100g, should be considered by those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management. Similarly, the 7.1g of added sugar per 100g may be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels or aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption.
SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ scores 46/100, which is considered decent for a snack. It provides whole grains and fiber, but also contains added sugar and is an ultra-processed food. Its healthfulness depends on your overall dietary pattern and portion sizes.
How does SUNCHIPS compare to other snack chips?
Compared to a standard potato chip like Lay's Classic, SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ generally offers more fiber due to its whole grain content. However, both are typically ultra-processed snacks and may have comparable levels of sodium and added sugars, depending on the specific flavor.
What does '100% Whole Grain' mean for this product?
The '100% Whole Grain' claim on SUNCHIPS indicates that all the grain ingredients used, such as whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour, are in their whole form. This means they contain the bran, germ, and endosperm, providing more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.
What is a reasonable portion size for SUNCHIPS?
A reasonable portion size for SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ is 15 chips, which is about 28g. Sticking to this serving size helps manage the intake of calories, added sugar, and sodium, making it easier to fit into a balanced diet.
Are there any allergens in SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ?
Yes, SUNCHIPS SWEET & SPICY BBQ contains milk, as indicated in the natural flavors. Individuals with milk allergies or sensitivities should be aware of this ingredient when consuming the product.