TERRA Original Vegetable Chips earn a FoodScore of 57/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its notable fiber content and the presence of some micronutrients, balanced against its sodium level and processed nature.
This product received a FoodScore of 57/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile for a snack.
A serving provides 7.1g of fiber, contributing positively to daily intake.
The sodium content is 410.71mg per 100g, which is a moderate amount for a snack.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it is less optimal than raw vegetables with hummus.
Consider portion control to manage calorie and sodium intake from this snack.
Scores +8 points above the snack category average (49/100 across 108 foods).
Fiber
7.11g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
3.57g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
410.71mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.1g)+9
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Sodium (410.7mg)-1
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 57
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips achieve a FoodScore of 57 out of 100, placing them in the decent category for snacks. The score benefits from the fiber content, providing 7.1 grams per 100g, which is a significant contribution for a snack food. Additionally, the product offers some micronutrients, specifically 19% Daily Value for Vitamin C and 14% Daily Value for Vitamin A, which positively impact the score. However, the product incurs penalties due to its sodium content of 410.71mg per 100g, which is moderate for a snack. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 3 processed food, due to the use of expeller pressed canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil and other processing steps, results in a deduction. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, TERRA Original Vegetable Chips offer more fiber than plain popcorn but are more processed and higher in fat than raw vegetables.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in terra original vegetable chips actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips provide 7.1 grams of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber needs. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. This product's fiber comes from the mix of root vegetables like taro, sweet potato, and parsnip.
Contains Vitamins A and C
This product offers 14% Daily Value of Vitamin A and 19% Daily Value of Vitamin C per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health, collagen production, and iron absorption. While not a primary source, these contributions from the root vegetables are a beneficial addition to a snack.
Alternative to Traditional Potato Chips
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips can serve as an alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a different nutrient profile. While still a fried snack, the use of a seasonal mix of root vegetables provides a unique blend of plant-based nutrients and fiber not typically found in standard potato chips. This can add variety to snack choices and potentially introduce different micronutrients into the diet.
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips earn a FoodScore of 57/100 (Decent), primarily driven by its notable fiber content and the presence of some micronutrients, balanced against its sodium level and processed nature.
How to eat it
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips are typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in single-serving bags. They are a convenient option for on-the-go snacking or as a side with sandwiches. A common pitfall is consuming multiple servings, which can quickly increase calorie and sodium intake.
Pair 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 into a bowl to help with portion control rather than eating directly from the bag.
Consider crumbling a small amount over a salad for added crunch and flavor, incorporating them into a larger meal.
For a lower-sodium option, alternate with plain air-popped popcorn or fresh vegetable sticks.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for TERRA Original Vegetable Chips relates to its sodium content, which is 410.71mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be mindful of portion sizes. The product is also fried in expeller pressed canola oil and/or safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, contributing to its total fat content. While these are generally considered healthier oils, excessive intake of fried foods should be moderated as part of a balanced diet. The ingredient list does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg, making it suitable for individuals avoiding these specific allergens.
TERRA Original Vegetable Chips received a FoodScore of 57/100, classifying them as 'Decent.' They offer fiber and some vitamins from the root vegetables, but are also a processed snack with moderate sodium and fat content. They can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
How does TERRA Original Vegetable Chips compare to other snack chips?
Compared to many traditional potato chips like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, TERRA Original Vegetable Chips often provide more fiber and a different array of micronutrients due to the diverse vegetable base. However, their calorie, fat, and sodium levels can be comparable, so it's important to check specific nutrition labels for direct comparisons.
What is 'expeller pressed canola oil' and is it a concern?
Expeller pressed canola oil is a type of oil extracted mechanically without the use of chemical solvents. From a nutritional standpoint, canola oil is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are generally considered beneficial for heart health. Its presence in TERRA chips contributes to the overall fat content but is not typically a major concern for most consumers.
How many bags of TERRA Original Vegetable Chips can I eat in a day?
Given the calorie and sodium content, it's generally recommended to stick to one serving (one bag) per day if you choose to include this snack. Consuming multiple bags would significantly increase your intake of calories, fat, and sodium, potentially exceeding daily recommendations.
Are TERRA Original Vegetable Chips gluten-free?
Based on the ingredient list provided, TERRA Original Vegetable Chips do not contain wheat, barley, or rye, which are common sources of gluten. This suggests the product is likely gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, always check the product packaging for explicit gluten-free certifications if this is a critical dietary requirement.