Banana chips are an incredibly popular snack that is made from dried and fried banana slices. They go well with tea, coffee, and soft drinks. They are mostly made in coconut oil that makes them look like a healthy snacking option.
Bananas are known for their nutritional value.
But, are banana chips the same or vary in nutritional content? Are they healthy?
Let’s have a look on it.
Nutrients Present in Banana Chips
Banana chips are highly processed. They are made by frying in oil or by cooking with ingredients like honey and syrup that increase the calorie, sugar, and fat content.
84 grams of banana chips provide 441 calories, 2 grams protein, 50 grams carb, 30 grams sugar, 5.5 grams fiber, 29 grams of total fat, 10% of the daily value of potassium, and 17% of the daily value of vitamin B6.(1)
Although, it has vitamins, minerals, and fiber, the fat, calorie, and sugar content offsets the benefits. Additionally being extremely palatable, banana chips are easy to overeat.
Is Eating Banana Chips Beneficial?
Banana chips being a quick source of calories and simple carbs are, therefore, an excellent option to snack on during hiking or when refueling after exercise. They are light and can be easily packed.
Being dehydrated, they have a longer shelf life than a fresh banana. Also, you need not worry about them getting damaged during an outdoor trip.
Downsides of Banana Chips
Banana chips have several drawbacks. Therefore, before considering them for snacking on, get to know about them.
High in Fat
Banana chips get their crunchy texture by frying them in oil, which can be either coconut oil or sunflower oil.
84 grams of banana chips i.e. one cup contains 29 grams of total fat, out of which 28 grams is saturated fat.(1) Eating a diet rich in saturated fats from processed foods increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease.(2, 3)
The fat content adds to the calories.
High in Sugar
Sometimes banana chips are coated with sugar syrup or honey. This increases the sugar content.
84 grams of banana chips contain 35 grams of sugar, in which added sugar is more than the banana’s natural sugar content.(1, 4)
Are Banana Chips Better than Other Chips?
Wondering whether banana chips could be a better variety than any other chips variety i.e. potato chips or vegetable chips.
A raw banana (100 grams) contains 89 kilocalories, 0.3 grams of total fat, and 0.1 grams of saturated fat, 22.84 grams of carbs, and 12.23 grams of sugar.(4)
84 grams of banana chips (one cup) contain 441 calories, and 29 grams of total fat, 28 grams of saturated fats, 50 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of sugar.(1)
28 grams (one cup) of potato chips contain 150 kilocalories, 9 grams total fat, 15 grams carbohydrates, and 1 gram of sugar.(5)
30 grams of vegetable chips contain 148 calories, 7.97 grams of total fat, 17.8 grams of carbs, and 2.07 grams of sugar.(6)
Amongst all, banana chips are much higher in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sugar.
As all these chips are lighter than banana chips, you tend to eat a large serving of them. That would bring it equal in saturated fat and sugar content.
It’s, therefore, better to avoid any types of chips.
If you like banana chips, go for a dried or baked version, flavored with herbs and spices rather than sugar.
Banana chips may seem healthy because we think they are made from bananas and would bear all its nutrient values and benefits. But, being high in calorie, fat, and sugar content, it is better to choose a banana over them.
But if you are a fan of banana chips, either, restrict the serving to one or two ounces or eat the banana itself. Maybe that would end the craving.
Also Read:
- Banana: 11 Essential Health Benefits of Bananas- Rich in Potassium, Vitamin C, B6
- Do Bananas Cause Gas?
- Nutritional Facts of Banana Peel and its Health Benefits
- Are Bananas Good For Your Liver?
- Are Bananas Actually Good For Your Skin & Hair?
- Do Banana Peels Whiten Your Teeth?
- Are Bananas Bad For Your Heart?
