6 Best Vegan Chips: Healthier Snacks for 2024

Have you ever sat down to eat a vegan deli wrap and thought to yourself, “Man… some crunchy chips would be great with this!” If so, then this is the post for you! 

After going vegan, I was disappointed by how many popular types of chips weren’t vegan. It seemed like everywhere I looked, all I could find were chips made with palm oil, milk derivatives, non-vegan “natural flavorings,” and other ingredients that I could no longer consume. 

For a while, I gave up on chips altogether and mostly stuck with my trustworthy vegan popcorn. It’s simple, doesn’t have any extra ingredients, and is 100% vegan as long as it doesn’t have any butter or cheese. 

That’s when my friend introduced me to his “stash” of vegan chips. I never knew that there was a whole market full of delicious plant-based chips that not only tasted as good as my favorite non-vegan chips but were usually healthier too. 

If you’ve been looking for the best vegan chips to satisfy your crunchy cravings, then keep on reading, because I’m about to show you my favorites! 

Top-Rated
Wickedly Prime Plantain Chips
Wickedly Prime Plantain Chips
Editor's Choice
Kibo Chickpea Chips
Kibo Chickpea Chips
Reader's Choice
Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips
Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips

How Are Vegan Chips Different From Regular Chips? 

In the olden days, chips were simple. Restaurants and street vendors would take thinly sliced potatoes, fry them in a bit of cooking oil, and then sprinkle some salt on them. Sounds vegan enough, right?

That’s when large food corporations came in and changed everything, mostly for the worse. Instead of sticking with the same tried and true all-natural recipes, they started experimenting with chemical additives, artificial food coloring, and adding all sorts of unnatural flavors. 

Suddenly, what was once a natural, vegan-friendly snack became super processed, unhealthy, and mostly non-vegan. 

Here’s a quick table outlining some of the key differences between vegan and non-vegan chips:

Non-Vegan ChipsVegan Chips
Usually made using artificial food dyes, many of which have been linked to cancer and other diseases. Use only natural food coloring derived from herbs and spices. 
Often feature butter, cheese, and other animal-derived “natural flavors” that aren’t vegan-friendly. Use natural plant-based flavors derived from herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast
Are often made with palm oil, most of which come from unsustainable farming methods that destroy the rainforest and indigenous communitiesMade using sustainably harvested oils, like sunflower oil, canola oil, or other vegetable oils.  When palm oil is used, it almost always comes from farms that have been certified organic and don’t practice harmful farming. 
Often contains dairy additives designed to give more “texture” to the chips. Are 100% dairy-free

Are Vegan Chips Healthier Than Non-Vegan Chips

As far as the ingredients go, vegan chips are almost always healthier. For one, they don’t contain as many artificial preservatives and manufacturing chemicals. They also don’t contain any harmful cancer-causing food dyes and coloring. 

Overall, vegan chips tend to use more herbs, fresh vegetables, and organic cooking oil compared to non-vegan chips, which are known for using more artificial, unhealthy ingredients. 

That being said, vegan chips aren’t exactly a “guiltless” food. Most vegan chips have just as many calories and just as much fat as non-vegan chips. The main difference is that vegan chips use higher-quality ingredients. 

So, if you’re on a diet or watching your caloric intake, then be sure to check all of the nutrition labels to make sure that you still have a balanced diet. I know firsthand how easy it is to scarf down an entire bag of vegan potato chips without thinking about it! 

What Do Vegan Chips Taste Like? 

When I mention vegan chips to my non-vegan friends, I usually get a few questioning looks. Most people tend to think of vegan food as not flavorful or boring. While I’ve certainly had my fair share of not-so-great tasting vegan food, I’ve also had some truly delicious, all-natural vegan food. 

For the most part, vegan chips don’t taste any different than regular chips. The main difference is that you won’t find as many cheesy or meat-flavored varieties.

Instead, you’ll find more traditional recipes made using salt, herbs, and species. The texture, flavor, and delicious crispiness are the same as you’d expect from any other non-vegan chip. 

Pro Tip: If you’re really looking for a bit of extra cheesiness or a savory flavor from your vegan chips, then consider sprinkling some nutritional yeast on top of the chips! It will give them a savory, cheesy flavor that’s similar to parmesan cheese. 

The 6 Best Vegan Chips You Should Try This Year

For the most part, I’ve found that vegan chips taste better, fill me up more, and don’t give me the same stomach problems I’ve had with artificially-flavored chips.

So, if you’re looking for a crunchy side to go with your sandwich or dinner, then here are the 6 best vegan chips you should be on the lookout for! 

Flavor Rating: 8/10

I’ve always loved plantains, and Wickedly Prime’s new Roasted & Salted Plaintain Chips are some of the best I’ve had in a while. Wickedly Prime is Amazon’s latest brand of low-cost, great-tasting snack foods, and they’re a lot more affordable than the ones I’ve found at the grocery store. 

These plantain chips are made from three simple ingredients: 

  • Green plantains
  • Palm oil
  • Salt

I’m unsure of whether the palm oil itself is sustainably sourced, but I’m inclined to think that its use is due to the all-natural nature of the product itself. 

While these plantain chips are great out of the bag, I’ve also found that they serve a great secondary purpose – they’re great chips for nachos! Simply put them in a bowl and top them up with your favorite beans, salsa, vegan cheese, cilantro, and hot sauce. 

What I Like About Them:

  • They feature a simple three-ingredient recipe: plantains, palm oil, and salt. 
  • They’re all-natural and relatively healthy. 
  • Plantain chips are a lot more filling than potato chips. 
  • They’re great by themselves or as a dipping chip. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • It’s unclear whether the palm oil used to make them is sustainably sourced or not. 

Flavor Rating: 10/10

If you’re looking for simple, wholesome, delicious vegan chips, then you can’t go wrong with Kibo’s famous Chickpea Chips! I first tried these after I saw a Tik Tok challenge and had a good feeling about them. So, I eagerly ordered a few bags and waited to see my reaction… 

Although they use an incredibly simple, no-frills recipe, these chickpea chips taste amazing. They’re available in three different flavors:

  • Himalayan Salt
  • Mediterranean Herbs
  • Pico De Gallo

While the flavors are different, they all use the same simple blend of ingredients: chickpea flour, rice flour, concentrated soy protein, tapioca starch, soy fiber, yellow split pea, and vegetable oil.

As you can see, all of the ingredients are 100% vegan -friendly and there’s no questionable palm oil to worry about either

Aside from the fact that they’re all-natural, Kibo’s Chickpea Chips also have several other benefits. Each serving contains 7 grams of plant-based protein and 4 grams of natural dietary fiber.

This means that these vegan chips are more filling and more nutritious than almost any other type of chips on the market. 

Unlike most of the deep-fried chips I’ve had, these are air-fried, which means they don’t feel as heavy or contain as much fat. It also gives the chips a crispy, “popped” texture that I love. 

Chickpeas are also great for baking your own homemade snacks, like vegan chickpea fries! Check out one of my favorite chickpea recipes that I use to make my own vegan chickpea fries with vegan tzatziki here:

What I Like About Them:

  • They’re made from chickpeas, a healthier alternative to potatoes. 
  • They’re made from healthy, all-natural ingredients. 
  • They don’t contain any palm oil. 
  • Each serving has 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • They’re a little expensive. 

Flavor Rating: 8/10

Long before I made my switch to a vegan lifestyle, these were some of the first vegan chips I ever tried. At the time, I didn’t know (or really care) that they were vegan; I just knew that they tasted great and that I loved them. Now that I’m vegan, I have a lot more appreciation for them! 

Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Chips are wavy, super-crunchy potato and veggie chips that have a very similar texture to Ruffles Potato Chips. Their ridges and sturdy profile make them great for dipping in thick dips like hummus (which I highly recommend you try). 

These veggie chips are made using potato flour, potato starch, canola oil, salt, cane sugar, dehydrated spinach, dehydrated tomato, potassium chloride, sea salt, beetroot powder, and turmeric.

For the most part, the recipe is completely natural, with the exception of potassium chloride that’s used as a preservative. 

Although they aren’t quite as healthy as the chickpea chips I mentioned above, they still contain 30% less fat than traditional potato chips. They also contain real vegetables, which gives them added nutritional value. 

Most of Sensible Portions veggie chips are vegan, but their Zesty Ranch and Cheddar flavors do contain dairy, so make sure to stay away from those. Other than those two flavors, though, vegans can enjoy all of the other flavors! 

What I Like About Them:

  • They use a simple, mostly natural recipe. 
  • They use real vegetables. 
  • No artificial flavors or colors. 
  • Contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips. 
  • The ridges make these an excellent dipping chip. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • Some people complain that they’re a bit too salty. 

Flavor Rating: 10/10

My list of the best vegan chips wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my favorite brand of vegan tortilla chips! I mean, who doesn’t love tortilla chips and salsa? 

Siete’s Grain-Free Tortilla Chips aren’t made with white wheat flour or cornflour (maize) like most typical tortilla chips are.

These are made using cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seeds, nutritional yeast, tomato powder, sea salt, garlic, jalapeno powder, citric acid, onion powder, and serrano pepper powder. 

As far as tortilla chips go, it really doesn’t get any healthier or tastier! 

For one, cassava flour and coconut flour are healthier and more nutrient-dense than most grain or corn-based flour. Secondly, I really appreciate that they use avocado oil instead of palm oil or cheap vegetable oil. It gives them a far better taste and really compliments the alternative flour. 

The seasoning is perfect as well! It’s not overdone, but the combination of nooch, tomato, salt, jalapeno, and serrano pepper, with a dash of garlic and onion powder, makes for a truly delicious chip.

Whether you’re eating them by themselves or dipping them in fresh salsa or guacamole, you can’t go wrong with Siete’s Grain-Free Tortilla Chips! 

Another reason to love Siete is that they’re a small family-owned company with a focus on integrity and healthy food. They also happen to make some of my favorite vegan tortillas, which I reviewed on my list of the best vegan tortillas

What I Like About Them:

  • They’re perfectly seasoned with a blend of all-natural peppers and herbs (no artificial flavors whatsoever!). 
  • They’re grain-free and healthier than traditional corn or wheat tortilla chips. 
  • They’re made by a small family-owned company with a focus on healthy food. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • They’re a little more expensive than regular tortilla chips, but the flavor is SO worth it. 

Flavor Rating: 9/10

Popcorners is one of the newest players in the game and their vegan popcorn chips are not only delicious but remarkably low-calorie as well! A 1-ounce bag of Popcorners only has 120 calories, compared to a bag of traditional potato chips that may contain upwards of 250 to 300 calories. 

The reason why they’re so light is that they’re made from 100% real popcorn. The only difference is that they’re popped into triangle-shaped chip-like shapes.

Unlike traditional popcorn, their larger size makes them perfect for dipping and makes them a healthier alternative to Doritos or tortilla chips. 

Popcorners have multiple flavors, and while some of them aren’t vegan, most of their basic flavors are vegan-friendly. My favorite is their original Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Popcorners. They’re made with four simple ingredients: yellow corn, sunflower oil, sea salt, and natural cane sugar. 

I also appreciate how Popcorners uses all-natural sunflower oil instead of palm oil to make their chips! 

The only downside of these chips is that they’re not quite as “sturdy” as tortilla chips. Since they’re made from popcorn, they tend to fall apart easier. This usually isn’t a problem, though, unless I’m trying to dip them in some extra-thick guacamole. 

What I Like About Them:

  • They’re a low-calorie, low-fat snack. 
  • They’re made from all natural popcorn. 
  • Finally – a way to dip your popcorn in salsa! 
  • They’re 100% vegan and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. 
  • They’re affordable. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • Just watch out for Popcorners non-vegan flavors: Barbeque, Sour Cream & Cheddar, and Buffalo. 

Flavor Rating: 9/10

If you like veggie chips, then Terra’s Vegetable Chips with Sea Salt are some of the best I’ve ever had. I actually like these a lot more than the Sensible Portions veggie chips I mentioned above.

The only reason I don’t get them more often is that they’re a bit more expensive than other cheaper brands of vegan veggie chips. 

They’re not put into a mold and stamped like most veggie chips either. What makes these so cool is that they’re literally slices of raw vegetables that have been air-fried to create a product that’s super-crispy with a lightly salty and sweet aftertaste. 

Another cool thing is that each bag of Terra Vegetable Chips is different from the next. They’re made using seasonal root vegetables to ensure that the chips are always as fresh as possible.

Depending on which veggies are in season at the time of production, Terra uses a blend of sweet potatoes, batata, yucca, parsnip, and taro. 

Other than that, the only ingredients are vegetable oil (canola, safflower, or sunflower oil), sea salt, and concentrated beet juice to add a bit of sweetness and color.

While their blended bag is my favorite, Terra also sells individual chips, including blue potato chips, sweet potato chips, taro chips, and a blend of sweet potato and carrot chips. 

What I Like About Them:

  • They’re made from all-natural in-season root vegetables. 
  • Contain no GMOs. 
  • Terra uses natural, vegan-friendly vegetable oil instead of palm oil. 
  • They’re air-fired instead of deep-fried, meaning that they’re healthier than traditional potato chips. 
  • They taste delicious and are cut right from the vegetable, instead of being mashed and processed. 

What’s Not-So-Great About Them:

  • They’re a a little pricey. 

Conclusion – Where Can I Buy Vegan Chips? 

After being disappointed by my local grocery stores, I’ve found that Amazon is one of the best places for those who are searching for the best vegan chips. Not only do they offer a far greater variety, but they’re usually a good bit cheaper than they are at specialty vegan grocery stores. 

For the most part, vegan chips are healthier and taste better than non-vegan chips. So, what are you waiting for? 

My favorite way to eat chips is as a side to a delicious Qdoba burrito. If you live near a Qdoba and you’re interested in learning more about their vegan menu, be sure to check out this piece! 

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Author Bio
Im Emma and I’m the creator of Vegan Calm. When I became a vegan seven years ago, I mainly did it for health and ethical reasons. To my surprise, it had another amazing benefit; I became a much calmer and peaceful person. This change inspired me to create Vegan Calm. Whether you’ve been a vegan for a long time or just want to learn more, this website will have something for you!

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