Are Banana Chips Healthy? (2024)

Banana chips are dried, fried slices of bananas that have become an increasingly popular snack. They’re usually coated with sugary syrup or spices and salt.

Although bananas themselves are highly nutritious, you may wonder if the same can be said of banana chips.

This article explains whether banana chips are healthy.

Unlike bananas, banana chips are highly processed. They’re commonly fried in oil and cooked with ingredients like honey or syrup that contribute significant calories, sugar, and fat.

A 1-cup (72-gram) serving of banana chips provides (1):

  • Calories: 374
  • Protein: 1.6 grams
  • Carbs: 42 grams
  • Fiber: 5.5 grams
  • Sugar: 25 grams
  • Total fat: 24 grams
    • Saturated fat: 21 grams
  • Potassium: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin B6: 11% of the DV

Although this snack boasts fiber and a few vitamins and minerals, these benefits are quickly offset by the fat, calorie, and sugar content. Plus, since banana chips are dehydrated and fried, they’re highly palatable and easy to overeat.

Summary

Most banana chips are fried in oil and coated in syrup, which loads them with calories, fat, and sugar.

Banana chips may be a convenient snack on occasion.

Since banana chips are light, easy to pack, and a quick source of calories and simple carbs, they’re an excellent option when you’re on the go, hiking, or refueling after rigorous exercise.

What’s more, because they’re dehydrated, they have a much longer shelf life than fresh bananas. You also don’t have to worry about bruising or damage, which is advantageous for outdoor trips.

Summary

Banana chips are convenient, easy to pack, and a quick source of energy. Their long shelf life makes them great for camping or hiking trips.

Banana chips have several drawbacks to consider.

High in fat

Banana chips are usually fried in oil to give them a crunchy texture. Manufacturers tend to use coconut or sunflower oil but may utilize any frying oil.

A single cup (72 grams) of banana chips packs 24 grams of fat, 21 of which are saturated. A diet high in saturated fats from processed foods is linked to a higher risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease (1, 2, 3, 4).

Additionally, the high fat content of banana chips adds a lot of extra calories. For example, the same serving of banana chips contains over 250% more calories than a medium banana (1, 5).

High in sugar

Some banana chips are coated in syrup or honey, significantly adding to their sugar content.

One cup (72 grams) of banana chips contains 25 grams of sugar, which includes 10.5 grams of added sugar, compared with 14.5 grams of natural sugar in a medium (118-gram) banana (1, 5).

Summary

Most banana chips are fried in oil and sweetened — factors that not only contribute to their high calorie and sugar content but also may increase disease risk.

A whole banana is a much better option than banana chips. Still, if you’re craving something crunchy, you may wonder whether banana chips are healthier than other chips.

This table compares the nutrients in a whole banana versus banana chips, potato chips, and veggie chips (1, 5, 6, 7):

NutrientBanana, raw (medium, 118 grams)Banana chips (1 cup/72 grams)Potato chips (1 cup/25 grams)Vegetable chips (1 cup/30 grams)
Calories105374133148
Total fat0.4 grams24.2 grams8.5 grams8 grams
Saturated fat0.1 grams21 grams0.85 grams0.5 grams
Carbs27 grams42 grams13.5 grams18 grams
Sugar14.5 grams25 grams0.1 gram2 grams

Banana chips are much higher in calories, total fat, saturated fat, and sugar than either potato or vegetable chips.

While these chips are lighter and less filling than banana chips, meaning that you’re likely to eat more in one sitting, you would need to eat a very large serving to equal banana chips’ saturated fat and sugar content.

It’s best to limit your intake no matter the chips you buy.

For a healthier option, choose dried or baked — not fried — banana chips that are flavored with herbs and spices rather than sugar.

Summary

Fried banana chips are much higher in calories, fat, and sugar than potato or veggie chips. Baked or dried banana chips with no added sugar are a better option, but you should stick to a small serving regardless.

While they may seem healthy at first glance, banana chips can be loaded with calories, saturated fat, and added sugar.

For a healthier alternative, look for dehydrated, non-fried banana chips made without added sugar. Better yet, choose a whole banana.

If you decide to eat banana chips, be mindful of your portion size.

Are Banana Chips Healthy? (2024)

FAQs

Are Banana Chips Healthy? ›

While they may seem healthy at first glance, banana chips can be loaded with calories, saturated fat, and added sugar. For a healthier alternative, look for dehydrated, non-fried banana chips made without added sugar. Better yet, choose a whole banana.

Are dried banana chips good for you? ›

Freeze Dried Bananas Nutrition: The Health Benefits

Ounce for ounce, dehydrated bananas are about four times higher in fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, sugar and calories than the fresh variety.” Freeze dried banana chips are high in: Potassium, which is great for lowering your blood pressure.

Is banana chips healthy for weight loss? ›

Banana chips are not a healthy weight-loss snack. Also, they are sugared or salted bananas that have been deep-fried. As a result, banana chips provide 210 calories and 12.5 grams of fat every half-cup. In addition, banana chips have several drawbacks.

Are banana chips healthier than potato? ›

One cup banana chips have much higher calories, total fat, saturated fat and sugar than potato chips. Yes, you read that right. But you need to be careful and limit your intake no matter which chips you buy. For a healthier option, choose baked over fried banana chips that are flavoured only with herbs and spices.

Do banana chips count as a serving of fruit? ›

Fruit is a good snack choice, and dried fruit can also count towards your 5-a-day. But despite banana chips often being near the dried fruit in shops, they're not the same. Rather than simply being dried, banana chips are cooked in saturated fats like palm or coconut oil and also usually have sugar added.

Is it OK to eat banana chips everyday? ›

While they may seem healthy at first glance, banana chips can be loaded with calories, saturated fat, and added sugar. For a healthier alternative, look for dehydrated, non-fried banana chips made without added sugar. Better yet, choose a whole banana. If you decide to eat banana chips, be mindful of your portion size.

Why are banana chips so addictive? ›

But what makes them so addictive? The answer lies in the power of coconut oil. Its unique combination of healthy fats and nutrients adds an incredible depth of flavor and irresistible crunch to these chips. Not only do banana chips made with coconut oil taste amazing, but they also offer a range of health benefits.

Can I eat chips while losing belly fat? ›

French fries and potato chips are high in calories and fat, which could contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Therefore, it's best to enjoy these foods in moderation.

Can I eat banana chips at night? ›

Snacking on banana chips or freeze-dried bananas near bedtime is a healthy way to satisfy a case of the munchies and improve the quality of your sleep. Just like bananas, walnuts contain natural levels of tryptophan to help the body produce sleep-regulating hormones when it comes time to go to bed.

Can I eat banana chips in an empty stomach? ›

Having chips on an empty stomach is not healthy. Banana chips can be a healthy snack option, as they contain fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are convenient and have a better shelf life, but their impact on glucose metabolism is a concern.

Can banana chips spike blood sugar? ›

The preparation of some processed banana products might make them less suitable for people with diabetes. For example, some food manufacturers market dried banana chips as a healthy treat or snack. However, these may contain added sugars or syrups to enhance flavor, which could increase blood sugar levels.

What's the difference between plantain chips and banana chips? ›

A plantain's genetic makeup makes them perfect as a base for salty vegan snacks like Tostones chips, which can be described as 'potato chips made from plantains. ' On the other hand, bananas have higher sugar and less starch, which is reflected in their feebler consistency and sweeter flavor.

Can I eat banana chips during weight loss? ›

Despite being flavourful, these are considered a healthy alternative to potato chips and are preferable to add to your weight loss diet. Banana chips can be tasty and satisfying but their health depends on how they are prepared and consumed.

What are the benefits of banana chips? ›

Bananas are rich in vitamins. Even after frying, the nutrients contained in bananas are preserved. The vitamins that banana chips contain include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin K and so on. Vitamin A can improve immunity to diseases and maintain the normal function of vision.

Are banana chips good for skin? ›

Nutritious: Banana chips are a healthy snack that provides several essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. They also contain vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin and a strong immune system.

Are dried plantain chips healthy? ›

Typically, plantain chips are a great source of fibre and other nutrients like potassium and sodium, and provide more vitamins A and C than potato chips. Purely Plantain Chips provide 12 percent of your daily vitamin A recommendation and 16 percent of your suggested vitamin C!

Are dehydrated fruit chips healthy? ›

Dried fruit can boost your fiber and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants. However, they are also high in sugar and calories, and can cause problems when eaten in excess. For this reason, dried fruit should only be eaten in small amounts, preferably along with other nutritious foods.

What's the difference between dried bananas and banana chips? ›

Dehydrated bananas are typically sold in sliced or in powder form for use in recipes, and the healthiest products contain just one ingredient: dried or dehydrated bananas. Don't confuse banana "chips" with the unadulterated dried fruit. Such products are typically coated in oil, sugar and artificial flavors.

Are dried veggie chips good for you? ›

Veggie straws and veggie chips aren't a bad snack choice, but they're not necessarily as healthy as their name implies. If you're looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips, you may be better off just choosing potato chips (and satisfying your snack cravings).

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