The truth has been exposed.
If you’re focused on losing weight, you likely already know which foods to limit to maintain a calorie deficit. Common culprits like sweets, fast food, and sugary drinks are often at the top of the list. However, it’s equally important to be cautious of so-called “healthy” foods that might not be as beneficial as they appear. A prime example? Veggie straws and veggie chips. Dietitians are now cautioning against these snacks, highlighting that they’re highly processed, calorie-dense, and packed with sodium—all while lacking in satiety.
Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of bariatric surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital, warned in an interview with The New York Post that substituting veggie chips for traditional potato chips is unlikely to yield any real benefit. He pointed out that veggie chips are “no better for you than a potato chip.”
In an article for Eat This, Not That!, registered dietitian Sarah Glinski specifically called out the popular Veggie Straws brand. Along with concerns about processing, Glinski noted that Veggie Straws contain added oils that can offset any perceived health advantages. Moreover, they’re low in both fiber and protein. She also observed that the primary ingredients—potato starch, potato flour, and vegetable oil—are similar to those in regular potato chips, offering little nutritional improvement.
In a YouTube video, Jaclyn London, MD, RD, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and author, criticized the misleading marketing of veggie straws. “The first ingredient is potato starch—where are the veggies in these veggie straws?” she said. London also mentioned that the vibrant colors of the snacks come from natural dyes rather than actual vegetables.
Beyond clever marketing, these snacks can impact your weight loss efforts by encouraging overeating. Glinski pointed out that veggie chips are “hyper-palatable” due to their high fat and salt content, making it easy to consume more than intended. Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, explained in a 2023 press release that such foods can stimulate parts of the brain associated with food addiction, impairing the body’s ability to recognize fullness.
While veggie straws aren’t entirely bad—they’re gluten-free, contain less fat than traditional potato chips, and lack artificial flavors or preservatives—dietitians agree that if you’re craving chips, it’s better to stick with a simple, unpretentious option. London suggested opting for kettle-cooked potato chips, emphasizing that they contain basic ingredients: potatoes, oil, and salt. She noted that by choosing this option, you reduce sodium intake and gain a bit more protein compared to veggie straws.
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