Hummus Chips—Healthier, or All Hype?
By admin
Hooked on hummus? You’re not the only one. Food retailers across the U.S. sold 13.5 percent more tubs of the stuff in 2012 than they did in 2011, according to data from the market-research firm Information Resources Inc. So it’s no surprise that manufacturers are trying to capitalize on America’s addiction to the chickpea spread with a hummus-themed product that goes beyond the refrigerated condiments aisle: hummus chips.
Hummus chips are typically made with a blend of chickpea flour and potato starch and are baked (not fried). Many of the products’ packaging even boasts that—just like with actual hummus—the chips are a good source of protein and fiber. So are they actually healthier than all the other chip options popping up at grocery stores these days—or is it just a marketing tactic?
By and large, hummus chips are actually a better option, says Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, the bestselling author of The Miracle Carb Diet. “They are produced without the use of hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and most varieties use only natural ingredients,” she says. “For this reason, the total fat content compared to many other chips is significantly lower.” While other types of chips typically contain seven to 10 grams of fat per serving, hummus chips pack just three to four grams.
As a result, you also get more chips per serving than with other varieties. Kashi Hummus Crisps, for example, contain 27 crisps per 120-calorie serving, compared to just 15 potato chips for each 160-calorie serving and seven (!) tortilla chips for each 140-calorie serving. Hummus chips even have a caloric edge over other baked options. For the same number of calories (120), you could only have 10 pita chips or 15 baked potato chips.
One thing you should note, though, is that while hummus chips may be calorie-conscious across the board, the fiber and protein content depends on the brand you buy; many options have just one or two grams of each per serving.
“To reap the benefits of fiber and protein in your hummus chip, look for varieties where the first ingredient is chickpeas/garbanzo beans instead of chickpea flour,” says Zuckerbrot. “These varieties, such as Kashi brand hummus chips, punch a higher dose of fiber and protein at three to four grams of each per serving.”
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