Crisps are a favourite for many of us, but eating packet after packet isn’t the best choice for your health. The good news is there are plenty of lighter options that still deliver that satisfying crunch.
Supermarkets across Britain now stock a range of alternatives that balance flavour with a bit more nutritional sense.
This article is for general information only. Product taste, appearance, and availability may vary, and photos are for illustrative purposes. Always check packaging and seek advice from a qualified professional for health or dietary concerns.
1. Baked Sweet Potato Crisps
Sweet potatoes pack more beta-carotene than regular spuds, which your body converts into vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin. These orange beauties become gloriously crispy when baked, offering that satisfying crunch without the guilt.
Tesco and Sainsbury's stock brilliant versions, or you can easily make your own by slicing sweet potatoes thinly and baking at 200°C for fifteen minutes. They're naturally sweet, so you won't miss the salt.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas transform from bland beans into crunchy little nuggets of protein when roasted properly. A single serving delivers about six grams of protein and loads of fibre, keeping you fuller for longer than regular crisps ever could.
Drain a tin, pat them dry, toss with olive oil and your favourite spices, then roast until golden. Paprika and cumin work brilliantly, or try curry powder for a proper British twist.
3. Kale Chips
Before you roll your eyes, hear us out – kale chips done right are genuinely addictive. This superfood contains more vitamin C than oranges and becomes wonderfully crispy when massaged with oil and baked.
Remove the tough stems, massage leaves with olive oil and sea salt, then bake at 150°C until crispy. They'll keep in an airtight container for days, though they rarely last that long once you start munching.
4. Apple Chips
Granny Smith apples become nature's answer to crisps when sliced paper-thin and slowly baked. They're naturally sweet, packed with fibre, and contain none of the nasties found in processed snacks.
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice apples thinly, removing the core. Bake at 100°C for two hours, flipping halfway through. The result is a satisfyingly crunchy snack that actually counts towards your five-a-day portions.
5. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed might sound proper weird, but these paper-thin sheets pack an umami punch that'll surprise you. They're loaded with iodine for thyroid health and contain barely any calories, making them brilliant for guilt-free munching.
Waitrose and M&S stock various flavoured versions, from wasabi to sesame. The salty, slightly fishy taste grows on you quickly, and they're so light you can polish off a packet without feeling stuffed.
6. Beetroot Crisps
Beetroot's earthy sweetness becomes concentrated and delicious when baked into crisps. These ruby-red beauties contain nitrates that may help lower blood pressure, plus they're naturally gorgeous on the plate.
Slice beetroot thinly using a mandoline, toss with olive oil and thyme, then bake at 180°C until crispy. They'll stain your fingers pink, but the flavour is worth it – sweet, earthy, and completely moreish.
7. Parsnip Crisps
Parsnips might be Sunday roast stalwarts, but they make cracking crisps too. They're naturally sweeter than potatoes and contain more fibre, plus they crisp up beautifully without needing loads of oil.
Peel and slice parsnips lengthways into ribbons, brush with olive oil, and bake at 190°C until golden. Season with rosemary and sea salt for a proper British flavour combination that'll have you coming back for more.
