When you think of chips, the first image that probably comes to mind is the classic deep-fried potato chips, often seasoned with just salt or a variety of other tempting flavours.
Lay’s, Uncle Chips and wafers, anyone? Chips are irresistibly crunchy, taste delicious and are always so hard to put down! Every time a packet is opened, it seems to get over before you even realise it. When you reach in and can’t grab any more chips, that’s when you find yourself opening the packet a bit wider, just to check if it’s truly empty.cAs much as we all love chips as a snack, the guilt that comes with them is real – especially when it comes to the deep-fried varieties with high sodium content, which can lead to a bevy of health issues.
As India is undergoing a smart snacking revolution – witnessing a rise in demand for healthier snack options – dehydrated vegetable chips are also making their presence felt in the scene.
All about dehydrated veggie chips
Instead of the deep-frying technique, several small- and big-scale brands are turning vegetables like ladyfinger, beetroot, taro, jackfruit, gourd, and carrots into crispy chips using the methods of dehydration and vacuum frying – promoting them as a healthier alternative to regular chips. Basically, they are just vegetables…but crunchier and seasoned with spices for that added taste and chips-like experience. But are they really healthier, or is it yet another marketing gimmick? We asked health experts.
“Dehydrated vegetable chips can be a healthier snacking option compared to regular fried chips, depending on how they are processed and consumed. Unlike fried chips, which are high in unhealthy fats and calories, dehydrated chips are typically lower in fat since they aren’t cooked in oil.
“Dehydration preserves much of the vegetable’s original nutrients, such as fibre and some vitamins, making them a decent option for people looking to maintain a balanced diet,” Mohini Dongre, senior dietitian, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.
Dehydration involves removing water content from the vegetables. The process helps preserve them for a longer period and increases the shelf life naturally (without requiring any preservatives).
“Dehydration generally preserves most nutrients in vegetables, but water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B may decrease. However, fibre content remains intact, and antioxidants and polyphenols typically retain their potency,” Simrat Kathuria, CEO and head dietitian at The Diet Xperts tells India Today.
Watch out for hidden ingredients
The health quotient of these well-intended chips can also be brought down, making it imperative to read the ingredients label. High sodium content and the use of artificial colours can be a major red flag.
“Some dehydrated chips are heavily salted or flavoured with artificial seasonings to enhance taste, which can contribute to excessive sodium intake, potentially leading to high blood pressure over time,” says dietitian Mohini Dongre.
It is also important to watch out for added sugar.
However, several brands are now offering these dehydrated vegetable chips without any addition of artificial colours or preservatives. Health experts agree that it is a positive sign. Yet, it is important not to fall for the claims mentioned on the front of the packet but to carefully check the nutritional label mentioned at the back.
Ahmedabad-based Dr Dimple Ganatra, who has served as a healthcare professional for 22 years, started her dehydrated veggies brand, Healthy Grabz, in 2022 to promote healthy snacking.