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? ›

While banana chips may sound like a healthy choice, they are loaded with calories, added sugar and saturated fat. For a healthier choice, go for dehydrated, non-fried banana chips that have no added sugar. Best would be to choose a whole banana.

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.

Are banana chips good for sugar? ›

Consuming banana chips can result in a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes. It's essential to monitor portion sizes and choose healthier snack options like fresh fruits, nuts, or seeds to better manage blood sugar levels.

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!

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.

Is it bad to eat banana chips everyday? ›

High in fat

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 ).

Are banana chips a laxative? ›

There are 2 grams of fibre in a 1-ounce serving of banana chips. Fiber keeps your digestive system working properly, which can cut your chance of constipation.

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.

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.

Do banana chips go bad? ›

Cool to room temperature, weigh into moisture proof, airtight bags, label and seal the bags. Store the bags in a cool place away from direct sunlight. The fried chips have a short shelf life of about 2 months, so make sure that they are sold or consumed well within this time.

Are dehydrated fruit chips healthy? ›

Dried fruit is healthy because eating fruit in any form is better than consuming zero fruit. "Also, since dried fruit is condensed by weight, it provides about 3.5 times the fiber and nutrients as fresh fruit," Shapiro explains.

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.

Is trail mix healthy? ›

Trail mix is a great source of protein and heart-healthy fats. It's also convenient and easy to customize based on your personal food preferences.

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