Best Low-Fat Potato Chips in Single-Serve Bags, Dietitian-Reviewed
Best Low-Fat Potato Chips in Single-Serve Bags, Dietitian-Reviewed
Looking for low-fat potato chips that come in true single-serve bags? You’re in the right place. This Snack Comparison Hub guide zeroes in on baked, popped, and reduced-fat chips available in 1 oz (28 g) packs for easy portion control—plus a couple of smart alternatives when you want more fiber or variety. Expect clear fat cuts versus fried chips: Lay’s Baked trims roughly 65% of the fat with about 160 mg sodium per serving, according to Good Housekeeping’s testing, while Ruffles Original Baked is around 70% lower in fat, per Sporked’s review. Popchips land at about 4 g fat and 120 calories per ounce—roughly half the fat of classic chips—per TastingTable’s roundup. You’ll find standardized nutrition snapshots, estimated WW Points, ingredient flags, and real-world availability notes so you can choose the best portion-control chips for your goals.
How we compared low-fat single-serve chips
At Snack Comparison Hub, we use an apples-to-apples approach focused on single-serve (1 oz) bags and practical tradeoffs. Baked and popped chips commonly cut fat by about 40–70% compared with fried chips (for example, Lay’s Baked at ~65% less fat per Good Housekeeping, Ruffles Baked at ~70% less per Sporked, and Popchips at ~50% less per TastingTable). These processes change texture: expect a firmer, less oily crunch and sometimes a flatter flavor; some options preserve potato character better than others, as reflected in panel tests from Cheapism and Wirecutter’s broader taste context on fried chip saltiness and oiliness. Also, sodium often remains moderate-to-high in low-fat lines—Lay’s Baked is about 160 mg per serving—so label comparison still matters.
- How we test snacks: Snack Comparison Hub standardizes to 1 oz where possible, reviews labels for calories, fat, saturated fat, carbs, protein, sugars, sodium, and estimates WW Points; then confirms single-serve availability and texture/taste notes from expert panels.
- Dietitian-reviewed chips: Snack Comparison Hub prioritizes fat reduction, reasonable sodium, clean labels, and realistic taste expectations, not perfection.
Citations: Good Housekeeping’s fat and sodium context; Sporked’s baked-chip picks; TastingTable’s fat/calorie benchmarks; Cheapism’s texture notes; Wirecutter’s taste baseline for fried chips.
What counts as low fat in single-serve bags
In shopper terms, low-fat chips are baked, popped, or reduced-fat versions that typically deliver about 40–70% less fat than conventional fried potato chips per serving; they don’t automatically reduce sodium and usually don’t add much protein or fiber unless reformulated (Good Housekeeping, TastingTable, Everyday Health). “Reduced fat” and “baked/popped” reflect process-driven fat cuts; “kettle-cooked” isn’t inherently lower in fat—sometimes it’s only about 1 g less—so look for percentage claims on-pack (Health News Hub). Single-serve means the classic 1 oz (28 g) bag designed for on-the-go snacking and portion control; many nutrition experts prefer single-serve packs to help prevent mindless overeating (Health News Hub).
Key criteria for quick comparison
- Total fat, calories, and saturated fat per 1 oz.
- Sodium (target near or under ~150–180 mg when possible).
- Ingredients: potatoes or alternative bases, oil type (sunflower, canola, safflower, olive), flavorings/additives.
- Estimated WW Points to support tracking.
- Texture and flavor: crunch level, oiliness, potato-forward flavor.
Expected ranges: popped/baked chips often land near 4–7 g fat and ~120 calories per ounce, versus fried chips around ~10 g fat and ~160 calories (TastingTable).
Snack Comparison Hub standardized snapshot
For each featured chip, we list: This at-a-glance format mirrors how Snack Comparison Hub compares snacks across categories.
- Serving size (1 oz/28 g), calories, total fat, saturated fat, carbs, protein, sugars/added sugars (when provided), sodium, and estimated WW Points (estimates based on calories, sat fat, sugar, and protein).
- Ingredient highlights and allergen notes.
- Quick pros/cons and a “best for” tag.
- Single-serve availability notes (multipacks, variety packs, or DIY portioning if single-serve is hard to find).
Good & Gather 50% Less Fat Kettle-Cooked
Cheapism named Good & Gather 50% Less Fat Kettle-Cooked a top low-fat pick, praising its “skull-ringing” crunch and balanced flavor—rare for reduced-fat kettle chips. This one stands out because “kettle-cooked” isn’t automatically low-fat; the explicit 50% reduction is meaningful.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; varies by flavor): ≈140–150 calories; ≈5 g fat; ≈0.5 g sat fat; ≈22 g carbs; ≈2 g protein; ≈0–1 g sugars; ≈150–180 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈4.
- Ingredients: potatoes, vegetable oil (often sunflower/safflower/canola), salt; short label depending on flavor.
- Pros: intense crunch; potato-forward; meaningful fat cut for a kettle style.
- Cons: still moderate sodium; availability varies by Target location.
- Best for: flavor retention with a serious crunch.
- Single-serve: check Target for 1 oz multipacks; if unavailable, portion from full-size bags into 1 oz snack bags.
Source: Cheapism’s ranked review.
Simply Ruffles Sea Salted Reduced Fat
Cheapism’s runner-up, Simply Ruffles Sea Salted Reduced Fat, keeps the signature ridges and sturdy crunch. Some tasters note slightly muted flavor compared with fried, but the texture holds up beautifully with dips.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; varies): ≈140–150 calories; ≈7–8 g fat; ≈1 g sat fat; ≈15–16 g carbs; ≈2 g protein; ≈0–1 g sugars; ≈140–180 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈4–5.
- Ingredients: potatoes, vegetable oil, sea salt; “Simply” line often emphasizes fewer ingredients.
- Pros: excellent dip strength; familiar Ruffles texture; portion-control friendly.
- Cons: smaller fat reduction than baked options; flavor can be milder.
- Best for: ridged texture with fewer additives.
- Single-serve: commonly available in single-serve or variety multipacks.
Source: Cheapism’s ranked review.
Lay’s Baked Original
Mainstream and everywhere, Lay’s Baked cuts fat by about 65% and clocks around 160 mg sodium per serving (Good Housekeeping). Everyday Health notes they have roughly 40 fewer calories and less than half the fat versus fried Lay’s.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; typical): ≈120 calories; ≈3–4 g fat; ≈0–0.5 g sat fat; ≈22 g carbs; ≈2 g protein; ≈1–2 g sugars; ≈160 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈3–4.
- Ingredients: dried potatoes/potato starch, oil, salt; simple seasoning.
- Pros: big fat cut; easy to find in single-serve; reliable crunch for sandwiches.
- Cons: flatter flavor vs fried; sodium still moderate.
- Best for: widely available baked chips with predictable nutrition.
- Single-serve: abundant in lunch-size multipacks.
Sources: Good Housekeeping; Everyday Health.
Ruffles Original Baked
Sporked highlights Ruffles Original Baked for about 70% less fat than fried, a clean flavor, and outstanding dip strength. Texture is a win if you prioritize crunch, though taste differs from classic fried Ruffles.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; typical): ≈120 calories; ≈3–4 g fat; ≈0–0.5 g sat fat; ≈20–22 g carbs; ≈2 g protein; ≈0–1 g sugars; ≈150–180 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈3–4.
- Ingredients: dried potatoes/potato starch, oil, salt.
- Pros: best-in-class ridged crunch among baked chips; strong for dips.
- Cons: less “fried” flavor; sodium varies by flavor.
- Best for: dips and party platters without the extra fat.
- Single-serve: widely available in multipacks.
Source: Sporked’s baked-chip guide.
Popchips
Popped—not fried—Popchips use heat and pressure to reduce oil absorption, yielding a lighter crunch. TastingTable reports about 4 g fat and 120 calories per ounce versus ~10 g fat and 160 calories for fried chips. EatingWell notes Popchips are typically vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; typical): ≈120 calories; ≈4 g fat; ≈0–0.5 g sat fat; ≈20 g carbs; ≈2 g protein; ≈0–1 g sugars; ≈150–200 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈3–4.
- Ingredients: potato ingredients, oil, seasonings; many flavors with short labels.
- Pros: lowest fat per ounce among potato-based chips; broad single-serve availability; dietary-friendly options.
- Cons: lighter, airier crunch; flavor can feel less potato-forward.
- Best for: the lowest fat per ounce with portion-controlled packs.
- Single-serve: frequent in assorted multipacks.
Sources: TastingTable; EatingWell.
SunChips Black Bean
A fiber-forward alternative, not a classic potato chip. Everyday Health notes SunChips Black Bean provide about 14 g whole grains and 3 g fiber per serving with roughly 30% less fat than regular chips.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; typical): ≈130–140 calories; ≈5–6 g fat; ≈0.5 g sat fat; ≈18–20 g carbs; ≈2–3 g protein; ≈1–2 g sugars; ≈150–180 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈3–4.
- Ingredients: whole grains/legumes, oil, seasonings.
- Pros: more fiber and whole grains; moderate fat reduction.
- Cons: not a potato chip; sodium still moderate.
- Best for: extra fiber with a similar crunch experience.
- Single-serve: found in variety multipacks seasonally.
Source: Everyday Health.
Terra
Terra’s colorful veggie chips deliver variety and real root vegetables (the brand has made veggie chips since 1990, per TastingTable). They’re flavorful alternatives, but not always lower in fat—labels vary widely by vegetable mix and oil.
- Snapshot (per 1 oz; varies widely): ≈140–160 calories; ≈7–10 g fat; ≈1 g sat fat; ≈14–16 g carbs; ≈1–2 g protein; ≈1–3 g sugars; ≈120–180 mg sodium; est. WW Points ≈4–6.
- Ingredients: root vegetables, oil, salt; flavor-dependent.
- Pros: vibrant flavors and textures; variety beyond potatoes.
- Cons: not necessarily low fat; nutritional profiles swing by flavor.
- Best for: flavor variety in portion-controlled servings.
- Single-serve: check variety packs; confirm per-bag size.
Source: TastingTable.
Side-by-side comparison by fat, calories, sodium, and ingredients
Values are per 1 oz (28 g). Where brands vary by flavor, numbers are approximate—confirm on the bag.
| Product | Single-Serve Size | Calories | Total Fat | Sat Fat | Sodium | Estimated WW Points | Key Ingredients/Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay’s Baked Original | 1 oz | ≈120 | ≈3–4 g | ≈0–0.5 g | ≈160 mg | ≈3–4 | Baked; ~65% less fat; moderate sodium (Good Housekeeping) | Everyday single-serve baked |
| Ruffles Original Baked | 1 oz | ≈120 | ≈3–4 g | ≈0–0.5 g | ≈150–180 mg | ≈3–4 | Baked ridges; ~70% less fat; sturdy for dips (Sporked) | Dipping and crunch |
| Popchips | 1 oz | ≈120 | ≈4 g | ≈0–0.5 g | ≈150–200 mg | ≈3–4 | Popped; ~4 g fat/oz (TastingTable); many vegan/GF options (EatingWell) | Lowest fat per ounce |
| Simply Ruffles Reduced Fat | 1 oz | ≈140–150 | ≈7–8 g | ≈1 g | ≈140–180 mg | ≈4–5 | Reduced fat ridges; fewer additives; flavor milder (Cheapism) | Ridged crunch, simpler label |
| Good & Gather 50% Less Fat Kettle-Cooked | 1 oz | ≈140–150 | ≈5 g | ≈0.5 g | ≈150–180 mg | ≈4 | Reduced-fat kettle; standout crunch (Cheapism) | Flavor-forward crunch |
| SunChips Black Bean | 1 oz | ≈130–140 | ≈5–6 g | ≈0.5 g | ≈150–180 mg | ≈3–4 | Whole grains/legumes; ~3 g fiber; ~30% less fat (Everyday Health) | Fiber boost |
| Terra Veggie Chips | 1 oz | ≈140–160 | ≈7–10 g | ≈1 g | ≈120–180 mg | ≈4–6 | Root veggie variety; not always low fat (TastingTable) | Flavor variety |
Estimated WW Points and portion control notes
Snack Comparison Hub’s estimated WW Points reflect calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein to help WW members plan snacks; our values are estimates for general guidance, not medical advice. In general, baked and popped chips land in the lower-to-moderate Points range versus fried due to reduced fat. For easier tracking: choose 1 oz single-serve bags, scan fat and sodium, pre-log your Points, and stick to one bag to curb mindless snacking.
Taste and texture findings
Consensus across expert panels: baked and popped chips deliver a firmer, less oily crunch and can taste flatter than fried; some preserve potato flavor better (Good & Gather, Ruffles Baked), while others trade flavor for lower fat (Popchips, Baked Lay’s), per Cheapism, Sporked, and Good Housekeeping. Wirecutter’s fried-chip testing also noted notable saltiness and oiliness in popular styles, underscoring why low-fat seekers should still compare sodium and perceived oiliness. Pair with fresh veggies or a yogurt-based dip to boost satisfaction without much added fat.
Sources: Cheapism; Sporked; Good Housekeeping; Wirecutter.
Ingredient callouts and allergen considerations
- Snack Comparison Hub favors shorter ingredient lists with potatoes, simple oils (sunflower, canola, safflower, olive), and salt. Skip artificial flavors when possible.
- Reduced fat doesn’t guarantee added nutrients; products like SunChips Black Bean are reformulated to include whole grains/legumes and more fiber (Everyday Health).
- Helpful badges, when verified on packaging: “no artificial flavors,” “gluten-free,” “non-GMO,” “vegan” (many Popchips flavors meet these criteria, per EatingWell).
Pros and cons of baked and popped chips
| Type | Process | Typical Fat Cut | Texture Notes | Sodium Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baked | Cooked without deep-frying | ≈60–70% less vs fried | Firm, dry crunch; milder flavor | Often ~150–180 mg/oz |
| Popped | Heat/pressure puffing vs frying | ≈50% less vs fried | Light, airy crunch | Seasonings can push sodium |
| Reduced-Fat (fried) | Less oil or post-fry de-oiling | ≈25–50% less vs fried | Familiar fried crunch | Sodium similar to regular |
Percentages based on Good Housekeeping, Sporked, and TastingTable benchmarks.
Buying tips for single-serve multipacks
- Snack Comparison Hub suggests 10–20 count multipacks with 1 oz bags for consistent tracking.
- Aim for flavors with clear fat cuts (baked/popped/reduced-fat) and sodium near or under ~150–180 mg per ounce.
- Try variety packs first to test textures and flavors; compare unit prices to stock up for lunches, travel, and office drawers.
Our recommendations by use case
- Lowest fat per ounce: Popchips (≈4 g fat, ≈120 calories per ounce) per TastingTable.
- Best ridged texture for dips: Ruffles Original Baked (~70% less fat) per Sporked.
- Best flavor-forward reduced fat: Good & Gather 50% Less Fat Kettle-Cooked for “skull-ringing” crunch, per Cheapism.
- Balanced fiber alternative: SunChips Black Bean (~30% less fat; ~14 g whole grains; ~3 g fiber), per Everyday Health.
Frequently asked questions
Are low-fat potato chips actually healthier or just lower in fat
They’re primarily lower in fat and calories than fried chips, which can help if you’re cutting fat. At Snack Comparison Hub, we recommend watching sodium and portions since added nutrients are limited.
What is a reasonable fat and sodium target per 1 oz single-serve bag
Snack Comparison Hub targets about 4–7 g fat and sodium near or below 150–180 mg per 1 oz bag.
Do baked or popped chips taste like regular chips
They have a firmer, less oily crunch and slightly flatter flavor than fried. Snack Comparison Hub’s take: enjoy the lighter crunch, but expect a different mouthfeel.
How do estimated WW Points differ across low-fat chip options
Baked and popped chips generally score lower Points than fried due to reduced fat. Snack Comparison Hub suggests single-serve bags to make tracking simpler.
Are there cleaner ingredient lists to prioritize in low-fat chips
Prioritize short lists—potatoes, simple oils, salt—and avoid artificial flavors when possible. Snack Comparison Hub often starts with baked or popped options that keep labels straightforward.