Popchips vs. PopCorners vs. Baked Lays vs. Regular Chips: Which Is the Healthiest Snack?

What Are the Most Popular Snacks?

Top 4 Most Popular Snacks Worldwide: 

1. LAY'S Classic Potato Chips – The iconic fried potato chip we all know and love.

2. PopCorners White Cheddar Flavored Popped-Corn Snacks – Crispy popped corn chips with cheesy flavor.

3. Popchips Sea Salt Potato Chips – “Never fried, never baked” popped potato chips.

4. LAY'S Baked Original Potato Crisps – A lighter, oven-baked take on a classic.

Curious about how they stack up? Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison!

Popchips Sea Salt Potato Chips	PopCorners White Cheddar Flavored Popped-Corn Snacks	LAY'S Baked Original Potato Crisps	LAY'S Classic Potato Chips
($12.98, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back) ($20.99, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back) ($18.99, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Boxed - Get Up To 0% Cash Back)	($6.98, 18 oz. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back) ($4.18, 7 oz Bag FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back) (2/$7.00 or 1/$4.59, 7.0 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)	($3.98, 11 oz FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back) ($3.98, 6.25 Oz. FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back) ($4.79, 6.25 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back) ($4.99, 6.25 oz FROM Kroger - Get Up To 0% Cash Back)	($3.98, 15.625 oz. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back) ($2.50, 8 oz FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back) (2/$6.00 or 1/$4.59, 8.0 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Quick Summary: Which Chip Wins?

Ever stood in the snack aisle, torn between healthy baked chips, trendy popped snacks, and classic fried indulgence? I’ve been there—and today, I’m putting four fan-favorite chips to the test.

We’ll compare them on taste, texture, nutrition, ingredients, and snackability to help you choose your next go-to snack.

Popchips Sea Salt vs. PopCorners White Cheddar vs. Baked LAY'S vs. Classic LAY'S: Our Experience & Reviews

I've spent some quality time munching on each of these to bring you an honest and detailed review. Let's get started!

#1. Popchips Sea Salt

($12.98, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back)

($20.99, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back)

($18.99, 0.8 oz., 30 pk. FROM Boxed - Get Up To 0% Cash Back)

Appearance

Popchips Sea Salt has a distinct, almost puffy appearance. They're thicker than your average potato chip, with an irregular shape that gives them a unique look. The surface is somewhat rough, which helps the sea salt adhere well.

Taste and Flavor

The taste is quite interesting. The sea salt flavor is upfront and strong. It really enhances the natural potato taste, but for some, it might be a bit too salty. The popping process gives them a light, airy texture that's different from the typical fried chip. However, this lightness also means they don't have the same richness as fried chips. There's a subtle sweetness from the potato that comes through towards the end of the bite, balancing out the saltiness to an extent.

Texture

The texture is where Popchips shine. They're incredibly crispy, and the moment you bite into one, it makes a satisfying crunch. The thickness of the chip contributes to this great crunch factor, and it holds up well even when you take a big bite.

Nutrition

In terms of nutrition, Popchips Sea Salt is a bit of a mixed bag. A 23g serving contains 100 calories, 3.5g of fat, which is relatively low compared to some other chips. It has 0g of saturated fat and trans fat, which is a plus. But it does have 150mg of sodium, which is on the higher side. There are 16g of carbohydrates, with less than 1g of dietary fiber, and 1g of protein. So, while it's lower in fat, it's not a significant source of nutrients like fiber or protein.

Overall Impression

I like the unique texture and the bold sea salt flavor of Popchips Sea Salt. It's a great option if you're looking for a lighter, less greasy chip. However, the high sodium content might be a deal - breaker for some, especially those watching their salt intake. It's a snack that's best enjoyed in moderation.

#2. PopCorners White Cheddar

($6.98, 18 oz. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back)

($4.18, 7 oz Bag FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back)

(2/$7.00 or 1/$4.59, 7.0 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Appearance

PopCorners White Cheddar chips are triangular in shape, which is quite fun. They have a light yellow base color from the corn, with a dusting of white cheddar cheese powder all over. The shape makes them easy to hold, and they look appealing in the bag.

Taste and Flavor

The flavor is a real stand - out. As soon as you open the bag, the rich aroma of white cheddar hits you. When you take a bite, the cheesy flavor is intense and delicious. It's not too overpowering, though, and it complements the natural corn flavor really well. There's a bit of a tang from the cheese that adds depth to the taste. The flavor lingers on your palate, making you want to keep reaching for more.

Texture

These chips are extremely crispy. The popping process gives them an airy, light texture that's very enjoyable. Despite being light, they still have a good bite to them. They don't crumble easily, which is great when you're using them to scoop dips.

Nutrition

A 28g serving of PopCorners White Cheddar contains 140 calories, 6g of fat, with 0.5g of saturated fat. Sodium is at 160mg, which is a bit high but on par with many other chips. There are 19g of carbohydrates, 0g of dietary fiber, and 2g of protein. They also contain some calcium, which is a nice bonus.

Overall Impression

I'm a big fan of PopCorners White Cheddar. The flavor is top - notch, and the texture is excellent. It's a great snack for those who love cheesy flavors. While it's not the healthiest option due to the fat and sodium content, it's definitely a delicious treat. It would be perfect for parties or as a movie - watching snack.

#3. Baked LAY'S

($3.98, 11 oz FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back)

($3.98, 6.25 Oz. FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back)

($4.79, 6.25 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

($4.99, 6.25 oz FROM Kroger - Get Up To 0% Cash Back)

Appearance

Baked LAY'S have a more traditional potato chip look. They're thin and flat, with a uniform golden - brown color. The surface is smooth, and you can see the potato texture on each chip.

Taste and Flavor

The taste is milder compared to the previous two. The original flavor has a simple, salty taste that's very familiar. It's not as bold as some other chip flavors, but it has a classic, comforting quality. The baking process gives them a different flavor profile than fried chips, with less of the greasy, fried taste. You can really taste the potato, which is nice.

Texture

They're crispy, but not in the same way as Popchips or PopCorners. The texture is a bit more delicate. They break easily, so you have to be a bit more careful when eating them. However, the thinness of the chip contributes to a light, crispy bite.

Nutrition

A 31.8g serving of Baked LAY'S has 140 calories, 4g of fat, with 0.5g of saturated fat. Sodium is 150mg, and there are 24g of carbohydrates, 2g of dietary fiber, and 2g of protein. It also contains a small amount of iron. Compared to Classic LAY'S, it has significantly less fat, making it a better option for those watching their fat intake.

Overall Impression

Baked LAY'S are a solid choice if you're looking for a healthier alternative to classic fried chips. They have a decent taste and texture, and the reduced fat content is a major plus. However, if you're someone who craves bold flavors, you might find them a bit bland.

#4. Classic LAY'S

($3.98, 15.625 oz. FROM Sam's Club - Get Up To 15% Cash Back)

($2.50, 8 oz FROM Walmart - Get Up To 1% Cash Back)

(2/$6.00 or 1/$4.59, 8.0 oz FROM Walgreens - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

Appearance

Classic LAY'S are iconic in their appearance. They're thin, slightly curved potato chips with a beautiful golden color. Each chip has a unique shape, and you can see the natural potato patterns on them.

Taste and Flavor

The flavor is what makes Classic LAY'S so beloved. It has a rich, salty taste that's perfectly balanced. The frying process gives them a deep, savory flavor that's hard to beat. There's a hint of sweetness from the potato, and the salt enhances all the flavors. It's a flavor that most people grew up with and can't resist.

Texture

These chips are the definition of crispy. The frying gives them a very firm, satisfying crunch. They hold up well when you bite into them, and the sound of crunching a Classic LAY'S chip is almost as enjoyable as the taste.

Nutrition

A 28g serving of Classic LAY'S contains 160 calories, 10g of fat, with 1.5g of saturated fat. Sodium is 140mg, and there are 15g of carbohydrates, 1g of dietary fiber, and 2g of protein. It's clear that they're higher in fat compared to the other options, but that's often what gives them their great taste.

Overall Impression

Classic LAY'S are the benchmark for potato chips. They have an unbeatable flavor and texture. However, if you're trying to eat healthier, the high fat content might be a concern. But for a once - in - a - while indulgence, they're hard to beat.

Head - to - Head Comparison

Taste

• Popchips Sea Salt: Bold sea salt flavor with a hint of potato sweetness.

• PopCorners White Cheddar: Intense and delicious white cheddar flavor.

• Baked LAY'S: Mild, classic salty potato flavor.

• Classic LAY'S: Rich, salty, and perfectly balanced flavor.

• Winner: It's a tough call, but for those who love bold flavors, PopCorners White Cheddar might edge out the others. However, Classic LAY'S has a timeless flavor that many will always prefer.

Texture

• Popchips Sea Salt: Thick, airy, and extremely crispy.

• PopCorners White Cheddar: Triangular, airy, and very crispy.

• Baked LAY'S: Thin, delicate, and crispy.

• Classic LAY'S: Thin, firm, and super crispy.

• Winner: Popchips Sea Salt and PopCorners White Cheddar both have unique and excellent textures, but Popchips' thickness gives it a slight edge in terms of a more substantial crunch.

Nutrition

• Popchips Sea Salt: Low in fat but high in sodium.

• PopCorners White Cheddar: Moderate fat, high sodium, and some calcium.

• Baked LAY'S: Reduced fat compared to Classic LAY'S, with a bit of fiber.

• Classic LAY'S: Higher in fat compared to the others.

• Winner: Baked LAY'S is the clear winner in terms of nutrition, especially if you're looking to cut down on fat.

In conclusion, each of these chips has its own unique qualities. Popchips Sea Salt offers a light, crispy option with a bold flavor. PopCorners White Cheddar is a cheesy delight with a great texture. Baked LAY'S is a healthier alternative for those watching their fat intake. And Classic LAY'S remains the go - to for a classic, indulgent potato chip experience. So, depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs, you can choose the chip that's right for you!

Popchips vs. PopCorners vs. Baked LAY'S vs. Classic LAY'S: Nutrition, Ingredients & Key Differences

Overview of the four snacks, including nutrition facts, ingredients, and key comparisons:

#1. Popchips Sea Salt Potato Chips

Product Link: Popchips Sea Salt

Serving Size: 1 bag (23g)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Ingredients:

Potato, Rice Flour, Vegetable Oil (Sunflower, Safflower, and/or Expeller Pressed Canola), Potato Starch, Sea Salt, Salt.

Key Claim:

50+% less fat per 28g serving vs. regular fried potato chips (4.5g vs. 10g).

#2. PopCorners White Cheddar Flavored Popped-Corn Snacks

Product Link: PopCorners White Cheddar

Serving Size: ~16 crisps (28g)

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Ingredients:

Yellow Corn, Sunflower Oil, Whey, Reduced Lactose Whey, Maltodextrin (Made From Corn), Natural Flavors, Canola Oil, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Citric Acid, Lactic Acid.

Highlights:

Contains cheddar cheese and whey for flavor.

No added sugars; naturally savory.

#3. LAY'S® Baked Original Potato Crisps

Product Link: Baked LAY'S

Serving Size: 1 package (31.8g)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Ingredients:

Dried Potatoes, Corn Starch, Corn Oil, Sugar, Sea Salt, Soy Lecithin, Dextrose, Annatto Extracts (for color).

Key Difference:

Oven-baked, not fried, with 65% less fat than regular Lay’s chips.

#4. LAY'S Classic Potato Chips

Product Link: Classic LAY'S

Serving Size: ~15 chips (28g)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Ingredients:

Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil and/or Corn Oil and/or Soybean Oil and/or Sunflower Oil), Salt.

Classic Traits:

Fried in vegetable oil for a crispy texture.

Simple ingredients: potatoes, oil, and salt.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Use this breakdown to compare nutrition, ingredients, and cooking methods for your snack preferences!

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