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  • 10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Protein Chips in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

Whether you prefer potato, tortilla, or corn, chips are a staple snack in many pantries. When that salty craving hits, it's easy to pop open a bag and crunch away until only crumbs are left. But while chips can be satisfying to eat, they're not the most filling, and their lack of nutrients means they don't always fit in with your diet and fitness goals. If you're looking to boost the nutrition value, protein chips are an excellent alternative. 


We recommend Quest's Tortilla Style Protein Chips in the flavor Loaded Taco, which contains milk and whey protein isolate. You get crunch, savory flavor, and 19 grams of protein in just one serving. Keep reading to see the rest of our top protein chips! And if you're not sure where to start, our buying guide is full of information and has been reviewed by a registered dietitian to help point you in the right direction. 

Quick List - Top Protein Chips

1

Quest

Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack
Tortilla Style Protein Chips

Taco Flavored Tortilla Chips With Plenty of Protein

2

Parmcrisps

Oven-Baked Parm Crisps2 pack
Oven-Baked Parm Crisps

As Much Protein and Calcium as a Glass of Milk

3

I Won! Organics

Protein Puffs8 pack
Protein Puffs

Get Your Cheese Fix Without Sacrificing Your Diet

4

Popcorners

Flex Protein Crisps20 pack
Flex Protein Crisps

Sweet and Spicy Popped Chips for Vegans

5

Quest

Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack
Tortilla Style Protein Chips

Eat Them With Dip or Straight From the Bag

Andrea Marincovich
Expert
Registered Dietitian
Andrea Marincovich

Andrea Marincovich (aka The Realistic Dietitian), is a registered dietitian and macros nutrition expert. She helps individuals reach their weight, body composition, and specific health goals through nutrition. Andrea specializes in altering diets in order to meet the needs of each client, such as: macro-centered, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, renal, cardiovascular, IBS/IBD, and GERD diets.

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How to Choose Protein Chips

Choosing protein chips is a little more complicated than choosing traditional snack foods. In addition to the usual considerations like texture and flavor, you'll also want to consider how much and what type of protein the chips contain.

1

Pick a Type of Chip With a Texture You Enjoy

Pick a Type of Chip With a Texture You Enjoy

When shopping for chips, you likely first decide what type of chip you want: potato, wheat, or corn. Protein chips are a little bit different. 


Usually, one of the first ingredients is a protein blend, with other flours and starches added to create a chip-like texture. This means the taste and texture won't be quite the same as chips made from a single ingredient. 


Think about the kind of texture you want in your protein chips, whether it’s light and airy, thin and crispy, or more hearty.


If you’re a big fan of tortilla chips, look for tortilla-style protein chips. They have a triangular shape that’s great for dipping and come in a range of flavors like nacho, ranch, and lime.


If you’re looking for something more like potato chips, look for protein crisps, which will give you that thin and crispy texture. These can be made from protein powders and flour or from naturally protein-rich ingredients like cheese and even chicken. 


For snackers who like their chips light and airy, there are popped protein chips and protein puffs. These are less sturdy than other chips, but have a satisfying texture and come in a large range of flavors.

2

Choose Between Plant or Animal Protein

Some protein chips are made from whole ingredients that are naturally high in protein, while others contain added protein in the form of protein powder. Protein can be either plant- or animal-based, and the one you choose is up to your personal preference and dietary needs.

Protein Is the Body’s Main Source of Essential Amino Acids

Protein Is the Body’s Main Source of Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that are the building blocks of protein. Our bodies need 20 different amino acids to function properly. While we can make most of them ourselves, there are nine amino acids that we have to obtain through our diet


These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. The recommended daily allowances for these amino acids range from five to 42 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Different types of protein contain different ratios of amino acids and don't always contain all nine. 


If you eat a variety of whole food protein sources, like meat, eggs, dairy products, soy, and quinoa, then you probably don’t need to worry about your balance of essential amino acids. However, if you have a preference about the type of protein in your protein chips, it can help to know more about the specific kinds.

Animal-Based Protein Includes Whey, Cheese, and Meat

Animal-Based Protein Includes Whey, Cheese, and Meat

Whey, cheese, and meat are all complete sources of protein, meaning that they contain all nine essential amino acids. Whey protein is the most common animal-based protein powder that you’ll find in protein chips. Whey protein is derived from milk and comes in three different types, depending on how it’s processed.


Whey protein concentrate is 70 to 80 percent protein and contains lactose. Whey protein isolate is 90 percent protein and has less lactose; many people consider it to be a safe option for people with mild lactose intolerance. Whey protein hydrolysate is pre-digested for faster absorption. 


Aside from whey protein, other sources of animal protein found in chips include cheese and meat. You can find protein chips made from 100 percent cheese, which have a crispy texture and cheesy flavor.


You can also find chips made from chicken and beef, which are dried and mixed with other ingredients to create a crunchy snack. These options often have just as much protein per serving as whey protein chips.

Plant-Based Protein Includes Soy, Pea, and Brown Rice

Plant-Based Protein Includes Soy, Pea, and Brown Rice

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or don’t like the taste of animal-based protein chips, you may prefer a plant-based protein option. The most common sources of plant-based protein are soy, peas, and brown rice. 


Soy protein is made from soybeans that have been washed, dehydrated, and turned into powder. It’s considered a complete protein, with all nine essential amino acids. Pea protein is made from yellow peas. It’s rich in iron and contains all nine essential amino acids, although it’s low in methionine.


Brown rice protein also contains all nine essential amino acids, but it’s low in lysine and isn’t considered a complete protein. If you’re looking for a well-balanced amino acid profile, look for chips that contain a blend of multiple plant-based proteins. 

3

Know How Much Protein You Want per Serving

Know How Much Protein You Want per Serving

The general recommendation is that adults should eat 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. However, your own ideal protein intake will depend on various factors including your age, activity level, fitness goals, and general health. 


Studies have shown that physically active individuals perform better with a higher protein intake, around 0.6 to 0.9 grams per pound. Many brands of protein chips have around 10 grams of protein per serving, which is slightly less than the amount of protein in two large eggs (12 grams). 


If you’re looking for an easy snack that just has more protein than a typical chip, chips with 10 grams or less are a great choice and easy to find. If your goal is to use the chips to replace a protein powder, look for chips that have a higher amount of protein since most powders provide at least 20 grams

4

Look For a Flavor You Enjoy

Look For a Flavor You Enjoy

Protein chips come in a variety of flavors, just like regular chips, including plain salted, salt and vinegar, barbecue, cheesy flavors, and more. Because protein chips often have a protein blend as the first ingredient, they will have a different taste and texture than a comparable potato or tortilla chip. 


Plain salted chips will let the flavors of the other ingredients shine through. On the other hand, a strong flavor like salt and vinegar or sour cream and onion can help mask the taste of the protein blend, making the chips feel more like a traditional snack.

5

Take Your Dietary Preferences Into Account

Take Your Dietary Preferences Into Account

If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, it’s a good idea to check the nutrition label to ensure that the protein chips fit your needs. If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you’ll be pleased to find that many protein chips are gluten-free! Aside from a protein blend, many brands use rice flour, cassava flour, or corn, potato, or tapioca starch.


If you’re on a keto diet and want to limit your carbohydrate intake, cheese-based protein crisps are a great alternative to starch or flour-based chips. People following a vegan diet should look for plant-based protein blends and check the ingredients for potential animal products in flavorings. 


And if you have any food allergies, the most common allergens in protein chips tend to be milk and soy. For the safest option, look for a product that has been manufactured in an allergen-free facility. 

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10 Best Protein Chips Ranking

Here are the best Protein Chips, ranked according to 10 Best Protein Chips (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity

Products

Image

Click to purchase

Key features

1

Quest

Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack

Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips 1

Taco Flavored Tortilla Chips With Plenty of Protein

2

Parmcrisps

Oven-Baked Parm Crisps2 pack

Parmcrisps Oven-Baked Parm Crisps 1

As Much Protein and Calcium as a Glass of Milk

3

I Won! Organics

Protein Puffs8 pack

I Won! Organics Protein Puffs 1

Get Your Cheese Fix Without Sacrificing Your Diet

4

Popcorners

Flex Protein Crisps20 pack

Popcorners Flex Protein Crisps 1

Sweet and Spicy Popped Chips for Vegans

5

Quest

Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack

Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips 1

Eat Them With Dip or Straight From the Bag

6

Wilde

Chicken Chips3 pack

Wilde Chicken Chips 1

Chips Made From Chicken

7

Whisps

Cheese Crisps3 pack

Whisps Cheese Crisps 1

Crispy Cheddar Bites for Snacktime and Mealtime

8

Quest

Original Style Protein Chips12 pack

Quest Original Style Protein Chips 1

Low in Carbs and Big on Flavor

9

Genius Gourmet

Keto Snack Chips8 pack

Genius Gourmet Keto Snack Chips 1

Keto-Friendly Chips for When the Carb Cravings Hit

10

Kay's Naturals

Protein Chips6 pack

Kay's Naturals Protein Chips 1

12 Grams of Plant-Based Protein per Serving

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Quest
Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack

Tortilla Style Protein Chips 1
Source:amazon.com
Tortilla Style Protein Chips 2
Source:amazon.com
Tortilla Style Protein Chips 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.76
High Mid
Reference price
$23.76
High Mid

Taco Flavored Tortilla Chips With Plenty of Protein

With 19 grams of protein per serving, Quest's Tortilla Style Protein Chips provide nearly twice as much dairy-based protein as many of the other brands on our list. They're also gluten-free and low-carb, with just four grams of net carbs. The taco flavor is seasoned to perfection and baked to a crunchy finish. 


Some reviewers said these chips have a dry texture, while others were disappointed that they're too thin to hold up to guacamole. Still, many others ate them plain, as nachos, or in taco salads and said the flavor is delicious. They reported that this flavor tastes just like tacos and has a satisfying crunch.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Parmcrisps
Oven-Baked Parm Crisps2 pack

Reference price
$22.45
Mid

As Much Protein and Calcium as a Glass of Milk

If you want low carbs and high protein in your snack, check out these everything-flavored cheese crisps from Parmcrisps. They're made from aged Parmesan that's baked and seasoned with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. They're keto-friendly and gluten-free, with 13 grams of protein per serving.


A few reviewers complained that their batch was burnt or too salty. But for the most part, reviewers said these cheese crisps feel like a treat. They were happy to have found a keto-friendly snack to satisfy their cravings. Some even recommended crumbling them over a salad for a cheesy crunch.

No.3

I Won! Organics
Protein Puffs8 pack

Reference price
$19.92
Mid

Get Your Cheese Fix Without Sacrificing Your Diet

I Won! Organics' Protein Puffs are perfect for the cheese puff fan who wants a snack with a little more nutritional value. They're made from plant-based protein sources including green peas, yellow peas, and brown rice, and are free of soy and gluten. One bag provides 10 grams of protein.


A couple of reviewers said these puffs have a hard texture that they didn't like. However, most people found them to be quite similar to regular cheese puffs. They said the flavor is nice and cheesy and appreciated the boost of protein and fiber. 

No.4

Popcorners
Flex Protein Crisps20 pack

Reference price
$16.99
Low Mid

Sweet and Spicy Popped Chips for Vegans

Popcorners Flex are light and airy popped chips packed with 10 grams of soy protein and five grams of fiber per serving. The barbecue flavor is a little bit sweet and a little bit spicy and contains all vegan ingredients. Plus, with just 120 calories per serving, these chips are great for a range of diets.  


If you've purchased these in the past, the calories per bag seem to have increased, as some reviewers noted. Others found the texture to be a bit dry. Still, many others said these chips are crunchy with a tasty barbecue flavor. They liked eating them as a low-calorie alternative to potato chips and said they're just as satisfying.

No.5

Quest
Tortilla Style Protein Chips12 pack

Reference price
$23.76
High Mid

Eat Them With Dip or Straight From the Bag

Ranch-lovers rejoice! Get that tangy, oniony flavor you crave while still hitting your macros with Quest's ranch-flavored protein chips. Milk and whey protein isolate provide 19 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids. The baked chips have a satisfying crunch and are even gluten-free.


Some reviewers didn't like the aftertaste of these chips, while others found them to be too sweet. And while people agreed that the texture is lighter than regular tortilla chips, they said these chips still satisfied their salty cravings and had a good crunch. Those who enjoyed this flavor said it's similar to Cool Ranch Doritos.

No.6

Wilde
Chicken Chips3 pack

Reference price
$19.99
Mid

Chips Made From Chicken

Trade your potato chips for these chips made from real chicken! Wilde uses only free-range chickens that have not been given antibiotics or hormones. The salt and vinegar flavor is made from chicken breast braised in vinegar, plus tapioca flour and sea salt. And, these chips are free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, and nuts.


If you've bought these chips previously, note that the recipe seems to have changed. Some reviewers no longer like the flavor or texture. Still, many others are fans of these chips and said they have a tasty chicken and vinegar flavor. They appreciate that they fit into their diet as a healthier alternative to potato chips.

No.7

Whisps
Cheese Crisps3 pack

Reference price
$11.97
Low Mid

Crispy Cheddar Bites for Snacktime and Mealtime

Whisps Cheese Crisps have just two ingredients: cheddar cheese and annatto for coloring. The cheese is baked to create a crispy, crunchy snack that's free of sugar, gluten, and lactose. You get 10 grams of protein per serving and just one gram of carbs, making them keto-friendly too!


Some reviewers said these chips were too salty or greasy for their tastes. However, others loved the strong cheese flavor and said they eat them alone as well as mixed into salads and snack mixes. Those on the keto diet appreciated having a snack that can satisfy their cravings for something salty and crunchy.

No.8

Quest
Original Style Protein Chips12 pack

Reference price
$28.04
High

Low in Carbs and Big on Flavor

Quest's Original Style Protein Chips have a whopping 19 grams of protein per serving with just four grams of net carbs and 140 calories. They're a great option for both keto and gluten-free diets. Flavored with cheddar and sour cream, they're a protein-packed choice that tastes like your favorite chip!


When it came to flavor, some reviewers thought these chips were too salty. Others were disappointed that they crumble easily. Still, many said the cheddar and sour cream flavor is delicious and hits the spot when you have a craving for chips. Plus, they appreciated that this snack fits easily into a low-carb diet.

No.9

Genius Gourmet
Keto Snack Chips8 pack

Reference price
$19.98
Mid

Keto-Friendly Chips for When the Carb Cravings Hit

Anyone on the keto diet knows that snack cravings can be hard to overcome. These Keto Snack Chips from Genius Gourmet are here to help, with just two grams of net carbs plus eight grams of soy protein per serving. They also include MCTs and fiber to keep you full and full of energy.


Reviewers were divided on the flavor, with some saying there's a strange aftertaste and others saying the ranch flavor is rich and delicious. Some were disappointed in the small serving size. However, many were pleased with the thick and crunchy texture that they said stands up well to dips.

No.10

Kay's Naturals
Protein Chips6 pack

Reference price
$8.94
Low

12 Grams of Plant-Based Protein per Serving

Kay's Naturals Protein Chips will give you 12 grams of protein and four grams of fiber per serving. They're made from soy protein and a blend of corn, rice, tapioca, and potato flour, for a crunchy, cheesy snack that you can eat alone or use to scoop up your favorite dip. Plus, they're made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.


Some reviewers found these chips to be bland and dry. A couple of people said the texture is closer to crisps or crackers rather than chips. But many reviewers liked the chili nacho cheese flavor, saying it's a great savory snack with added nutrition. And others added that these chips are filling and satisfying!

In Collaboration With Registered Dietitian Andrea Marincovich

Andrea Marincovich
Registered Dietitian
Andrea Marincovich

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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