Crackers Vs Chips (With Healthy Alternatives)

Both crackers and chips have their place among the top snack foods in the world. They can be paired with endless food combinations and both of them can be found in most supermarkets and grocery stores.

We’re going to take a close look at crackers and chips so you can get a clear understanding of the similarities, differences, health benefits, and more.

Chips Vs Crackers

Crackers are a snack food with high fiber that can be eaten with other foods such as peanut butter and cheese. Chips are thin slices of potato or corn products that are grilled, fried, or baked. Baked crackers and chips are generally a healthier choice.

I can think of about a hundred combinations to use with both chips and crackers. Two of the most obvious combinations are chips with a sandwich and peanut butter with crackers.

The great thing about chips and crackers is that they come in many flavors, varieties, and styles. So there is always going to be something for everyone.

Are Crackers Healthier Than Chips?

Some types of crackers are healthier than chips, such as Triscuits, Goldfish crackers, and other types of crackers that use multi-grains and substitutes such as cauliflower.

However, there are some types of chips, such as baked chips, that are also a healthy alternative to fried chips. Most snack foods are not healthy but they do usually give you some variety.

Crackers come in many different varieties, with a large number of substitutes to choose from. With chips, the healthier choice is baked chips, but there are other options that we will discuss.

Crackers Vs Chips Similarities

Crackers and chips are both considered snack foods. They both have a lot in common and share similarities. Let’s take a closer look.

CrackersChips
Crackers are square, or round, thin wafers or biscuits.Chips are mostly round snack foods that have a wavy shape.
Most crackers are usually made from white flour or some type of wheat.Most chips are usually made out of thin slices of potatoes that are fried or baked.
Sometimes crackers have seasonings and usually come with or without salt.Chips also come in many different flavor varieties and come with or without salt.
Crackers have healthier choice options for those who want to avoid white flour and other refined ingredients.Many chips also come with healthier options.

Is There a Difference Between a Chip and a Cracker?

Just like with the similarities, there are also differences between crackers and chips. Here’s what’s different.

CrackersChips
Crackers are generally made out of wheat or white flour.Chips are traditionally made out of thin slices of potato.
Most crackers are already healthier than chips that are fried.Fried chips taste delicious, but they are not good for you.
Crackers have a lot of healthier substitutes.Chips only have a couple of healthier substitutes for fried potatoes.
Crackers have more fiber than potato chips.Potato chips are a low nutrient, high-calorie food.
Crackers vs Chips – Chart.

What are the Healthiest Crackers and Chips

Now that you know that some types of chips and crackers are healthier choices, let’s look at the top varieties of each.

Top 5 healthiest chips:

  • Plantain chips
  • Sweet potato chips
  • Baked chips
  • Veggie chips
  • Tortilla chips

All of these types of chips are healthier choices than the traditional fried potato chips. Even though there may not be as many options as with crackers, there are still many to choose from.

Top 5 healthiest crackers:

  • Triscuits
  • Oat bran crackers
  • Multi-grain crackers
  • Almond flour crackers
  • Cauliflower crackers

Crackers are usually the more healthy choice. However, both crackers and chips provide substitutes.

See our article on Potatoes vs Sweet Potatoes here.

healthy-chips-and-crackers
Healthy chips and crackers – Example.

Healthy Alternatives to Chips

Even though we all love chips with a sandwich, there are actually alternatives that are much healthier for you, such as kale chips and other substitutes. Source.

Veggies instead of chips. Veggies are a great alternative to fried potato chips. They can also be much more filling because of their water content. Salty chips usually make you want to eat more and more without getting as full.

Nuts are a great alternative. Different types of nuts such as walnuts and almonds can be a great snack that is packed full of fiber and vitamins. A smaller amount of nuts can also get you much more full than chips.

Healthy Alternatives to Crackers

Just like with chips there are always going to be alternatives to crackers. Just because it’s a healthy alternative doesn’t mean it’s not delicious! While both of the snack alternatives above also work for crackers, here are a few more.

Apples make a good snack. Using apples instead of crackers is a great way to get fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. Apples are going to have fewer calories as well. You can also pair apples with other healthy things like peanut butter.

Celery is one of my favorite snack alternatives. When I am extra hungry and do not want the calories, I can snack on a large bowl of celery pieces and get full. Celery has a lot of water content, which is good for making you feel fuller.

There is no doubt that both chips and crackers have a lot to love. However, it’s also nice to know that there are quite a few alternatives for those who want to eat a little bit healthier.

Love food as much as we do? Check out these favorite articles:

Hamburger vs Hotdogs

Catfish vs Tilapia

Brisket vs Pulled Pork

Waffles vs Pancakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a better snack than chips?

A better alternative to chips would be something like apple sauce, peanut butter, vegetables, and fruit. That is if you want something healthier. If you just want something good, then there are other snack options like popcorn.

Which is healthier saltine crackers or potato chips?

Potato chips that are fried in vegetable oil are probably more healthy than saltine crackers because saltine crackers are made of refined salt and white flour. When it comes down to it, the potato is a healthier choice.

Are chips crackers?

Chips are different from crackers. However, some people might place chips and crackers in the same snack category. They can even be made of some of the same ingredients if they are using healthy substitutes.