Are Harvest Snaps Healthy? Our Thoughts

Digging Into the Ingredients, Nutrition Claims, and Lesser-known facts of These Common Veggie Crisps

You’ve probably seen Harvest Snaps lining grocery store shelves or popping up in online ads. Marketed as a "better-for-you" snack, these crispy green pea and lentil snack crisps try to combine the satisfying crunch of a chip with some of the nutritional benefits of vegetables. But behind the vibrant packaging and clever branding lies a more complicated story. Are Harvest Snaps healthy, or is this snack less-than-ideal? Let’s break it down.

The Not-So-Simple Ingredient List

Let’s start with long ingredient lists. Take Wasabi Ranch Snack Crisps—a flavor that illustrates why Harvest Snaps’ ingredient lists deserve scrutiny. This flavor contains 21 ingredients, including sub-ingredients nested within its seasoning blend. 

Green peas and vegetable oil (canola, safflower, and/or sunflower oil) take the top spots, but the real story begins with the “Wasabi Ranch Seasoning.” This additive-heavy blend includes:

• Cultured nonfat milk and milk solids

• Yeast extract (a source of umami flavor similar to MSG)

• Vinegar, lactic acid, and citric acid (preservatives and acidity regulators)

• Whey and dehydrated parsley

Even the base crisps rely on calcium carbonate (a chalky anti-caking agent) and rosemary extract (a natural preservative) to maintain texture and shelf life as well as other  ingredients that some choose to avoid. The cumulative effect is a processed snack that’s far removed from whole vegetables.

Compare this to homemade roasted peas: just peas, oil, and spices. Harvest Snaps’ decision to include additives and multiple dairy derivatives (even in non-cheese flavors) raises questions about formulation choices.

The takeaway? If your snack’s ingredient list reads like a lab experiment, it’s worth asking: How much actual “harvest” is in these snaps?

The Seed Oil Controversy: Why It Matters

Let’s zoom in on those seed oils. Harvest Snaps uses vegetable oils like canola as a primary agent, and while the brand proudly states its oils are non-GMO, that doesn’t necessarily make them healthy.

Seed oils are notoriously high in omega-6 fatty acids, which compete with anti-inflammatory omega-3s in the body. Research suggests that diets skewed toward omega-6s may contribute to inflammation, a driver of conditions like heart disease and arthritis. Relying on snacks like Harvest Snaps for daily cravings could tip this balance—especially if your diet already includes other processed foods.

Vegan or Not? Dairy-Free Dilemmas

If you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, Harvest Snaps’ offerings require careful label-checking. While some flavors are technically plant-based, others like White Cheddar and Jalapeño Pepper Jelly with Cream Cheese (and even non-dairy flavors) do include milk-derived ingredients. This means you can’t assume all varieties fit a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle—a frustrating reality for shoppers seeking these options.

Even the brand’s “allergen-friendly” crisps aren’t perfect. Many are packed in facilities that handle dairy, which raises allergies concerns for some families worried about allergens and food insensitivities.

Alternatives to Consider

If Harvest Snaps’ ingredient list gives you pause, try these swaps:

• Roasted chickpeas: Higher in protein, no added oils.

• Seaweed snacks: Low-calorie, rich in iodine.

• DIY veggie chips: Slice zucchini or kale, drizzle with olive oil, and bake.

• Jackson’s chips: For a seed oil-free, store-bought option with a shorter ingredient list and made in a top allergen free facility.
  
  

What We Look For

When we choose veggie snacks for our families, here are our must haves:

• No Seed Oils

• Good Ingredient list length

• Nutritious Primary ingredient

• No Added sugars

• Plant Protein

• Nutrient density

Jackson's is currently the brand that best checks the boxes, making it a standout choice.

Unlike many veggie snacks on the market, Jackson's stands apart with benefits such as being made in our top 9 allergen free facility in Wisconsin, vegan/dairy free flavors, and made with pure premium avocado oil (no seed oils in these!)

The Verdict: Are Harvest Snaps Healthy?

In the end, we will let you come to your own conclusions. We are here to provide education information and not impose views. Harvest Snaps sit in a gray zone. The seed oils, dairy additives, and long ingredient list keep them out of our shopping carts. If you or your family are looking for Harvest Snaps alternatives, consider homemade roasted chickpeas or Jackson's chips.

Disclaimer: This article reflects product details available as of writing. As formulations and ingredients can change, always verify nutritional and dietary information directly with the manufacturer if necessary.