Are Veggie Straws Healthy? The Truth Behind Popular Brands

As you browse the snack aisles at your favorite grocery store, veggie straws may have caught your eye with vibrant packaging and promise of a better snack option. These crunchy treats tempt wellness-conscious consumers with claims of being a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks. But the question remains: Are veggie straws truly as healthy as they appear? The answer isn't simple – it largely depends on the brand and its ingredients. Let's dive deep into the world of veggie straws and uncover the nutritional truth behind these popular snacks.
The Rise of Veggie Straws: Not All Are Created Equal
When you're reaching for a supposedly healthier snack option, veggie straws might seem like a nutritious choice. However, not all veggie straws are created equal. Some options may not be as healthy as they appear at first glance. It's important to note that "healthy" means different things to different people – whether you're focused on avoiding certain seed oils, plant-based ingredients, or maximizing nutrient density. In this article, we'll lay out the facts so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal health goals and nutritional priorities.
Breaking Down the Options: A Nutritional Comparison
1. Jackson's Super Veggie Straws
Leading the pack with superior nutritional credentials:
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Base made from 4 real, nutritious ingredients:
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Yellow peas
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Cassava
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White rice
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Sweet potato
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Premium avocado oil (no seed oil!)
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Free of top 9 allergens (facility)
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All flavors are vegan and dairy-free
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Gluten-free
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Non-GMO
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Kosher
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Epic seasonings
Nutrition profile (Sea Salt):
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150 calories per serving
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7g fat
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17g carbohydrates
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2g protein
2. Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws
Despite the name, these veggie straws come with some concerning nutritional considerations:
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Potato starch is the primary ingredient for most straws
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Uses expeller-pressed seed oils (canola, sunflower, or safflower)
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Contains added sugars
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Not all flavors are vegan or dairy-free (including Ranch and Hot flavors)
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Low protein
Nutrition profile (Sea Salt):
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130 calories per serving
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7g fat
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17g carbohydrates
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Less than 1g protein
3. Hippeas Veggie Straws
Hippeas has its own set of characteristics which, unfortunately for our preferences, include seed oils.
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Uses seed oils (canola, safflower, and/or sunflower)
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Gluten-free
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Vegan
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Non-GMO
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Kosher
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Limited flavors
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Contains added sugars
Nutrition profile:
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140 calories per serving
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7g fat
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17g carbs
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2g protein
Veggie Straws: What to Look For
When choosing veggie straws, consider:
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No Seed Oils
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Ingredient list length
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Nutritious Primary ingredient
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No Added sugars
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Protein content
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Nutrient density
Jackson's Super Veggie Straws is currently the brand that checks the most boxes, making it a standout choice for consumers.
Unlike many veggie straws on the market, Jackson's stands alone in offering:
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Nutritionally dense base including real vegetable ingredients, like yellow peas and sweet potato
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Seed oil free (made with premium avocado oil)
When you add in all of the other benefits such as top 9 allergen free, vegan/dairy free flavors, and epic seasoning blends, this is our recommended option.
The Verdict: Are Veggie Straws Healthy?
While Jackson's is revolutionizing the category with nutritious ingredients and thoughtful formulation, we will leave the question of “Are Veggie Straws Healthy” up to you based on your family and dietary preferences.
The range of veggie straws has significant variations in nutritional value. While traditional options may not be as healthy as they appear, Jackson's Super Veggie Straws represent a promising approach to snacking – proving that delicious can also mean nutritious.
Next time you're browsing the snack aisles at Costco or your local store, remember: not all veggie straws are created equal. Choose wisely, read labels, and prioritize your health.
Disclaimer: Product formulations can change over time. Please consult manufacturer labels and websites for the most current and definitive ingredient and nutritional information.
No Seedy Oils Here
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