10 Better Alternatives to Sun Chips That Bring the Crunch

We all know that specific craving. You want something crunchy, maybe a little wavy, and packed with that savory, harvest-inspired flavor. For many, Sun Chips have been the go-to for that specific texture. But let’s be real for a moment. When you flip that bag over and really look at the ingredients, the sunshine starts to fade a little.

Many conventional snacks like Sun Chips are loaded with ingredients that might not align with how you want to fuel your body today. We are talking about long ingredient lists that often include sugar, dairy, and wheat, making them a no-go for our gluten-free and vegan friends. Plus, they are typically fried in generic vegetable oils rather than premium, functional fats like avocado oil.

But here is the good news: You do not have to give up the crunch to upgrade your snack portfolio. We believe snacking should be a source of joy, not compromise. Whether you are looking for that specific wavy texture for dipping, a cheesy flavor blast without the dairy, or just a clean ingredient list you can trust, we have curated a list of incredible swaps. These options prioritize nutrient-dense ingredients like premium avocado oil, real vegetables, and allergen-friendly recipes.

Ready to revolutionize your pantry? Let’s dive into ten amazing alternatives that prove better ingredients equal better flavor.

Clean & Crunchy Sun Chips Swaps

Barnana Lime & Sea Salt Plantain Tortilla Chips

If you are looking for a chip that can hold its own against a hearty dip, look no further. Barnana has taken the humble plantain and transformed it into a golden-brown, crunchy delight that rivals any corn chip on the market. These chips are cooked in avocado oil, giving them a clean, rich finish. The lime and sea salt flavor profile offers a zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds without relying on artificial flavor enhancers. It is a simple, whole-food approach to snacking that feels indulgent but is actually paleo-friendly and grain-free.

• Highlights: Made from upcycled plantains and sustainably harvested ingredients.

• Dietary Specifics: Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified.

• Why: We like this as a swap because it offers that sturdy, dippable crunch you crave from a wavy chip, but with the benefits of resistant starch from plantains and premium oil.

Brad's Crunchy Kale: Cheeze It Up

Sometimes you want that intense, savory "cheesy" dust on your fingers, but you could do without the actual dairy or processed additives. Brad's Crunchy Kale delivers that experience using nutritional yeast and a host of organic veggies. These aren't fried; they are air-dried to preserve the enzymes and nutrients of the kale. It is a nutrient-dense way to satisfy a savory craving, packing B vitamins and protein into every bite. It turns the concept of "empty calories" on its head by making your snack work harder for you.

• Highlights: Air-dried to retain nutrients; packed with B vitamins from nutritional yeast.

• Dietary Specifics: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Organic, Non-GMO.

• Why: This is the perfect alternative for when you want a "cheddar" flavor profile but want to keep it strictly plant-based and incredibly nutrient-dense.

Foodies PumThins Smokey Chedda Cheeze Crackers

Texture is a huge part of snacking satisfaction, and Foodies PumThins nails the crispy, cracker-like bite. These are unique because they rely on pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for their base, offering a dose of healthy fats and minerals. The "Smokey Chedda" flavor uses smoked paprika and nutritional yeast to mimic that harvest cheddar taste many of us grew up loving, but without the milk products. They are excellent on their own or paired with a hummus plate.

• Highlights: Seed-based flour provides a unique nutrition profile; great smoky flavor.

• Dietary Specifics: Grain-Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo-friendly.

• Why: If you miss the seasoned cracker aspect of conventional snacks, these provide that savory, smoky punch without the gluten or dairy.

Gimme Sea Salt & Avocado Oil Seaweed Snacks

For those moments when you want something salty and savory but need to keep it light, Gimme Seaweed is a fantastic option. While it doesn't have the heavy crunch of a potato chip, it offers a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is incredibly addictive. We love that they roast these organic seaweed sheets in avocado oil, elevating a simple snack into a superfood treat. It is rich in iodine and Vitamin B12, making it a smart choice for brain and thyroid health.

• Highlights: extremely low calorie (25 per serving) yet nutrient-dense; only three ingredients.

• Dietary Specifics: Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly.

• Why: It is the ultimate guilt-free munch. Perfect for when you want flavor and salt without the heavy carb load of a traditional chip.

Jackson's Sea Salt Kettle Chips

When you need a delicious potato chip, you shouldn't have to settle for industrial ingredients. At Jackson's, we have stripped the potato chip down to its most heroic form: non-GMO potatoes, sea salt, and premium avocado oil. That’s all. We kettle-cook our chips to golden perfection, ensuring a crunch that is far superior to the standard airy chips you find in the vending machine. Because we use avocado oil, you get a better-for-you fat that handles high heat beautifully, avoiding the inflammatory issues associated with cheap vegetable oils.

• Highlights: Superior crunch from kettle cooking; minimal ingredients; the Super Guarantee.

• Dietary Specifics: Top 9 Allergen Free, PaleoFLEX™ Certified, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher,, No Sugar Added.

• Why: This is the gold standard for a clean chip. It proves that you don't need a chemistry set to make a delicious snack—just better ingredients.

Jackson's Wavy Sweet Potato Chips 

This is the holy grail for anyone missing the texture of Sun Chips. Our Wavy Sweet Potato Chips are designed specifically for the dippers and the crunch-lovers. The wavy cut holds onto salsa, guacamole, and onion dip like a dream. This variety pack gives you the best of both worlds: our classic Sea Salt for the purists, and our Cheddar & Sour Cream flavor for those craving that rich, tangy profile. The magic? We achieved that Cheddar & Sour Cream flavor while keeping it entirely vegan and Top 9 Allergen Free.

• Highlights: Thick, wavy cut perfect for dipping; vegan seasoning that tastes like the real deal.

• Dietary Specifics: Top 9 Allergen Free, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, Paleo-friendly.

• Why: It directly solves the "wavy chip" craving with an option that is safe for almost every diet. You get the nostalgia of a seasoned wavy chip with the superiority of sweet potatoes and avocado oil.

Root Chips - Tomato

Sun Chips often market a "Garden Salsa" flavor, but Root Foods takes that concept literally. These chips are actual slices of sun-ripened tomatoes, flash-crisped in avocado oil. It preserves the genuine, tangy, umami flavor of a fresh tomato in a chip form. It is a fascinating and delicious way to eat your veggies. The ingredient list is refreshingly short, and the flavor is bold and natural, finished with just a touch of sea salt.

• Highlights: Whole vegetable slices; unique texture and intense natural flavor.

• Dietary Specifics: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Veggie-first.

• Why: It offers that "garden harvest" taste profile using actual vegetables rather than flavored powders on a corn base.

Siete Grain Free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips

Siete has become a household name for a reason. These cassava-based tortilla chips are light, crispy, and shatter in your mouth perfectly. They are often called the "Director's Cut" of tortilla chips because they somehow improve on the original corn version. Fried in avocado oil, they feel lighter on the stomach than traditional chips. They are neutral enough to pair with any dip but tasty enough to eat straight from the bag.

• Highlights: Grain-free cassava blend; light and refreshing texture.

• Dietary Specifics: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo-friendly, Non-GMO.

• Why: A fantastic option for those avoiding grains entirely who still want the communal experience of sharing a bowl of chips and salsa.

Stonewall Kitchen Avocado Oil & Sea Salt Crackers

If your snacking preference leans more toward crackers than chips, this is a refined choice. Stonewall Kitchen uses avocado oil to create a crisp, delicate cracker with a classic texture. Note that these do contain wheat and buttermilk, so they aren't for our gluten-free or vegan friends, but for those without dietary restrictions looking for a cleaner oil profile in a traditional cracker, this is a distinct upgrade from standard brands using soybean or canola oil.

• Highlights: Classic cracker texture; made in the USA.

• Dietary Specifics: Contains Wheat and Milk.

• Why: A "better-for-you" step up for traditional cracker lovers who prioritize avoiding seed oils but don't have wheat or dairy allergies.

Whisp's Cheese Crisps

For the low-carb and keto crowd, Whisp's are a savior. These are literally just baked cheese. They provide that sharp cheddar bite and a solid crunch without any carbohydrates or sugar. With 10g of protein per serving, they function more like a small meal than a mindless snack. They are excellent for salad toppings or just eating by the handful when you need savory fuel.

• Highlights: High protein (10g); zero sugar; single-ingredient focus.

• Dietary Specifics: Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly, Contains Milk.

• Why: It strips away the carbs entirely to focus on the protein and calcium benefits of cheese, making it a functional snack for specific dietary goals.

Double Check Product Information

While we love discovering new snacks, it is vital to remain vigilant in the grocery aisle. Many popular "healthy-appearing" snacks, including Sun Chips, can be tricky. A quick glance at the back of the bag often reveals wheat (gluten), dairy ingredients, and added sugars where you least expect them. Furthermore, many of these brands rely on generic vegetable oils that many of us are trying to minimize in our diets. Ingredients can change, and formulations vary, so reading the label on any packaged food is the best way to protect your health.

However, when you pick up a bag of Jackson's, you can breathe a sigh of relief. We take the guesswork out of snacking. Jackson's snacks are always cooked with premium avocado oil, are always vegan, and are always Top 9 Allergen-Free. We believe trust is just as important as taste.

Snack Better with Sun Chips Alternatives

Upgrading your snack game doesn't mean saying goodbye to the flavors and textures you love. It just means choosing brands that respect your body as much as your taste buds. Whether you are swapping out conventional corn chips for our Jackson's Wavy Sweet Potato Chips or trying a kale crisp for the first time, you are making a choice that supports your energy and well-being.

We invite you to taste the difference that premium ingredients make. Grab a bag of Jackson's today and experience the superior crunch of slow-cooked sweet potatoes in avocado oil. It’s time to snack super!

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