Craving That Crunch? 7 Better Swaps for Fritos That Satisfy

We all know the feeling. It's mid-afternoon, you need a little pick-me-up, and the craving for a salty, crunchy snack hits hard. For many of us, that brings to mind classic corn chips like Fritos—a snack known for its signature crunch and savory flavor.

But what if you’re looking to clean up your pantry and fuel your body with better ingredients? Many conventional snacks are made with highly processed grains and fried in industrial seed oils (like corn, canola, or sunflower oil).

The great news is you don’t have to give up the satisfying crunch you love. You just need to make a few smart swaps. Upgrading your snack game is about choosing options made with real-food ingredients and high-quality, stable oils. Here are seven healthier, better-for-you alternatives to Fritos that will crush your craving without the compromise.

1. The Superior Chip: Jackson’s Kettle Chips in Avocado Oil

Let's start with the most direct swap. If you want a chip, choose a better chip. Instead of processed corn and seed oils, reach for a snack made with nutrient-dense vegetables and a high-quality oil that can stand up to heat.

Our Pick: Jackson's Kettle Chips

There’s a reason we’re so proud of our kettle chips. We start with non-GMO potatoes, slice them, cook in 100% premium avocado oil, then perfectly season them. This gives you that irresistible crunch and savory flavor you crave, but from a source you can feel great about. They are a great gluten-free, top 9 allergen-free vessel for your favorite guacamole or seven-layer dip.

2. The Tropical Twist: Plantain Chips

Looking for a sturdy, scoopable chip with a unique and delicious flavor? Plantain chips are a fantastic grain-free option. Made from thinly sliced green plantains, they offer a hearty crunch that holds up to even the thickest dips.

A Great Choice: Barnana Organic Plantain Chips
Barnana is a brand that gets it right. Their plantain chips are cooked in 100% coconut oil and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The result is a slightly sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying chip that is both Paleo-friendly and delicious.

3. The Veggie Powerhouse, Reimagined

When you reach for a veggie straw, you should be getting actual veggies, right? 

Our New Fave: Jackson’s Super Veggie Straws

That’s why we created a snack that puts the “super” in Super Veggie Straws. Forget the empty potato starch fillers found in other brands. We packed ours with a powerhouse blend of real vegetables and grains, including yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato.

Of course, they're always made with 100% premium avocado oil (never seed oils!) for that perfect, satisfying crunch. Whether you’re craving classic Sea Salt, zesty Ranch, or savory Cheddar, there’s a super dippable flavor for everyone. Best of all, our Super Veggie Straws check all the right boxes, making them vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and free from the Top 9 allergens. These aren't your ordinary veggie straws—they're SUPER.

Read: Are Veggie Straws Healthy? The Truth Behind Popular Brands

4. The Savory Grain-Free Curl

Sometimes you want a crunch that’s a little lighter and airier than a chip. That’s where curls come in, and there are some amazing better-for-you options on the market.

LesserEvil has created a cult following for a reason. LesserEvil Power Curls are made from nutrient-dense, grain-free ingredients like cassava, sweet potato, and pumpkin. They are tumbled in high-quality avocado oil or coconut oil and seasoned to perfection. The Himalayan Pink Salt flavor is a fantastic Fritos swap.

5. The Protein-Packed Crunch: Pork Rinds

If you’re a meat eater and are looking for a savory, salty crunch that’s also high in protein and naturally free of carbs, look no further than pork rinds (or chicharrones).

When made well, they are a fantastic snack. The key is to find a quality brand like Uncle Ray's. Not all pork rinds are created equal! Look for brands that use high-quality pork and fry the rinds in their own rendered fat—no added seed oils. The result is a light, airy, and incredibly crunchy snack that will keep you full and satisfied.

6. The Cheesy Crisp: Baked Cheese Bites

For the dairy lovers out there, this is a game-changer. Snacks like Whisps or Moon Cheese are made from one simple ingredient: cheese. It's baked into a crunchy, savory, bite-sized crisp that’s packed with protein and fat. They’re naturally seed oil-free and have a rich flavor that stands up well on its own or as part of a snack plate.

7. The DIY Champion: Baked Polenta Crisps

Want to get hands-on in the kitchen? Making your own crisps is the ultimate way to control every ingredient. For a texture surprisingly similar to a corn chip, try baked polenta.

To make these crispy polenta slices, start by selecting a tube of pre-cooked polenta and slicing it as thinly as you can. Gently toss the slices with a bit of melted avocado oil, ghee, or tallow, then sprinkle them generously with sea salt. Arrange the slices in a single layer and bake them until the edges turn golden brown and crisp, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Upgrade Your Snack, Don’t Sacrifice It

Living a wellness-focused lifestyle doesn’t mean your food has to be boring. As you can see, there are plenty of incredible, delicious, and satisfying snacks that can take the place of old, processed favorites. The key is to read labels and look for simple, real-food ingredients and healthy fats like the avocado oil we use in all of our snacks. Also, always check labels to confirm products meet your dietary needs before eating.

Ready to upgrade your pantry? Explore our full line of snacks and discover just how good a better-for-you snack can be.

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