Sweet Potato Chips - The Breakdown

July 22, 2022•Emily Tam

It's midday. The craving hits. Your feet are already moving toward the pantry before your brain has a chance to weigh in. Sound familiar? We get it. That salty, crunchy chip craving is real, and there's no point fighting it.

The better question is: what's in your pantry when that moment comes? If you've been curious about sweet potato chips specifically — what makes them different, how they're made, and what to look for on the label — you're in the right place. Let's break it all down.

How sweet potato chips are made

Not all sweet potato chips are created equal, and the method of cooking matters more than most people realize. There are baked chips, air-fried chips, and kettle-cooked chips — and each one delivers a noticeably different texture and flavor experience.

At Jackson's, the sweet potato chips are kettle-cooked in avocado oil. That process produces a satisfying, uniform crunch that holds up without leaving the chip greasy or soggy. Real sweet potatoes. Avocado oil. Seasoning. That's the foundation.

Bowl of Jackson's sweet potato chips kettle cooked in avocado oil

Why avocado oil

The oil used to cook a chip is one of the most important things to look at on an ingredient label. Many chips on store shelves are made with oils like canola, sunflower, safflower, soybean, or corn oil. These are sometimes referred to as seed oils, and they're worth knowing about.

From a cooking standpoint, many high-PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) oils are more prone to oxidation when exposed to heat, which can affect the quality of the final product [1]. If you want to dig deeper into how different oils compare, our post on avocado oil vs. grapeseed oil is a good place to start.

Jackson's uses avocado oil exclusively. Every bag, every flavor, every time. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a naturally mild, buttery flavor that lets the real ingredients shine without overwhelming them. It's a commitment the brand has held since day one, and it's what makes Jackson's chips stand out in a crowded snack aisle. For a deeper look at what makes avocado oil worth paying attention to, check out the full breakdown on avocado oil.

Real sweet potatoes, non-GMO

Jackson's sources non-GMO sweet potatoes — the kind with that naturally vivid orange color and subtly sweet flavor that comes from the potato itself, not from additives. When you start with a real sweet potato, the flavor shows up in every bite. Bold, savory, with just enough natural sweetness to make the sea salt pop.

If you've ever wondered about the differences between sweet potato varieties, our guide to types of sweet potatoes is worth a read.

What's actually in a sweet potato

Sweet potatoes bring a lot to the table on their own. Here's a quick look at what you're working with when sweet potatoes are the star ingredient:

Micronutrients

Sweet potatoes are particularly high in Vitamin A — one serving covers a significant portion of your daily needs
They also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and iron
The natural orange color signals the presence of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A

Macronutrients

Sweet potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Fiber helps slow down how quickly your body processes the carbohydrates in a food, which contributes to a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to rapidly digestible starches [2]. Sweet potatoes also have a lower glycemic index than regular white potatoes, making them a worthwhile ingredient choice for a lot of snackers.

A note on acrylamide

Any cooked starchy snack, sweet potato or otherwise, can involve something called acrylamide — a substance that forms when amino acids and sugars in foods react at high temperatures [3]. It's worth knowing about, though it's also worth context: studies on acrylamide are typically conducted in animals using amounts far higher than you'd encounter from snacking on a bag of chips. It's not a reason to skip the snack drawer entirely, just a good reminder to be ingredient-aware.

What the press is saying

Jackson's sweet potato chips have picked up some notable attention from food editors and publications. Bon Appétit called them "the ultimate editor-approved treat." Good Housekeeping highlighted the combination of flavor and nutrition. Eat This, Not That! has also flagged them as a recommended pick. When the food media and the ingredient label are both pointing in the same direction, that's a good sign.

What to look for when reading labels

Not every sweet potato chip on the shelf starts with real sweet potatoes and a short ingredient list. Here's what to keep in mind when you're comparing bags:

Check the oil first — canola, sunflower, safflower, and soybean oils are common in snack foods
Look at the seasoning ingredients — some chips layer in a lot of sodium or artificial flavoring
Notice whether the chip is made with real sweet potatoes or sweet potato powder/flakes
Certifications like Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, and vegan can help you quickly narrow choices

Jackson's Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips are gluten-free, vegan, kosher, Non-GMO, and free from the top 9 allergens — made in a dedicated allergen-free facility in Muskego, WI. They're also PaleoFLEX Certified for anyone eating paleo. If you're snacking with specific dietary needs in mind, that covers a lot of ground in one bag.

And if you want to explore the full lineup before committing, the Sweet Potato Chips Variety Pack brings together Farmhouse Ranch, Carolina BBQ, and Spicy Jalapeño — all made with real sweet potatoes, avocado oil, and bold seasoning.

The bottom line on sweet potato chips

Sweet potato chips are a satisfying, craveable snack — and what makes the difference is what goes into them. Real sweet potatoes. A cooking oil worth choosing. Seasoning that actually tastes like something. When those three things line up, snacking gets a lot more enjoyable.

That's what Jackson's is built around. Real food ingredients, avocado oil, and bold flavor. Snacks you can feel good about reaching for, whether it's a midday craving or a movie night situation. Either way, you deserve something worth snacking on.

About the author

Emily Tam

Marketing Manager

Self-proclaimed equal opportunity snacker: sweet, savory, crunchy, chewy, refusing to choose. Fueled by a deep, unwavering love for all things food.

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June 5, 2026

Avocado Oil vs. Olive Oil: Which is for You?

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Adding either oil to a meal with vegetables or other nutrient-rich foods can support your body in getting more from what you eat. Both are versatile in the kitchen Whether you are sautéing, roasting, grilling, drizzling, or mixing into a dressing, both oils are genuinely flexible. They pair well with a wide range of cuisines and ingredients, from simple salads to heartier dishes. Both have relatively high smoke points Compared to many other common cooking oils, both avocado oil and olive oil hold up well to heat, though their smoke points differ (more on that below). Avocado oil vs olive oil: the key differences Here is where things get interesting. These oils have some meaningful differences worth knowing, especially if you are thinking about which one to reach for in specific situations. Smoke point This is one of the biggest practical differences. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than most olive oils. 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If you are thinking about snack time, the oil used to cook your chips matters more than you might expect. High-heat cooking demands an oil that stays stable under pressure. That is one reason avocado oil is the only oil Jackson's uses, across every single product. Jackson's kettle chips and Super Veggie Straws are all cooked in avocado oil, never seed oils. Real sweet potatoes, real potatoes, or a real veggie blend of yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato, all cooked in avocado oil and finished with bold seasoning. That is the Jackson's formula. Bon Appétit called Jackson's sweet potato chips "the ultimate editor-approved treat," and Good Housekeeping highlighted them for both flavor and nutrition. Not bad for a bag of chips. Why Jackson's uses avocado oil, always Jackson's was built around avocado oil from the very beginning, long before it became a trend. 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Discover the differences between the habanero vs jalapeno pepper

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Plant size and growth habit Habanero plants tend to be smaller and bushier. Jalapeño plants grow taller with a more upright habit. If you are planning a container garden, the compact habanero plant can be a bit easier to manage spatially. Regional cuisine connections Jalapeños are closely tied to Mexican cooking, showing up in everything from street tacos to queso. Habaneros are more at home in Caribbean and Central American dishes, where their fruity heat plays well with tropical ingredients like mango and pineapple. A quick comparison at a glance Heat: Jalapeño 2,500 to 8,000 SHU vs Habanero 100,000 to 350,000+ SHU Flavor: Jalapeño is grassy and mildly sweet; habanero is fruity and floral Size: Jalapeño is 2 to 4 inches; habanero is 1 to 2 inches Shape: Jalapeño is cylindrical; habanero has a lantern-like form Ripens to: Jalapeño turns red; habanero turns orange, red, or yellow Best for: Jalapeño works in everyday heat; habanero brings fiery, fruity punch Beyond savory: peppers in cocktails and desserts Peppers have broken out of the savory lane in a big way. Both habanero and jalapeño are finding their way into drinks, sweets, and condiments where that sweet heat contrast really shines. Spicy cocktails A habanero mango margarita layers habanero-infused tequila with mango puree and lime for a balance of tropical sweetness and serious heat. A jalapeño berry smash with muddled jalapeños, mixed berries, and a splash of bourbon offers a refreshing, mildly spicy sip that works for a wider crowd. Sweet and spicy confections Dark chocolate and habanero is a classic pairing for good reason. The bitterness of the chocolate and the fruity fire of the habanero complement each other in a way that feels genuinely surprising. On the lighter side, jalapeño lime sorbet brings citrusy brightness with just enough kick to keep things interesting. Fruity salsas and sauces Habanero pineapple salsa is a standout. Sweet tropical fruit balanced against intense heat makes it a natural topping for grilled proteins or a dipping companion for chips. Jalapeño berry sauce, with its sweet and tangy notes, can dress up pancakes or sit alongside ice cream in a way that surprises and satisfies. How Jackson's brings both flavors to snack time If you love the flavor energy of these peppers but want to enjoy it as a grab-and-go snack, Jackson's has you covered. The Spicy Jalapeño Sweet Potato Chips bring real jalapeño flavor layered with savory hints of onion and garlic on a real sweet potato chip kettle-cooked in avocado oil. It is that sweet heat combo that keeps you reaching back into the bag. And if you want to step it up a notch, the bold habanero nacho flavor is another way Jackson's lets these peppers do their thing. Real sweet potatoes, avocado oil, and seasoning. That is the formula. Real food ingredients you recognize. One reviewer put it well: "These are the best tasting, and are the only sweet potato chips I've found that I can actually have! Using avocado oil and all clean ingredients is a game changer for me!" — Kathy S. Every Jackson's chip is cooked in avocado oil, always. That means a satisfying crunch with bold flavor and real food ingredients in every bag. Gluten-free, vegan, kosher, Non-GMO, and free from the top 9 allergens. Curious about what makes avocado oil such a standout cooking oil? This deep dive into avocado oil kettle chips covers the full story. The takeaway Habanero and jalapeño each bring something distinct to the table. The jalapeño offers accessible heat and a grassy, mild flavor that works in almost anything. The habanero brings fruity fire that transforms a dish when used with intention. Knowing which to reach for is one of those small kitchen wins that makes cooking more fun and more flavorful. And when you want all that pepper energy in snack form without the kitchen prep, real sweet potato chips made with avocado oil and bold seasoning are a craveable way to get there. Feel good snacking, real food ingredients, and the kind of crunch that does not compromise. Ready to taste the difference? Grab a bag of Spicy Jalapeño Sweet Potato Chips and bring the bold flavor home.