Love potato chips but want a better option? You’re not alone! Potato chips are a favourite snack for so many, and I totally get it. But if you’re looking to reduce the amount of additives and inflammatory seed oils in your everyday foods, this is for you.
First, here are a few ingredients I personally avoid when choosing potato chips:
FLAVOURS
Those “flavours” you see on the back of a chip packet? They're not always made from actual food. Most are created in a lab and can include up to 100 different synthetic chemicals — all hidden behind the single word “flavour.” The exact formulas are usually kept secret (for proprietary reasons), which means we don’t really know what we’re consuming. Some of the hidden additives that can fall under this term include solvents, preservatives, emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, synthetic carriers like propylene glycol, and even artificial sweeteners or enhancers. These ingredients aren’t always listed individually, so it becomes nearly impossible to spot what’s really in your food. And because the industry isn’t required to disclose every component, we can’t accurately monitor or avoid certain additives, even when we’re trying to.
I made it a personal non-negotiable to steer clear whenever possible. It’s not about being perfect, just feeling more empowered to make informed, conscious choices.
FLAVOUR ENHANCERS
Yeast extract is a common example of a flavour enhancer often found in packaged snacks like chips. It contains high levels of naturally occurring glutamate — the same compound found in MSG (monosodium glutamate), which has been linked to various side effects in sensitive individuals. These glutamates are known as “excitotoxins” because they can overstimulate nerve cells in the brain and body. For some people, this may lead to symptoms like hyperactivity, mood swings, headaches, or even digestive upset. There’s also research suggesting they can interfere with hunger and satiety signals, contributing to cravings and overeating. Ever found yourself reaching for chip after chip without even thinking? These additives might be playing a role. While not everyone reacts the same way, I prefer to avoid flavour enhancers, especially when it comes to everyday foods or snacks.
MALTODEXTRIN
Maltodextrin is a highly processed additive that’s commonly found in flavoured chips and other packaged foods. It’s usually made from genetically modified (GMO) corn or wheat and has zero nutritional value. Despite its bland appearance on the label, maltodextrin can have a real impact on the body. It can spike blood sugar levels quickly, irritate the gut lining and disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome by suppressing beneficial bacteria. Some people also report feeling bloated, fatigued, or noticing skin issues after consuming foods that contain it regularly. It’s one of those sneaky ingredients I like to watch out for.
VEGETABLE OILS
I know this one can be a bit tricky, as most chips on supermarket shelves are cooked in seed oils like canola or sunflower. Typically, they’re chemically extracted using solvents, then bleached and deodorised at high temperatures. This process damages the structure of the fats, making them unstable and potentially inflammatory once consumed. Over time, a diet high in these oils can place stress on the body, especially when it comes to gut health, hormone balance and inflammation. If you're curious to learn more, I’ve shared a full breakdown on seed oils in a dedicated blog post, along with bite-sized tips over on my Instagram. I always encourage starting small - even swapping out one snack can make a difference!
BETTER OPTIONS
Here are a few additive-free chip options to keep an eye out for:
• Kettle Sea Salt Potato Chips
• Proper Crisps Organic (Sea Salt + Onion & Green Chives)
• Boulder Chips (Avocado or Olive Oil)
• Kettle Avocado Oil Chips
While these aren’t free from vegetable or seed oils, they are free from additives—so they’re a better option if you can’t access my top pick below or if it’s outside your budget right now. It’s all about doing the best you can with what’s available.
Originally, my go-to chips to buy were the Boulder Potato Chips, cooked in either olive oil or avocado oil, as they’re vegetable oil + additive-free. However, recently, a few of you sent me info showing that Boulder confirmed their chips — while marketed as being made with “100% avocado oil” — are actually cooked in refined, bleached and deodorised avocado oil. There’s currently no regulation around how terms like “avocado oil” or “olive oil” are used on packaging, which means brands can technically use these names for marketing, even if the oil isn’t pure or minimally processed. Unless it clearly says extra virgin, the oil may be refined or mixed with other oils entirely, and with avocado oil, the lack of regulation makes it even more murky (this is why I’ve underlined it).
THE GOOD NEWS
Sunseekers is a clean and delicious Aussie chip brand that doesn’t contain any of the above. I love them because they’re completely transparent about what goes into their chips. The only ingredients are: organic potatoes, extra virgin olive oil or organic tallow and no additives! Just real ingredients and healthy fats that your body knows how to use.
Sunseekers ship Australia-wide and have recently started delivering to New Zealand too! If you sign up for their newsletter via the website, you’ll receive 10% off your first order.
I know this option may not be within everyone’s budget right now, but the more we support incredible small businesses like this, the more demand we create, and with that, hopefully more accessible pricing in the future.
This isn’t sponsored in any way, I just genuinely love sharing brands that go the extra mile, don’t cut corners and are committed to making truly nourishing products without all the added junk.
Real food should feel good, and yes, that includes chips 💛