Finding a healthy snack is a lot easier than it used to be. When it comes to the chip market, traditionally unhealthy options like potato chips have undergone a fresh transformation. While you can still find plenty of high-carb, high-fat bags of chips, it’s just as easy to grab a high protein, low-carb alternative.
In this article, we’ll review the eight best protein chips on the current market. We’ll also brief you on what you should be looking for when buying protein chips and answer the most commonly asked protein chip questions.
Top Protein Chips Ranked:
- Best Overall: Quest Protein Chips
- Best Organic: IWON Protein Chips
- Best Gluten Free: Shrewd Food Protein Puffs
- Best for Energy: Popcorners Flex Protein Chips
- Best Plant-Based: NutriWise Protein Chips
- Best Keto: Whisps Cheese Crisps
- Best with Dip: Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips
- Best from Real Food: Kalahari Crisps
How Much Do the Best Protein Chips Cost?
Protein chips are usually more expensive than standard chips. To make it easy to compare the per serving cost, we’ve collected all the key pricing information into this handy chart:
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Bags | Cost Per Bag | Protein Per Bag | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
Quest Protein Chips | $34.49 | 12 | $2.87 | 19g | High in protein while being low in carbs. Plus, it comes in delicious flavors. |
| Best Organic |  |
IWON Protein Chips | $21.92 | 8 | $2.74 | 10g | All ingredients are completely organic, making it a healthy snack. |
| Best Gluten-Free |  |
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs | $28.48 | 16 | $1.78 | 14g | Low in calories and has a good balance of proteins, carbs, and fats. |
| Best for Energy |  |
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips | $19.94 | 20 | $0.99 | 10g | Tastes great, is thick and full, and packs a solid punch of energy. |
| Best Crisps |  |
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles | $19.94 | 7 | $2.84 | 18g | It’s high in fiber, providing you with four grams, or about 20% of the daily recommended fiber value. |
| Best Keto |  |
Whisps Cheese Crisps | $17.99 | 5 | $3.59 | 12g | A great source of calcium, providing 25% of the daily recommended value. |
| Best with Dip |  |
Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips | $22.95 | 7 | $3.27 | 14g | They’re high in protein and are thick enough to work with a dip. |
| Best from Real Food |  |
Kalahari Crisps | $27.99 | 6 | $4.66 | 20g | It’s low in calories and contains real food ingredients. |
Products Reviews
Here are the top 8 best protein chips money can buy:
Best Protein Chip Overall
The best overall protein chips provide your body with a solid punch of amino acids while limiting the carb and fat intake. They are also low in calories, making them a smart choice for people wanting to get lean and muscular.
Quest Protein Chips
Quest Protein Chips deliver a whopping 19 grams of protein per serving, with a serving being one bag. They are also low in carbs and fat and only add 140 calories per serving to your daily calorie count, making for an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio.
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Quest provides the following flavor options:
- Spicy Sweet Chili Lime
- Loaded Taco
- Nacho Cheese
- Ranch
These are tortilla-style chips that work great by themselves or as part of a nacho dish or in lasagne. Each of the flavors genuinely tastes like what it claims on the pack, providing options for every palate. These chips are great for hardcore muscle builders and general fitness and health-conscious people alike.
Who Should Buy Quest Protein Chips?
- People who want a high-protein snack
Who Should Not Buy Quest Protein Chips?
- Those who are after a thick chip for dipping.
Quest Protein Chips Coupon
Quest Protein Chips Coupon
Quest Protein Chips are our pick for the best overall protein chips on the market. They pack 19 grams of protein per serving and are one of the highest-rated and reviewed protein chips on Amazon.
Best Organic
Organic protein chips deliver a healthy protein snack, meeting the needs of those who abide by an organic lifestyle.
IWON Protein Chips
IWON Protein Chips come in a crunchy stick design and a puffy texture. The combination makes for a great snack. You get 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber in each serving. It’s also low in calories and carbs, with just three grams of sugar per serving. It is, however, a little high in saturated fat content. IWON Protein Chips come in a variety of flavors.
IWON Protein chips are made from pure organic ingredients.
Who Should Buy IWON Protein Chips?
- Those who are looking for a pure organic protein chip.
Who Should Not Buy IWON Protein Chips?
- People who want a low-fat product.
IWON Protein Chips Coupon
IWON Protein Chips Coupon
IWON Protein Chips are formulated with plant-based proteins and blend the highest quality non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and kosher ingredients. The brand is known for its high-quality organic products, and the protein chips are no different.
Best Gluten-Free
Finding gluten-free protein chips can be a struggle. Our winner in this category combines gluten-free ingredients with high protein, low carb, and limited calories, making it a very healthy choice.
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs come in the form of a crunchy puff ball that is hard to resist. You get 14 grams of protein with every bag-sized serving, along with just two grams of carbs, three grams of fat, and a single gram of sugar.
These protein puffs come in unique flavors, including Strawberries & Cream, Brick Oven pizza, and Baked Cheddar.
Who Should Buy Shrewd Food Protein Puffs?
- People who are after a gluten-free protein chip.
- Those who are after a unique protein puff take on the chip design.
Who Should Not Buy Shrewd Food Protein Puffs?
- People who want the traditional style protein chip
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs Coupon
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs Coupon
Shrewd Food Protein Puffs are a great protein snack option for gluten-intolerant folks. Plus, it only contains two grams of carbs per pack, making it a perfect fit for dieters.
Best for Energy
Besides providing protein to build muscle, our best chips in this category will deliver a surge of energy to fuel your workouts.
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips are a hexagon-shaped snack that contains 10 grams of protein and four grams of fiber per bag-sized serving. It’s also low in sugars and fats, though the carbs are high, at 13 grams per serving. It’s not the best choice for low-carb dieters but will make a good post-workout snack, helping to replenish glycogen levels.
This chip is made from plant-based protein powder and comes in three flavors; Barbeque, Buffalo, and Cheddar Sour Cream.
Who Should Buy Popcorners Flex Protein Chips?
- People who want a post-workout snack.
- Those wanting an energy kick.
Who Should Not Buy Popcorners Flex Protein Chips?
- People who are wanting a low-carb snack.
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips Coupon
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips Coupon
Popcorners Flex Protein Chips delivers 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which can help power your workouts or replenish your glycogen reserves post-workout.
Best Plant-Based
Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy the benefits of protein chips with our best plant-based brand as it gets all of its ingredients from vegan-friendly sources.
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles are vegan friendly as they are made from plant-based protein sources. They’re also low-calorie, making them a smart snack choice for those trying to lose weight.
Of all the protein chips we tested, NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles are as close as it gets to tasting like regular potato chips. It contains soy, so those who can’t tolerate soy should skip this product.
Who Should Buy NutriWise Protein Chips?
- People who are after a vegan-friendly protein chip.
Who Should Not Buy NutriWise Protein Chips?
- Folks who are allergic to or simply want to avoid soy.
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles Coupon
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles Coupon
NutriWise Dill Pickles Protein Krinkles are arguably the best plant-based protein chip option for vegans. Did we mention they taste just like potato chips?
Best Keto
Finding keto-friendly snacks that taste good can be next to impossible. Our winner in this category provides the solution with chips that are super low in carbs, high in protein, and moderate in fat content.
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Whisps Cheese Crisps
Whisps Cheese Crisps provide a great snack for cheese lovers after a keto-friendly snack that’s also high in protein. They are also high in fat, making for a very-keto friendly macronutrient profile.
Whisps Cheese Crisps are essentially melted and dried cheese. They come in five cheesy flavors and the high cheese content makes them a great source of calcium and sodium. One flavor, Tomato Basil, is a bit high on sugar, so Keto dieters should avoid this flavor.
Who Should Buy Whisps Cheese Crisps?
- People who follow the keto diet.
- Anyone who wants to up their calcium or sodium intake.
Who Should Not Buy Whisps Cheese Crisps?
- People who want a low-sodium or low-fat snack.
Whisps Cheese Crisps Coupon
Whisps Cheese Crisps Coupon
Whisps Cheese Crisps are arguably the most delicious keto-friendly protein chips on the market. They are made with high-quality ingredients for great taste.
Best with Dip
Chips just aren’t the same without dip. Dip-friendly chips must be thick and robust so they won’t break. Our category winner has just the right balance between thickness and texture to make for a great dipping snack.
Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips
Unlike many competitors, Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips offers a sturdy, robust chip that will stand up to the extra weight of dip. This is a baked rather than a fried chip. You get 13 grams of protein with each serving. It’s low in carbs and made from vegetable fiber, wheat protein, egg whites, and whey.
Who Should Buy Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips?
- People who want a thick chip that can be used for a dip.
Who Should Not Buy Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips?
- Those who want a lighter and crunchy chip.
Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips Coupon
Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips Coupon
If you love to snack on chips after dunking them in a dip, you'll love the Wholesome Provisions Muscle Chips. Unlike other protein chips on the list, this product won't crumble under the weight of your favorite dip.
Best from Real Food
If you’re looking for a completely natural chip that’s made from real ingredients, this product is just what you need.
Kalahari Crisps
At 20 grams, Kalahari Crisps contain the highest protein count per serve of any of the chips we reviewed. At the same time, they provide you with less than one gram of carbs, making Kalahari Chips the ideal snack choice for people striving for a lean, muscular physique. There is zero sugar content and just two grams of fat per serving.
These protein chips are air-dried beef chips, making them perfect for those who want to eat real food at snack time. It is, though, a bit on the pricey side.
Who Should Buy Kalahari Crisps?
- People want a real food snack product.
- Individuals who are after a high-protein, low-carb snack.
Who Should Not Buy Kalahari Crisps?
- Individuals who want a budget snack.
Kalahari Crisps Coupon
Kalahari Crisps Coupon
Many folks do not like snacks as they consider them an unhealthy food source. However, Kalahari Crisps challenges this belief with their top-quality American top round beef chips.
What to Look For When Buying Protein Chips
Rather than grabbing the first packet of protein chips you find, it pays to look a little more closely. That way, you can make sure that what you’re getting is actually what your body needs:
- Protein content: Look for a product that delivers at least 10 grams of protein per serving.
- Carb & fat content: Ideally, the carb and fat count should be no more than half the protein count per serving.
- Flavors: Look for a brand that offers a range of flavors so you can mix them up to prevent boredom.
- Price: You might have to shell out more than standard corn or potato chips while buying protein chips. However, you can find the best mix between value and quality by shopping around.
How We Decided Our Picks
In narrowing our selections of the best protein chips down to the top eight, we focused on the following criteria:
Flavor
The flavor is obviously a very important consideration when you’re buying any food product. Our flavor ranking took into account the number of flavors the brand offers and how tasty we found the flavors.
Taste, of course, is subjective — what I find tasty, you might find horrible. Our focus, therefore, was to judge the taste according to how much it tasted like what it claimed to represent. For example, does bacon barbeque actually taste like barbeque bacon?
Texture
When it comes to protein chips, texture relates to the thickness, airiness, and crumbliness of the chip. The best chips were thick and solid enough to be dipped in a dip or sauce without breaking. The chip should also be big enough to layer a spread on it.
Notably, even thicker protein chips will crumble more readily than regular corn chips or potato chips.
Nutrition
A quality serving of potato chips (one or two ounces) will contain 90-150 calories. It should also provide 10 grams or more of protein and half that amount of carbs.
However, just because a chip is high-protein, it doesn’t automatically mean that it is going to be low in carbs and fat. Some protein chips did not make it to this list as they were very high in carbs and fats, so it pays to always check the nutrition label.
Benefits of Protein Chips
Here are a few benefits of eating protein:
- Protein chips are a high-protein snack that can help you remain in an anabolic state, promoting protein synthesis and fueling your gains.
- Snacking on protein helps with weight loss because it fills you up, helping to offset cravings, especially when you’re cutting for a contest.
- Protein chips will deliver a constant supply of energy. Take them before your workout to help fuel your training.
FAQs
What are the best protein chips?
Per customer reviews and ratings on Amazon, the best protein chips on the market are Quest Protein Chips. They’re high in protein and offer a range of great flavors.
Will protein chips fill me up?
Yes, protein chips will do a good job of filling you up. Compared to carbs or fats, protein can be very satiating. Protein chips can be a good snacking option if you eat every three hours.
Can protein chips help my gains?
Yes, protein chips can help you achieve your muscle gain goals. It should be used, though, as a supplement, along with high protein meals and other protein supplements like protein shakes and bars.
When should I eat protein chips?
You can eat protein chips any time throughout the day as a snack. You shouldn’t, though, take them as a meal replacement. Enjoy your protein chips in conjunction with a healthy, high-protein diet.
Check Out: 14 Absolute Best Tasting Protein Bars In 2022
The Bottom Line
Protein chips are a healthy alternative to conventional unhealthy snacks. They are especially good for bodybuilders and people wanting to add muscle mass.
Remember, if you’re looking for results, you should combine the protein chips with a balanced and nutrient-dense whole food diet and an effective training and recovery program. Enjoy your protein chips as a snack between meals rather than as a main meal.
Go here to check the price and reviews on our favorite protein chip.
References
- Leidy HJ, Clifton PM, Astrup A, Wycherley TP, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Luscombe-Marsh ND, Woods SC, Mattes RD. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;101(6):1320S-1329S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.084038. Epub 2015 Apr 29. PMID: 25926512.
- Carbone JW, Pasiakos SM. Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients. 2019 May 22;11(5):1136. doi: 10.3390/nu11051136. PMID: 31121843; PMCID: PMC6566799.
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