When you wander down the grocery store’s snack aisle and peek at the popular kinds of chips that line the shelves, you might consider picking up a classic choice like regular potato chips or prefer versions boasting bursts of different flavors, like Cheetos, Doritos, and Takis. Though generally considered a less-than-nutritious treat, some chips are healthier than others, and the unhealthiest chips of all can be especially difficult to resist. If you grab too many bags and nibble on these treats a little too often, you might end up dealing with the ugly side effects of eating chips. That’s why you need to know more about what you’re consuming when you opt for this potentially problematic snack.”For those wanting more protein in their diet, opt for lean pork loin or eggs and choose options with more mono- or polyunsaturated fats instead,” Campbell says. In fact, she notes that this product “should be avoided for the sodium content alone.”If you love chili as much as you love cheese and corn chips, Fritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips may seem like a savory taste bud-pleasing dream. Unfortunately, no matter how much you adore this offering from the popular brand, it’s not something that you should be eating every day.An option that should obviously cause a considerable amount of concern for anyone who wants to keep their snacks on the reasonable side, Campbell notes that “if you are not paying attention to how much you’re eating, you could end up consuming a significant amount of fat, just from your choice of snack.”
Fun fact about Funyuns: They’re known as “Cebolitos” in Brazil under a brand known as Elma Chips. Unfortunately, going by a different name doesn’t necessarily make them any healthier. That also goes for using these unhealthy chips to create a blooming onion of sorts or putting them on burgers and pizza. We probably shouldn’t even mention the Funyun-topped ice cream and Funyun-covered banana split.
“The ingredients list also states that the Flamin’ Hot seasoning contains artificial coloring, including Red 40 Lake and multiple yellow dyes,” Campbell says while bringing up another issue with this particular variety of Cheetos. Although that may not seem like much of a problem, Red 40 has been linked to a range of side effects including allergic reactions, asthma, skin irritation, migraines, and hyperactivity, as well as changes in mood such as feeling depressed or irritable, according to the Cleveland Clinic.If you haven’t heard of Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites, that’s because they “are newer on the market,” according to Campbell, who points out that they are “also an unhealthy choice.”6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
If you’re curious, a cup of either regular or low-sodium dill pickles only has about 18 calories, so you’re better off snacking on the real thing as opposed to the chip version.
“A serving of 33 pieces contains 8 grams of total fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, and 280 milligrams of sodium which is a nutrient that most of us do not need more of,” Campbell points out. “[Furthermore,] these also contain red and yellow artificial dyes and MSG,” which we’ve already noted are ingredients you might prefer to avoid. In our opinion, if you’re going to indulge in these flavors, then you might as well go for an actual Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and fully enjoy the occasional ooey-gooey goodness. We happen to have a Philly Cheesesteak recipe with caramelized veggies and a low-calorie Philly Cheesesteak recipe that you may not be able to resist. “If chips are something you want to consume, you should be mindful of portion sizes, how much fat and sodium the serving size contributes, and any other unwanted added ingredients the chips may contain,” Kiran Campbell, RD, tells Eat This, Not That! “Most brands of chips on the market do contain fat and a decent amount of sodium and calories, which may make them the unhealthiest component of your meal. For this reason, you should always look at the nutritional content located on the nutrition facts label,” advises Campbell.There’s no doubt that Ruffles chips can be delicious, and any cheese-lover will likely tell you that the queso is a drool-worthy dip. While combining the two in Ruffles Queso Cheese Chips may be a flavor overload, the real reason why these are among the unhealthiest chips you can find is that they also contain a high number of calories, fat, and sodium in each serving, according to Wirtz. In fact, even if you only nibble on 11 chips in a single serving, you’ll still be consuming 150 calories along with 10 grams of fat and 230 milligrams of sodium. Although that might already seem like an iffy issue, let’s be honest—who only eats 11 chips at a time?
What are the ingredients in spudsy sweet potato fries?
Pringles has done its best to capture those flavors and deliver them via its Pringles Philly Cheesesteak Chips, which are inspired by the beloved sandwich. Unfortunately, to do so, they came up with a snack that contains 150 calories per serving, hence why Wirtz advises against eating them.When it comes to Chester Flamin Hot Fries, they use “a special blend of real cheese seasoning to give each bite the perfect pop and zing,” says Campbell. Granted, that particular “pop” and “zing” come with an unhealthy twist.
How unhealthy are sweet potato fries?
The Bottom Line. Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs than French fries but also high in vitamin A — giving them a nutritional edge. Still, deep-fried fries of any kind served in over-sized portions — as in many restaurants — may increase your risk of weight gain and related health problems.
The Philly Cheesesteak is the kind of sandwich that can spark fierce debates over the ideal ingredients and proper preparation. Although every version surely has its tasty merits, most of them share a few things in common that define the dish. Indeed, when you bite into a Philly Cheesesteak, you surely expect to taste “caramelized onion, sirloin steak, cheese, and a hint of garlic.””The sodium content is also on the high end at 280 milligrams per serving, making it not the most suitable or healthiest snack or meal accompaniment,” she adds. That may be putting it mildly which might be the only mild aspect of this spicy snack.
“Unlike most other chips which have 1 gram of saturated fat per serving, these contain 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 28 gram serving,” Campbell mentions while discussing Lay’s Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips. You should consider that this is also “along with 10 grams total fat, 210 grams sodium, and 160 calories.””Per serving size of 31 chips, this provides an outrageous 10 milligrams of total fat with 1.5 milligrams of saturated fat,” Campbell says to explain why these Fritos are among the unhealthiest chips on store shelves. Although that’s enough of a reason to only enjoy these occasionally (if ever) she points out that “the sodium amount of 210 milligrams per serving is also something that may lead to water retention for some consumers with certain health issues.”
Can you make fries out of sweet potatoes?
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries. They’re really easy to make, too. Just peel a few sweet potatoes, cut them into wedges or rounds, toss with some olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and bake at a high temperature until lightly browned. So good!
While you might need a moment to digest those dish (and dessert) ideas, you definitely shouldn’t be consuming an abundance of Funyuns. Indeed, however, you like to eat them, Mary Wirtz, MS, RDN, CSSD, a nutritional consultant at Mom Loves Best, says that these are the kind of crunchy snack that you should cut back on ASAP before you find yourself overindulging. “The frightening thing about [Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Chips] is that only 10 chips will provide 7 grams of total fat and 1 gram of saturated fat,” Campbell tells us while referring to these unhealthy chips. Campbell also explains that Mac’s Salt and Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds “are marketed as keto and paleo-friendly and have 7 grams of protein per serving.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that you should immediately stock your cupboards with this snack.We’ve consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.
“These are probably the worst choice out of all the options listed, simply due to the extreme amount of sodium per serving,” says Campbell, which is surely not what fans of Mac’s Salt and Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds want to find out. However, disappointment won’t change the fact that “these salt and vinegar pork rinds contain half its calories from fat which is 5 grams per 1/2 ounce serving, 2 grams saturated fat, and 400 mg sodium!”
“The ingredient list is minimal for this product, which is nice,” Campbell notes before also mentioning that “the vegetable oil used to fry these chips and salt added for flavoring do not make these chips a healthy choice.” French fries can be an unhealthy item on their own, and eating them in chip form with Pringles French Fries and Ketchup Chips doesn’t improve the situation. Wirtz adds them to her list of crunchy snacks to be wary of, which makes sense when you consider that they have 150 calories per serving. Since they’re not exactly a healthy choice, they surely also aren’t worth eating over the real deal. When you do, be sure to “avoid any brands or flavors that are high in sodium, saturated, or trans fats,” adds Campbell. “You may also want to avoid chips with added dyes which can be used for coloring.”On top of that, MSG (or monosodium glutamate) is another ingredient found in Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites, which Campbell says “some consumers may be sensitive to.”
Why don t my sweet potato fries get crispy?
The first mistake people make is making their fries too thick. It’s incredibly difficult to get crispy sweet potato wedges in the oven, it’s better to slice them too thin than too thick. The second crucial step is to make sure they are all uniformly cut.
Spudsy was created in 2018 by Southern California based Ashley Rogers, who was inspired by the traditional sweet potato to make better-for-you and better-for-the-world snacks that never compromise on taste, nutrition, or sustainability. The Spudsy team takes taste seriously, reimagining classic foods that consumers know and love by putting a healthy, sustainable twist on them with their Sweet Potato Puffs and Sweet Potato Fries.Over 150 million lbs of sweet potatoes end up in landfills each year because they are deemed imperfect due to minor ‘flaws’ like shape, size, and color.
Spudsy Sweet Potato Puffs and Fries are vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO. Spudsy snacks bring classic flavors to your diet with flavors like Vegan Cheese, Cinnamon Churro, and grain free Hot Fry, Vegan Ranch and Sea Salt to level up your snacking.
But what exactly is upcycling? It is the process of transforming unwanted waste materials into new materials or products of better quality with environmental value.We are inspired by our ability to deliver delicious snacks rooted in sustainable practices that help reduce food waste and we hope you enjoy our products as much as we do!Spudsy is on a mission to #savethespud and upcycle imperfect sweet potatoes from farms into plant-based, delicious, yummy snacks saving approximately 150,000 ugly spuds with every truckload of finished product. Discover the savory-sweet satisfaction made from upcycled sweet potatoes we’ve rescued from a wasteful fate!Preheat oven to 450°F. (For more crispiness, preheat your oven to 500°F.) Place a roasting pan or heavy duty baking sheet (one that can take high heat) in the oven to preheat.
They’re really easy to make, too. Just peel a few sweet potatoes, cut them into wedges or rounds, toss with some olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and bake at a high temperature until lightly browned. So good!Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and then, if they are very long, in half crosswise. Cut each piece into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick wedges. Alternately, you can slice the peeled sweet potato into disks either with a mandoline or a sharp knife. The baking times are approximate; it depends on how thick you cut the wedges or rounds of sweet potatoes. Try to cut them evenly so they all cook at about the same rate. For best browning results, bake only one sheet at a time. Sweet potatoes can take high heat, and you might see them and worry they’re burned. The browner they are, the crispier they will be, but there is a fine line between browned and burnt beyond edibility.
1 to 2 tablespoons spice or spice combination of your choice: chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, etc.
Even if they get really dark, they should still be good because of the natural sugars of the sweet potatoes caramelizing. But watch carefully to ensure that they don’t go from browned to burned.
Cooking time depends on the temperature of the oven (500°F will need less cooking time than 450°F) and the size and thinness of the sweet potato wedges.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.
Munch. Yum. Munch. Yum. I’m still eating them in my mind. I brought these over for my father to try. I think he only got to eat one or two because he was also eating the rest of his dinner, the dinner I abandoned in favor of these.
Put the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and add the oil. Mix well to combine. Sprinkle with salt and spices of your choice. Use your hands to mix well, so all pieces are coated with oil and spices.
The browner they are, the crispier they will be, but there is a fine line between browned and burnt beyond edibility. Even if they get really dark, they should still be good because of the natural sugars of the sweet potatoes caramelizing. So watch carefully.Bake for 15 to 25 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and use tongs to turn over all of the sweet potato pieces.
Remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Carefully spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet. (Watch out, the pan is hot!)
These oven baked sweet potato fries are so addictive! Wedges of sweet potatoes, tossed with oil, sprinkled with spices, and baked at high heat until browned and crispy at the edges.
Spudsy is the SUPERFOOD SNACK the whole family can enjoy, guilt free! We are a healthier alternative to your traditional packaged snacks, made from real sweet potato & baked not fried.
French fries have come under increasing scrutiny due to new studies suggesting that higher intake may raise your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Is it necessary to soak sweet potatoes before frying?
It’s not necessary to soak sliced sweet potatoes before frying, but if you do soak them, they will come out crispier. Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water will help release the starch, making them more available to crisp up.
The table in the previous chapter shows that a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of baked French fries has 125 calories, compared to 150 calories for the same serving of baked sweet potato fries.Regularly eating French fries may increase your risk of some diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It’s uncertain if regularly eating sweet potato fries would similarly increase disease risk.
Sweet potato fries are a bit higher in calories and carbs than French fries. However, sweet potato fries are also more nutrient dense and particularly high in vitamin A.
It’s possible that the lack of studies and evidence on the health risks of sweet potato fries comes from people not eating as many sweet potato fries as French fries. Moderation is likely key.Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and health writer who is passionate about plant-based nutrition and achieving better health by balancing time between the kitchen and the gym. Rachael completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Missouri and received her master’s degree from New York University. You can learn more on her website or follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Are spudsy sweet potato fries healthy?
Spudsy is the SUPERFOOD SNACK the whole family can enjoy, guilt free! We are a healthier alternative to your traditional packaged snacks, made from real sweet potato & baked not fried.
Though these studies don’t prove that fries increase diabetes risk, it may be wise to cut back on both types if you’re trying to lower your blood sugar. Losing or maintaining weight can be challenging, especially with so many tasty food options available. Here are 11 foods that can contribute to weight… Deep-frying nearly doubles the calories in both French and sweet potato fries compared to baking. When deep-fried, a large serving of either type of fries contains a full meal’s worth of calories.Additionally, the carb and fat content are about doubled if you choose a large rather than a small serving — regardless if they’re French or sweet potato fries. A better choice is to bake frozen or homemade fries — regardless of what kind they are. This gives you more control over your serving size and helps limit your calorie intake. Alyssa Northrop is a registered dietitian, nutrition writer, and licensed massage therapist. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a master of public health in human nutrition and completed her dietetic internship through the University of Michigan Health System. Currently, she offers holistic nutrition counseling and therapeutic massage through her private practice based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When she isn’t cooking, eating, or writing about food, she loves spending time with family, running, and singing with the Minnesota Chorale.New FDA rules have largely eliminated trans fat content in fries. However, acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic byproduct in fried starchy foods, occurs in fries. Still, a typical intake through a normal diet is unlikely to be problematic.
Therefore, you should no longer see “partially hydrogenated oil” in ingredient lists of fries, nor should you find any trans fat listed in their nutrition information.
Still, deep-fried fries of any kind served in over-sized portions — as in many restaurants — may increase your risk of weight gain and related health problems.Based on this comparison, sweet potato fries may be the better choice. Still, you shouldn’t eat oversized servings of deep-fried sweet potato fries on a regular basis.
These observational studies don’t prove that French fries were what really contributed to weight gain or food addiction, but they do suggest that it may be wise to limit your intake.
To make the best choice, it would be ideal to have studies that directly compare the health effects of sweet potato and French fries when eaten in the same quantities. However, such studies are unavailable. CVS.com is not available to customers or patients who are located outside of the United States or U.S. territories. We apologize for any inconvenience. For U.S. military personnel permanently assigned or on temporary duty overseas, please call our Customer Service team at 1-800-SHOP CVS (1-800-746-7287) if you need assistance with your order.12 Pack includes the following: 2 bags of Cheezy Cheddar Puffs, 2 bags of Cinnamon Churro Puffs, 2 bags of Sour Cream & Onion Puffs, 2 bags of Hot Fries, 2 bags of Zesty Ranch Fries, and 2 bags of Sea Salt Fries.
Can’t decide? With our Puff & Fry Variety Pack, now you don’t have to! Satisfy your Spudsy craving with any of our flavors: Cheezy Cheddar Puffs, Cinnamon Churro Puffs, Sour Cream & Onion Puffs, Hot Fries, Zesty Ranch Fries, and Sea Salt Fries. Did we mention they’re made from upcycled sweet potatoes and are Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Allergen Friendly, and Kosher?
12 Pack includes the following: 2 bags of Cheezy Cheddar Puffs, 2 bags of Cinnamon Churro Puffs, 2 bags of Sour Cream & Onion Puffs, 2 bags of Hot Fries, 2 bags of Zesty Ranch Fries, and 2 bags of Sea Salt Fries.Can’t decide? With our Puff & Fry Variety Pack, now you don’t have to! Satisfy your Spudsy craving with any of our flavors: Cheezy Cheddar Puffs, Cinnamon Churro Puffs, Sour Cream & Onion Puffs, Hot Fries, Zesty Ranch Fries, and Sea Salt Fries. Did we mention they’re made from upcycled sweet potatoes and are Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Allergen Friendly, and Kosher?
Ingredients; Potato starch, sweet potato flour, sunflower oil, potato flakes, potato granules, rice flour, paprika, salt, tomato powder, onion powder, garlic powder, calcium chloride, cirtic acid, gum acacia, natural flavoring, lactic acid, calcium silicate, paprika extract, annatto.2. Give them a cold water bath: Once your fries are chopped, toss them into a large bowl. Then cover the fries completely with cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This will help to rinse off the excess starch and help the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven. Once the potatoes have soaked, rinse and drain them. Then — also very important — use a towel to pat them down until they are nice and dry before moving onto the next step.
Ok, let’s talk about technique here for a minute. Because there are a few things you need to know to make your sweet potato fries actually crispy. (And thus avoid the saddest thing in the world — soggy fries. Always a tragedy.)
I’ve been experimenting with a variety of different methods for making homemade sweet potato fries all month, and I now feel like I can confidently stand by my title here — guys, this baked sweet potato fries recipe really is the best!They came out crispy, not oily or too soft or wet, and the seasoning was really nice. Saved it so I can try again. Not something I do with too many things I find online like this.
9. Wait just 5 more minutes: Once the fries are nice and crispy and ready to go, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Season the fries with lots of salt. Then resist the urge to take a bite and let the fries rest on the baking sheet for 5 more minutes. It will help them crisp up a bit more and be ready to serve.
Excellent! I finally got my fries to taste right! I didn’t have any cornstarch, but they still turned out great with enough crispy. I ate them with guacamole. Great snack :)10: Then dig in! Then once your french fries are ready to go…enjoy immediately! Fries are definitely best fresh outta the oven, and they will start to get soggy (as any fries will) once they sit out for too long. So go for it!
5: Use parchment paper: This will help prevent the fries from sticking and help them crisp up nicely. Just be sure, though, that you use a brand of parchment paper that can withstand 425°F cooking temperatures. If not, you can also just bake these on a greased cooking sheet.I made this the last night, I had a few fries left so now I’m making again tonight! I must say this is the best fries! This is now my GO -TO – DISH pefect for lazy night or just snacking!!
I’ve tried 2 or 3 different baked sweet potato fry recipes and found them all ok… but this one is actually very decent. Also I didn’t really do anything to change up the recipe, just followed it pretty straight except for maybe cutting the sweet potato rather thin? (I only had a couple of small ones and I didn’t want them to be soggy…)The good news here? Crispy fries are easy to make. The honest news? They are going to take a little extra time to make, versus just chopping and tossing some potatoes in the oven. But trust me, these few extra steps are totally worth it. Here are the essentials:
I noticed that like half the comments on recipe blogs tend to be like one of the following – recipe will be “how to make a glass of water. Pour some water in a glass.” and then a bunch of people will leave 5 stars and say “actually I didn’t have water or a glass, so I substituted with vodka and juice in a hyena skull that I found, and it was AMAZING!” or like 1 star for “complete garbage recipe, water tasted like nothing and you didn’t even tell me how much to pour or exactly how, ended up with a puddle on the floor and my girlfriend left me because I tried making this for our anniversary dinner.”
8. Take the time to flip all of the fries: Once the fries have baked halfway through, you need to give them a good flip. Which — I will be the first to admit — isn’t the most graceful or speedy of processes. But it’s worth it. So grab a spatula, and even if it takes an extra few minutes, be sure that each of those fries has made a 180° flip.First off, they are legit crispy. As in, there’s not a soggy fry in sight here even though they’re baked instead of fried, thanks to a few easy tricks. Second, they have a light garlicky seasoning, which achieves that irresistible salty-sweet-salty-sweet balance that’ll keep you reaching back for more. Third, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian and vegan, yay. But mainly?! They are totally do-able in your very own kitchen, which is great news for sweet potato fry lovers everywhere.
Has anyone tried these in an air fryer? I love the taste of these and we gobble them up regardless but I can’t get them crisp in the oven. Brand new to air frying so if anyone has done this lmk! Please and thank you!
6. Don’t crowd the pan: Once you add your fries to the baking sheet — very important — be sure that they are laying in an even, single layer. If they are overlapping on top of each other, the fries on the bottom won’t have the chance to get as crispy. So go for an even layer and try not to completely crowd the pan. (If the fries are overlapping, use a larger pan or two smaller pans.)
Why do you soak sweet potato fries?
Give them a cold water bath: Once your fries are chopped, toss them into a large bowl. Then cover the fries completely with cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This will help to rinse off the excess starch and help the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Baking sheets: If you need to spread the fries out between two baking sheets, be sure to switch their positions on the top and bottom oven shelves at the halfway point when you flip the fries.
Mixing the fries: Or you can do this step in a large ziplock bag, if you prefer, which makes the fries a bit easier to toss with the cornstarch mixture.
3. Coat with cornstarch: The next key to crispy fries? Cornstarch. Yep, it’s the secret ingredient that helps achieve that perfectly crispy exterior on a variety of baked recipes, and it’s essential with baked fries. Whisk together the cornstarch and dry seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika and black pepper) and toss them with the fries, after they have been coated in oil. But be sure to…Ali, thanks for sharing so many great recipes!! I just tried this one and have a question about the salt. I added salt to the cornstarch mixture and used your suggestion of a ziplock bag for ease of distributing the cornstarch seasoning mixture. I didn’t bake them right away but let them sit in a bowl for about 30 minutes before spreading them on the parchment lined sheet. Right away I noticed that there was a liquid buildup, I’m guessing that it was the added salt that extracted liquid from the sweet potato. Do you think that’s what happened? I dabbed them with paper towels but felt like i was removing the cornstarch seasoning mixture. My husband suggested i put them in the oven at a low temp to dry them out before upping the temp. They yielded chewy, not crispy but not soggy and either. I’ll try again without adding the salt to the cornstarch seasoning mixture but i was wondering if that’s why your recipe adds salt after they’re finished baking?
1. Cut evenly-sized fries: Your first step here is one that will make the biggest difference — take the time to evenly cut your fries. About 1/4-inch thick, to be exact. This will help avoid having fries that are over- or under-cooked, and will help them be the proper size to get nice and crispy.
“Air frying is a great way to make sweet potato fries or regular french fries without using excessive amounts of oil. Even just 1 tablespoon of olive oil is all you need to make crispy fries in an air fryer,” says Willingham. “The added benefit of air frying sweet potato fries, instead of baking or deep frying them, is that it keeps the glycemic index lower, making a blood sugar spike less likely.””Studies on french-fry consumption show that regular french-fry intake is linked to weight gain, obesity and food addiction in both adults and children — so it’s no surprise that we perceive them as an unhealthy choice,” says Willingham.The reason regular french fries probably get a bad rap is that they’re deep-fried, often paired with high-calorie choices (aka, that greasy burger), and many of us overeat this tasty side.”If you have prediabetes or diabetes, choosing sweet potato over white potato can help reduce your chance of a blood sugar spike,” adds Willingham. “Just be aware that this only holds true if you’re boiling or air frying the sweet potato. Once fried or baked, the glycemic index of sweet potato becomes similar to that of a french fry.””These same types of studies haven’t been carried out for sweet potato fries, specifically. What we do know, however, is that — before any cooking happens — both white potatoes and sweet potatoes are nutritious. And almost equally nutritious at that,” adds Willingham.
While both are root vegetables, they belong to different plant families. Sweet potatoes fall into the morning glory family, while regular potatoes are nightshades. And they have different micronutrient breakdowns because of this.
“Deep frying always makes food unhealthy. Submerging food in cooking oil increases the calories, carbs and fat content. In addition, if the frying oil is being used over and over, trans fats can be created and seep into the food,” adds Willingham. “What’s more is that deep frying may also increase the amount of carcinogens in the food. However, more research is needed to confirm this.”If you order sweet potato fries knowing they’re just as unhealthy as regular fries, carry on. But if you order them because you think they’re a healthier option, we recommend you read on.
“For instance, raw sweet potato contains 100 times more Vitamin A — a nutrient important for vision — than regular white potato. Sweet potato is also higher in potassium, which can help restore electrolyte imbalance and prevent muscle cramping and soreness,” explains Willingham.
“At the end of the day, the nutrition composition of the two is so similar that I recommend eating the type of potato you enjoy most. If your regular or sweet potato fries are deep-fried, keep an eye on the portion size. If you’re making fries at home, opt for air frying as your cooking method, and you may benefit from choosing sweet potatoes if you’re in need of some extra vitamin A and potassium and/or are keeping an eye on your blood sugar,” adds Willingham. “Sweet potato fries are often thought of as a healthier alternative to regular french fries. And while sweet potatoes themselves can come with a few extra health benefits, this is subject to change based on how they’re prepared and cooked,” says Emma Willingham, clinical dietitian at Houston Methodist. This likely isn’t new information, especially when it comes to deep frying, but the way we cook our food can change its nutrient breakdown and health benefits.Baking potatoes, instead of deep frying them, may seem like the healthier alternative, but Willingham says there’s one that’s even healthier: Air frying. “With very similar nutrient profiles and the fact that deep frying either type of potato essentially makes both equally unhealthy, there’s no real health benefit to choosing sweet potato fries over regular ones,” adds Willingham. But whether you’re eating deep-fried, baked or air-fried fries, know that it’s okay if your choice between sweet potato or regular simply comes down to personal preference.
In addition, sweet potato, depending on how it’s prepared, can also have a lower glycemic index than white potato. The lower the glycemic index, the more gradually the food will raise your blood sugar.
When you’re trying to eat healthy but also really want to order that greasy cheeseburger, nothing vindicates your decision more than opting to sub regular french fries for sweet potato fries. Sure, your burger may be a little unhealthy — but at least you made the healthier choice when it came to your side.
Are sweet potato fries junk food?
“With very similar nutrient profiles and the fact that deep frying either type of potato essentially makes both equally unhealthy, there’s no real health benefit to choosing sweet potato fries over regular ones,” adds Willingham.
It’s not necessary to soak sliced sweet potatoes before frying, but if you do soak them, they will come out crispier. Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water will help release the starch, making them more available to crisp up. I love to make crispy sweet potato fries because they use simple ingredients and can be enjoyed any time of day. They’re so easy to make, with minimal clean up and a lot of people really love them! Bonus: they are a healthy alternative to french fries and are the perfect healthy side dish that will go well with whatever you’re serving as a main dish. Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe, please consider a five star rating below and leave a comment. Also, please share your photos on instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debrakleinMost ketchup brands are loaded with sugar. Look for a ketchup brand in a glass container that is organic and doesn’t contain sugar. Or, think outside the box, and make a homemade sweet potato fries dip. Drain, rinse, and thoroughly pat potatoes dry. Whisk honey into oil, if desired, and drizzle onto potatoes. Then sprinkle with cumin, paprika, sea salt and white pepper and toss until evenly coated. Potato slices should soak a minimum of 30 minutes. Place soaking potatoes in the fridge if you can leave them longer than an hour, for as long as overnight.Who doesn’t love sweet potato fries? You can make crispy sweet potato fries in the air fryer or the oven, they’ll be delicious either way! Serve them as a tasty side dish or enjoy as a healthy sweet potato appetizer recipe.
What is the unhealthiest potato chip?
The Unhealthiest Chips, According to DietitiansFritos Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips.Cheetos Minis Flamin Hot Bites.Chester Flamin Hot Fries.Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Chips.Lay’s Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips.Mac’s Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pork Rinds.Funyuns Onion Flavored Rings.Ruffles Queso Cheese Chips.
Fresh, vibrant and tasty recipes for spring! Here are some of my favorite healthy spring recipes that use the produce of the season! Eating in season is less expensive, healthier and better for the environment!
Red or orange potatoes will have less starch and be more moist and creamy inside. Orange flesh potatoes have the most beta-carotene. Humans convert beta carotene into Vitamin A.
This post has been updated from the original published January 30, 2017. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.Stack the ovals and then cut 1/4″ slices the other way so the potatoes resemble french fries. Place cut fries in a bowl of cold water. Use ice cubes, if necessary to keep the water cold.
French fries are kosher to Passover as long as the ingredients in your recipe, aside from the potatoes, are kosher for Passover. Sweet potato fries are kosher for Passover if cooked in olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkled with kosher for Passover spices. You can always use salt and pepper plus fresh minced herbs for kosher for passover fries.
Which do you prefer, regular fries or sweet potato fries? I’m all in, either way. Especially when they’re crispy fries and there’s an incredible dipping sauce. If you’re having a hard time deciding, opt for the healthier sweet potato fries. Next time you can use regular potatoes and make some maple miso potato wedges.While fries aren’t considered a health food, sweet potatoes do have a lot of nutritional benefits. Sweet potato fries are also more nutrient dense than regular french fries. Pairing sweet potatoes with healthy fats, helps the body absorb the nutrients better.
Red and orange sweet potatoes are sometimes incorrectly labeled “yams.” Take note because real yams do not make good fries because they are super dry and have thick skins.
Begin by rinsing potatoes under running water and scrub off any loose dirt. I use a loofah to make this easier. Leave the skins on, that’s where much of the nutrition is concentrated.Hi, I’m Debra. I’m a health coach and culinary instructor, dedicated to making nourishing food taste incredible and inspiring healthy choices with easy plant-based recipes. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m ready to meet you on your journey where healthy meets delicious.
This french fries recipe is unique and absolutely looks so yummy. As fries are our comfort food, love to try this at home for the family. Thanks for sharing this with us.Some types of sweet potatoes are dryer and more starchy, more like russet potatoes. These include varieties with lighter tan skin or purple skin or japanese sweet potatoes that are white inside. If you want sweet potato fries that are crisp on the outside, and sweet and moist inside, I don’t recommend these.
Or cornstarch depending on what part of the world you’re from. Okay, so you’ve pulled the starch from the potato in order to get them soft, but you want the outside to be crispy, so you’ve gotta do some DIY. Cornstarch is perfect for this. A thin coating of cornstarch is key to get that crispy outside that you’re after.
Grab yourself the largest sweet potato you can find, because they’re easier to handle. Peel and slice in half. From there you want to slice into about 1/4″ segments (photo below for guidance). The first mistake people make is making their fries too thick. It’s incredibly difficult to get crispy sweet potato wedges in the oven, it’s better to slice them too thin than too thick.
There seriously is nothing, and I mean NOTHING better than a batch of hot, sweet and salty, crispy sweet potato fries. There are so many great things the sweet potato brings us in life, but nothing greater than the classic fry. Having said that though, there really is nothing more disappointing in life than a batch of soggy sweet potato fries. Ugh, doesn’t the thought of it just make your heart sink? But unfortunately, it’s a far too common scenario, especially when making homemade sweet potato fries and more specifically, when baking them in the oven. It’s not easy! Getting crispy sweet potatoes using the oven is an art. But there is hope.
Once cooked, the key is to turn off the heat and open the oven door. This step is crucial for crispiness. Strangely sweet potato fries become more crispy as they cool, so let them rest for a good 15 mins. After, it’s finally time for the salt to draw out that final bit of lingering moisture and allow the final ‘crisping’ phase. Now it’s time for seasoning, and this really is up to your tastebuds. Spices that work well are chilli/chipotle powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. I’ve also done a combo of rosemary and garlic before which came out nice! At the same time it is important that you dry the fries like you’ve never dried a fry before. Seriously, once they’ve had their bath we don’t want a spec of water left on them.From there on out it usually takes around another 10-15mins until they risk burning. You will find they go slightly black but with baked sweet potato fries unfortunately that’s inevitable.HOWEVER, whatever you do, don’t add salt. One more time, do not add salt at this point. I’ve experimented by adding salt before and after the cooking process and adding it before they go in the oven seems to wilt the fries too much. Adding salt at the end drawers out that final bit of moisture without leaving them too wrinkly.
