The Promise of Oven-Baked Chips
In the Norwegian market, a new oven-baked chip with sour cream and onion promises 60% less fat compared with classic chips. The chips are baked in the oven without added oil, and the claim sits at the center of the snacking conversation: can you lower the fat and still keep the taste? The brand stresses that the aim is not to be a health food, but an alternative for those who want lower fat without sacrificing flavor.
Calories, not just fat
Backers of the claim highlight that the product not only reduces fat but also results in fewer overall calories—“more than 60% fewer calories than the classic sour cream chips” in some calculations. This framing contributes to the perception of a lighter option, even as other nutritional elements shift.
How the numbers stack up
On the label, the oven-baked version contains about 9.3 g of fat, of which 1.2 g is saturated fat, and 7.5 g of sugars. By contrast, ordinary sour cream and onion chips contain roughly 33 g of fat (2.6 g saturated) and only about 0.5 g of sugar. In other words, while total fat drops, sugar climbs, altering the snack’s nutrition profile in meaningful ways.
Why lower fat does not automatically equal healthier
Nutritionist Karoline Steenbuch notes that removing fat often means adding something else to maintain texture and flavor. In this case, the sugar content rises to compensate for the missing fat, and the ingredient list grows longer, signaling a more ultraprosessed product. A longer list typically points to ingredients and additives you wouldn’t assemble at home.
What Maarud is saying
Maria Brennodden, the brand’s market director, emphasizes that oven-baked chips are not “healthy potato chips” but an option for those who want lower fat while keeping the familiar taste. The product is available in a 100-gram bag for snackers mindful of calories, alongside the standard larger bags. Early consumer feedback highlights the extra crunch and distinctive flavor, framing it as a novel choice in the chips aisle.
How to approach label claims in snacks
Shoppers aiming to manage fat or sugar intake should consider the broader picture. Compare nutrition per 100 g and per package, watch for added sugars, and mind portion sizes. A lower-fat version can inadvertently encourage bigger servings if taste leads to over-snacking. Moderation remains essential, and the label is only one piece of the nutritional puzzle.
Practical takeaways for snackers
Tips for evaluating these claims: read the nutrition panel closely, note the sugar and fiber content, and check the ingredient list for additives. If you crave crunch and flavor, an option with lower fat can fit into a balanced diet—as long as portions are monitored and overall dietary goals are kept in mind.
Bottom line
Oven-baked chips with 60% less fat present a real trade-off: lower fat, higher sugar, and a longer ingredients list. They are not a universal healthier option, but they offer a different texture and taste for snackers who want lower fat without sacrificing crunch. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet and mindful portion sizes.
