Chip conglomerates, beware — no longer must we sacrifice our nutrition to enjoy your irresistible crunch. As some of the best protein snacks on the market, protein chips are formulated to help you reach your daily intake target while delivering the satisfying crunch of your favorite junk food. With virtually as many flavors as their artificial predecessors, a high-protein, low-carb, and great-tasting chip is no longer a pipe dream.
After testing out multiple flavors of several options, I landed on five standouts that may be ideal for those following vegan or keto diets, anyone on a limited budget, or cheese-crazed snackers like myself. Our expert reviewer and I teamed up to give you the lowdown on the best protein chips out there. Check out which flavors, textures, and ingredients stood out the most in my time munching on these protein-packed chips.
The 5 Best Protein Chips of 2024
- Best Protein Chips Overall: Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips
- Best Budget Protein Chips: IWON Organics Protein Stix
- Best Protein Chips For Dipping: Wholesome Provisions Protein Chips
- Best-Tasting Protein Chips: Whisps Cheese Crisps
- Best Plant-Based Protein Chips: Kibo Chickpea Chips
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Chips
After ordering and testing out all five of these protein chips myself, I teamed up with our expert reviewers to dive into the nutrition of each option. Following BarBend’s supplement testing methodology, we assigned ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories like formulation, texture, and flavor. Check out a few of the key factors that we took into consideration when putting together our list.
- Flavor: Because taste is a subjective category, we took pains to describe our experience with each option. We also prioritized protein chips that come in multiple flavors to satisfy a variety of palates.
- Texture: Depending on how to plan to eat your chips, you may prefer a light, airy feel over a dip-ready texture. The options on our list vary across this spectrum.
- Protein Content: All of the chips here range from 6 to 20 grams of protein per serving. We aimed to provide a range of protein content to suit your daily intake needs.
- Protein Source: Like the best protein powders, these chips contain protein from a diverse range of sources. From dairy-based options to organic, plant-based ones, the chips on our list can cater to the dietary needs of a wide range of snackers.
Best Protein Chips Overall: Quest Nutrition Tortilla-Style Protein Chips
These Doritos-inspired chips come in a wide variety of spicy flavors, plus its gluten- and soy-free formulation features an above-average protein content.
Specs
- Price per Serving: $2.50
- Available Flavors: Chili Lime, Hot & Spicy, Loaded Taco, Nacho Cheese, Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili
- Protein per Serving: 18-20g
- Protein Source: Milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate
Doritos fans, assemble! Not only are Quest Nutrition Tortilla-Style Protein Chips loaded with protein, they have the flavor and variety to match my personal favorite chip. I enjoyed Loaded Taco and Chili Lime (both 4 out of 5 for taste), but the Nacho Cheese flavor (5 out of 5 for taste) took me straight back to school lunches and sleepovers. Quest Nutrition even nailed the excessive nacho cheese dust I had to clean (OK, lick) off my fingers.
The appetizing flavors weren’t the only reason it landed as my top chip, though. Each 1.1-ounce bag contains 6 grams of fat and just 5 grams of carbohydrates, so anyone looking for a keto-friendly, low-carb snack could easily work them in. Its sodium content is high compared to Doritos (330 milligrams to 190 milligrams), but is just below the average for protein chips.
Depending on the flavor you prefer, you’ll get 18 to 20 grams of protein in each single-serving bag. And since the chips include high-quality whey protein, they feature all nine essential amino acids. I wouldn’t recommend swapping a bag for your daily scoop, but even the best whey isolate protein powders average around 20 to 28 grams per serving.
All in all, every member of my household is onboard with Quest Nutrition Tortilla-Style Protein Chips. Also, at $2.50 a bag, I gave them a 4.5 out of 5 for value because, despite being slightly more affordable, the protein count is 22% more than all of the other high-protein chips I tried.
Best Budget Protein Chips: IWON Organics Protein Stix
These affordable protein puffs are USDA Certified Organic, vegan-friendly, gluten-free and contain a hefty dose of organically-sourced protein.
Specs
- Price per Serving: $2.74
- Available Flavors: Sweet Dijon, Barbecue, Spicy Sweet Peppers
- Protein per Serving: 7-10g
- Protein Source: Organic Protein Blend (Green Peas, Brown Rice Flour, Navy Beans, Brown Rice)
While IWON Organics Protein Stix reminded me more of Cheetos than a typical chip, at just $2.74 a bag, I had to find a place for them on this list. These crispy, puffy snacks offer 7 to 10 grams of plant-based protein in each single-serving bag, which can be a nice boost depending on how much protein you need each day. As you may expect from the Organics in the brand name, this formulation is USDA Certified Organic.
The protein in its Organic Protein Blend is sourced from whole foods, including peas, navy beans, and brown rice. They are also vegan- and kosher-friendly, plus clear of any GMOs, gluten, or soy. However, the label does include a noteworthy disclaimer — they are made in a facility that processes milk, soy, and sesame seeds.
Although they are closer to protein puffs than chips, my wife and I both loved the Sweet Dijon flavor and agreed its taste was a 4.5 out of 5. I wouldn’t say we were fighting over them — just a healthy argument. We didn’t get a chance to try Barbecue or Spicy Sweet Peppers, but the dijon flavor was tangy and rather strong. With a hearty crunch in each bite, we also gave its thick texture a 5 out of 5.
The 190 calories per bag are a bit high compared to some other protein chips. If you’re tracking macros for weight loss or wanting to bulk up, each serving contains 9 grams of fat and 22 grams of carbs. A bag of Cheetos contains just 2 grams of protein and a boatload of artificial ingredients, so if those are your junk food kryptonite, IWON Organics Protein Stix are a worthy substitute.
Best Protein Chips For Dipping: Wholesome Provisions Protein Chips
This thick, dippable chip is low in carbs and high in protein. They are also available individually or in bulk.
Specs
- Price per Serving: $3.75
- Available Flavors: Barbecue, Sea Salt Vinegar
- Protein per Serving: 14-15g
- Protein Source: Soy protein concentrate, pea protein, whey protein isolate
Generally speaking, protein chips can be a tad brittle and not ideal for dipping. But Wholesome Provisions Protein Chips have the strength to carry the weight of salsa, sour cream, or cheese dip. An easy 5 out of 5 for texture, these protein chips are loaded with an above-average 14 to 15 grams of protein sourced from soy, peas, and whey protein isolate.
Between the two flavors, I preferred the sweet tanginess of the BBQ option, which I scored a 5 out of 5 for taste. I thought the Sea Salt Vinegar flavor (3 out of 5 for taste) was too pungent, but if you generally enjoy salt and vinegar potato chips, you might favor that one.
I wasn’t too impressed with the price — $3.75 a bag — and scored its value a 3 out of 5. Most protein chips come in around $2.50 to $2.75, but having the heft to dip does set Wholesome Provisions Protein Chips apart from the competition. Another distinction in its favor is the macro count — just 4.5 grams of fat and 10 grams of carbohydrates. That’s about half as much as most of the chips I tried. Also, its protein count was the second-highest of the options I tested, and is about as much as a cup of black beans or 3 ounces of salmon.
Because of its utility as a dipper, I wish there were more than two flavors that would improve its pairing versatility. But overall, if you have the cash to splurge on a dippable, high-protein snack, Wholesome Provisions is the way to go.
Best-Tasting Protein Chips: Whisps Cheese Crisps
These cheese-based chips come in five delicious flavors and pack in 10 grams of protein per serving. They also only have 1 to 3 carbs per serving, depending on flavor.
Specs
- Price per Serving: Starting at $2.86
- Available Flavors: Tangy Ranch Cheddar, Garlic Parmesan, Parmesan, Cheddar, Asiago & Pepper Jack
- Protein per Serving: 10g
- Protein Source: Cheese
Whisps Cheese Crisps may include the most straightforward ingredient list I’ve ever seen — cheese. Not just any cheese, but 100% artisanal wheel cheese. As an unashamed cheesehead, it’s no surprise that I scored all five flavors a 5 out of 5, but the Parmesan was simply to die for. When I sat down to start typing this review, the thought of these cheesy circles made me stand up and go get some more. I wish upon you greater control over your cravings.
On Amazon, you can choose between 0.63-ounce bags or the 2.12-ounce option I tried out. The larger bag actually contains two servings with 10 grams of protein each, which is around the average for protein chips. Regardless of the size of the bag, each serving contains roughly 1
50 calories and 10 grams of fat, but just 1 gram of carbohydrates, making it an easy addition to a keto diet or other low-carb diet like Atkins.
In terms of texture (3 out of 5), they are somewhat brittle, which would be great for crumbling over pasta or soup for an added crunch. I will note that they apparently struggled to hold up to the rigors of shipping, as about half of each bag was crumbs when I opened them.
When you check Amazon, the prices are currently all over the map. A 12-pack of Cheddar, Parmesan, and Asiago Pepper Jack is $25.22 ($2.10 per 0.63-ounce bag), but a variety pack with one 2.12-ounce bag of each of the five flavors is $27.24. This is the route I chose and it came out to a whopping $5.45 per bag. Since all these options average around $2.86 per serving (remember the larger bag contains two servings), I scored its value 4 out of 5. You’re getting a decent amount of protein — plus I can’t say enough about the flavor — I think Whisps Cheese Crisps are an excellent choice.
Best Plant-Based Protein Chips: Kibo Chickpea Chips
The protein in these Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, vegan, and kosher protein chips is sourced from peas. Plus, it's the most affordable option we tested.
Specs
- Price per Serving: $1.83
- Available Flavors: Mediterranean Herbs, Himalayan Salt, Pico de Gallo
- Protein per Serving: 6g
- Protein Source: Pea protein
For a plant-based protein boost, Kibo Chickpea Chips have it all — flavor variety, solid texture, and a very affordable price point. Like the best pea protein powders, its protein is sourced from your favorite tiny veggies — peas. “Plant-based protein supplements are good for those that are vegan, vegetarian, or have a dairy sensitivity,” says BarBend expert reviewer and registered dietitian Austin Bou. “Soy and pea protein isolates have the highest bioavailability amongst plant proteins”
In addition to the whole-food source of protein, its low-fat formulation is free of gluten and GMOs and is vegan- and kosher-friendly.
Its 6 grams of protein per serving fall well short of other options I’ve tried, but it also has one of the cleanest labels I’ve seen among protein chips. Rounding out its macro count are just 4 grams of fat and 15 grams of carbs — plus you’ll even get a dash of iron and potassium (2% of the daily recommended value each).
I tried all three flavors and the standout was Mediterranean Herbs, which I scored a 5 out of 5 for taste. The garlic was a little heavy, but these protein crisps reminded me of a small, triangular breadstick. Part of the reason I enjoyed Himalayan Salt (also 5 out of 5 for taste) was because it didn’t overdo the salt, as some protein chips tend to.
These plant-based chips won’t come close to replacing another source of protein in your diet, but for a quick 6-gram boost, they are a great option. At just $1.83 per serving, they earned a 5 out of 5 for value, saving you around $1 per serving compared to most protein chips.
Benefits of Protein Chips
Many of the benefits of protein chips match those that you’d find with non-protein chips — convenience, interesting flavors, and that satisfying crunch. However, these options offer something that traditional chips typically do not.
Below, check out a few of the benefits of these high-protein snacks.
- Additional Protein Intake: Whether they accompany a meal or hold you over to the next one, protein chips can be a sneaky way to help reach your daily protein intake. By replacing unhealthy alternatives, they offer the satisfying crunch of your favorite chips with a boost of protein.
- Convenience: Like many of your go-to snacks, protein chips arrive in convenient, individual bags ready to tear open and enjoy. Each option is also packable enough that you could easily drop them in a gym bag or purse to help you avoid junky snacks while you’re out and about.
- Flavor Options: The multiple flavors on offer from protein chips can satisfy even the pickiest of snackers. In fact, in many cases you’ll see many of the unique and classic flavors of traditional chips.
How Much Do Protein Chips Cost?
Most protein chips offer multiple buying options — packs of 12, half dozens, flavor varieties — but when you break down our picks by serving (usually one bag), they range from $1.83 to $3.75. Take a quick glance at how much one serving of each option will run you.
| Best Protein Chips Overall | Quest Nutrition Tortilla-Style Protein Chips | $2.50 per serving |
| Best Budget Protein Chips | IWON Organics Protein Stix | $2.74 per serving |
| Best Protein Chips For Dipping | Wholesome Provisions Protein Chips | $3.75 per serving |
| Best-Tasting Protein Chips | Whisps Cheese Crisps | Starting at $2.86 per serving |
| Best Plant-Based Protein Chips | Kibo Chickpea Chips | $1.83 per serving |
What to Consider Before Buying Protein Chips
As you peruse available protein chips, there are a few factors to keep in mind — namely, the protein content.
Beyond thinking about how much protein it will add to your daily intake, make sure the flavor is appealing and you won’t be breaking the bank in the process. Here are a couple important considerations to make as you shop.
Protein Content
Tools like our protein intake calculator can help you establish a target for how much protein you’ll need to consume each day to reach your goals. Once you have your number, consider how you’ll reach it.
If scarfing down steaks and chia seeds starts to get old, consider how a bag of protein chips can fit into your diet.
Flavor
If you’re expecting to suffer through a “healthy-tasting” snack, we have good news. Protein chips often come in as many flavors as typical chips, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a bag suited to your test. We’ve seen familiar options like Sea Salt, as well as unique tastes like Sweet Spicy Peppers.
That said, most protein chips favor natural flavors over the artificial cocktails found in many iconic snacks, so don’t expect these chips to be a one-to-one match. You’ll definitely want to try a few different flavors before scooping up a crate of a particular product.
Texture
Believe us, we can’t stand digging broken chips out the dip, either. If you plan to dunk your protein chips in salsa, sour cream, or a homemade recipe, consider selecting a protein chip with a thick texture that can handle heavy scoops.
In fact, hearty protein chips are something of a rarity. Lots of chips we tested were rather airy and crumbly, so just make sure you go with the option that matches your intended use.
Nutrition
Protein isn’t the only macro you need to consider when grabbing a bag of protein chips. Like many of the best protein bars, these chips generally pack in anywhere from 6 to 20 grams of protein per serving, but the net carbs, fat, and sodium content can vary rather widely. Also consider how many calories you’ll be adding to your daily intake, as some options can pack in as many as a traditional bag of chips.
As BarBend expert reviewer and registered dietitian Aimee Gershberg reminds us, don’t be tempted to use these snacks as replacements for real food. “Protein supplements…can be part of a healthy diet. However, they should be exactly as they are named; they are supplements,” she says. “They should not be used as anyone’s sole source of protein when minimally processed choices are an option.”
Best Protein Chips FAQs
What are the best protein chips?
After munching and crunching a ton of protein chips, our top pick is Quest Nutrition Tortilla-Style Protein Chips. Depending on which of the six flavors you choose, the protein per serving ranges from 18 to 20 grams — easily topping the others on our list. The Quest Protein Chip formulation is also gluten- and soy-free, and at $2.50 per serving, it’s one of the most affordable options we’ve tried out.
Are protein chips healthy snacks?
Protein chips can help up your daily intake while offering the familiar crunchy goodness and convenience of your favorite bag of chips. Declaring them “healthy” may depend on your personal nutrition and fitness goals, but these low-calorie, protein-rich alternatives are worth a look.
What is a high-protein substitute for chips?
Including tasty options from Quest Nutrition, Whisps, and Kibo, our list features five of the best protein chips we’ve personally tried and tested. After putting each one to the test, we think these five are terrific substitutes for traditional options.
