Bitter Gourd Chips
Bitter gourd chips are a crispy, savory snack made by thinly slicing bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon), seasoning it, and then deep-frying or baking it until crunchy. They are a popular snack in various Asian cuisines, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia, where bitter gourd is a common vegetable.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These chips are generally low in carbohydrates and protein, but their fat content depends on the cooking method (deep-frying adds more fat). They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants like flavonoids, with a typical serving (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) containing roughly 120-150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Folate | 40 mcg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin K | 15 mcg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (50 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, bitter gourd chips are valued for turning a polarizing vegetable into an accessible snack, helping people enjoy its unique bitter flavor. Nutritionally, they retain some of the bitter gourd's compounds, which are studied for potential blood sugar-regulating properties, making them a more health-conscious alternative to regular potato chips.
