English chips (fries)
English chips, often simply called chips in the UK, are a beloved comfort food consisting of thick-cut potatoes deep-fried until golden and fluffy on the inside. They are a staple of British cuisine, traditionally served alongside fish in the classic dish 'fish and chips'.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Chips are high in carbohydrates and fats due to the potato and frying process, with a typical serving providing around 400-600 calories. They offer some potassium and vitamin C from the potatoes, but are generally considered an energy-dense, indulgent food.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 30 µg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 medium serving (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, 'chips' in the UK are distinct from American 'fries'—they are thicker, fluffier, and a cornerstone of British takeaway culture. Nutritionally, their preparation method can vary, with some traditional shops using beef dripping for frying, which adds a unique flavor and saturated fat content.
