Plantain chips
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Plantain chips are thin, crispy slices of green plantain that are deep-fried or baked until golden. They are a popular snack across West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, often seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices. The primary ingredient is simply unripe plantain, sometimes with a touch of oil and seasoning.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Plantain chips are a carbohydrate-rich snack, providing a good source of energy and dietary fiber, along with potassium and vitamin B6. A typical one-ounce (28g) serving contains approximately 140-160 calories, with most of the calories coming from carbs and a moderate amount of fat from the frying oil.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, plantain chips (known as 'kpekere' in Nigeria, 'tostones' when thicker, or 'chifles' in parts of South America) are a beloved street food and staple snack that showcases the versatility of the plantain. Nutritionally, when made from green plantains, they offer a lower glycemic index alternative to potato chips and are a good source of resistant starch, which can benefit gut health.