Multigrain chips (Sun Chips)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Sun Chips are a crunchy, wavy snack made from a blend of whole grains like corn, wheat, and oats, offering a satisfying, hearty texture. They have a savory, slightly toasted flavor with a subtle sweetness, and their unique shape is designed to hold seasonings well. Nutritionally, they provide a notable amount of fiber (8.8g per 100g) and are made with whole grains, setting them apart from many traditional potato chips.
Calorie split: 6% protein · 55% carbs · 39% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their satisfying crunch and unique wavy texture that delivers a big flavor in every bite. They are seen as a slightly more wholesome, versatile snack that pairs well with dips or stands alone.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
While baked, they still contain 21.11g of fat per 100g and can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those monitoring salt intake. The carbohydrates (67.26g per 100g) can cause blood sugar spikes if eaten in large quantities. To counteract, practice portion control by measuring a single serving, and pair them with a protein-rich dip like hummus or a cheese spread to slow digestion.
Key benefits
- Made with whole grains like corn, wheat, and oats
- Good source of dietary fiber (8.8g per 100g)
- Contains plant-based protein (7.95g per 100g)
- Baked, not fried, for a lower-fat profile than many chips
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original Sun Chips bag was made from a compostable material and was designed to fully break down in a hot compost pile within about 14 weeks.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.0 g |
| Energy | 491 kcal |
| Protein | 8.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 21.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 67.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 8.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 20.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 76.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 222 mg |
| Potassium, K | 232 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 423 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.23 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 12.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 25.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 17.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 31.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 14.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 3.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 29.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 19.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 441 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 7.0 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.69 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 11.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 11.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 6.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Are Sun Chips healthier than regular potato chips?
They are often considered a better option because they are baked, not fried, and made with whole grains, providing more fiber. However, they are still a processed snack and should be eaten in moderation.
What is the main ingredient in Sun Chips?
The primary ingredients are whole corn, whole wheat, and whole oat flour, making them a multigrain product.
Do Sun Chips contain gluten?
Yes, most varieties contain whole wheat and are produced in facilities that handle wheat, so they are not gluten-free and are unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.91 kcal/g · 6% calories from protein · 8.8 g fiber · 7.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.82 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.