Nuts, formulated, wheat-based, all flavors except macadamia, without salt
Whole food · Nut and Seed Products
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a crunchy, savory snack made from wheat-based dough shaped into sticks, nuggets, or rings, then fried or baked and seasoned with a blend of savory, umami-rich flavors. The texture is light and crisp, offering a satisfying snap with each bite. Nutritionally, it's a high-energy, high-fat food, providing a dense source of calories primarily from fats.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 12% carbs · 81% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its addictive, savory crunch and the bold, satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with drinks or as a standalone snack. It's a nostalgic comfort food for many, often associated with casual gatherings and movie nights.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The very high fat and calorie density can lead to overconsumption, and it's a common source of empty calories if eaten in large quantities. Those monitoring blood sugar or seeking nutrient-dense foods should be cautious. To counteract, practice strict portion control (e.g., measure a single serving) and pair it with a protein-rich food like hummus or a piece of cheese to increase satiety.
Key benefits
- High in energy-dense calories for quick fuel
- Contains a moderate amount of plant-based protein
- Good source of dietary fiber
- Provides essential minerals from wheat germ
- Shelf-stable and convenient for on-the-go snacking
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Many commercial versions of this snack are made from a dough that is extruded through a die, creating its uniform shape before being fried or baked, a process similar to making certain types of pasta.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.0 g |
| Energy | 647 kcal |
| Energy | 2707 kj |
| Protein | 13.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 62.3 g |
| Ash | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 20.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 22.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 59.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 366 mg |
| Potassium, K | 320 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 91.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.18 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 6.9 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.40 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.30 mg |
| Niacin | 1.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.31 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.35 mg |
| Folate, total | 125 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 125 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 125 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 9.4 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 6.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.9 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 25.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.25 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 25.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 24.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 22.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 1.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.17 g |
| Threonine | 0.55 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.55 g |
| Leucine | 0.97 g |
| Lysine | 0.89 g |
| Methionine | 0.27 g |
| Cystine | 0.23 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.59 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.49 g |
| Valine | 0.71 g |
| Arginine | 0.98 g |
| Histidine | 0.38 g |
| Alanine | 0.75 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.70 g |
| Proline | 0.86 g |
| Serine | 0.67 g |
FAQ
Is this snack gluten-free?
No, it is wheat-based and contains gluten, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Why is it so high in fat?
The high fat content comes from the oil absorbed during the frying process, which is a primary cooking method for achieving its characteristic crisp texture.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes, you can bake it instead of frying to reduce oil content, and use whole wheat flour to increase fiber. You can also control the seasoning to reduce sodium.
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 6.47 kcal/g · 8% calories from protein · 5.2 g fiber · 0.0 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: 0.28 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.