Cached · 10/4/2026 Share

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Lay's · snack

Lay's Classic Potato Chips

Name: Lay's Classic Potato Chips
Brand: Lay's

A short, simple ingredient list, but still a calorie-dense, high-fat, salty snack best enjoyed in moderation.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreePalm Oil-Free

score

/ 100

Ingredient Breakdown

0 red · 2 amber · 1 green

Calories

Approx. 536 kcal per 100g (US Classic; varies by country and flavor)

Serving

28g (about 15 chips), roughly 160 kcal

Sugar

<1g per serving (~0% DV)

Sat. Fat

~1.5g per serving (~8% DV)

Frying can form acrylamide, a processing contaminant that is classed as a probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2A). Levels are generally low in single servings, but it is worth limiting intake of fried potato products.

Calorie-dense and easy to overeat: a 28g serving is only about 15 chips.

Flavored varieties (BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, etc.) contain many more ingredients, including flavor enhancers like MSG, added sugars and artificial colors, and should be rated separately.

Ingredients and oils vary by country, so check the label for your region.

Full Analysis

Ingredients (3)

Potatoes

Whole potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Frying reduces the benefits, but the base ingredient is wholesome.

Daily Intake — No intake concern at normal serving sizes

SAFE

Vegetable Oil (Sunflower, Corn, and/or Canola Oil)

Controversial

aka Frying oil

These oils are mostly unsaturated and low in saturated fat, but they are high in omega-6 and add a lot of calories. Repeated high-heat frying can create oxidation byproducts.

Daily Intake — A serving has about 10g total fat (~13% DV)

MODERATE

Salt

aka Table salt (sodium chloride)

Sodium is needed in small amounts, but chips are easy to overeat, so the sodium adds up quickly. Those with high blood pressure should watch portions.

Daily Intake — A serving has about 170mg sodium (~7% DV)

MODERATE

Upgrade Your Pantry

Healthier alternatives

Baked potato chips

Typically 30-50% less fat and fewer calories than fried chips.

Find on Amazon

Air-popped popcorn

Whole grain, high in fiber, and much lower in calories per volume.

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Kettle-cooked chips in avocado oil

Short ingredient list with a more stable oil that tolerates high heat better.

Find on Amazon

Roasted chickpea snacks

Provide protein and fiber, which help you feel full on a smaller portion.

Find on Amazon

Fun Fact

Lay's was founded by Herman Lay in 1932 and merged with Frito in 1961 to form Frito-Lay, which later became part of PepsiCo in 1965. Lay's is sold under different names in many countries, for example Walkers in the UK and Smith's in Australia.

Made by Frito-Lay (PepsiCo)

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