Kettle

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Kettle Sea Salt & Vinegar chips fall short on our scale for cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains both maltodextrin and canola oil, which are viewed unfavorably on our scale due to concerns about potential health impacts and processing methods. Citric acid, an added sugar, further reduces the product’s score.

The Kettle Sea Salt & Vinegar chips are made with a simple list of ingredients: potatoes, a blend of safflower, sunflower, and/or canola oil, vinegar powder (which includes maltodextrin and white distilled vinegar), sea salt, maltodextrin, and citric acid. The absence of organic certification leads to a deduction in the product’s overall score, as the preference for organic products is based on the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the growing process.

The use of non-GMO ingredients is a positive aspect of these chips, suggesting an effort to avoid genetically modified organisms, which many consumers prefer to steer clear of due to environmental and health considerations. Despite this, the product’s inclusion of maltodextrin—a highly processed additive often derived from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat—lowers the score significantly. Maltodextrin is frequently criticized for its potential effects on blood sugar levels and the gut microbiome.

Canola oil, another ingredient in this product, is a common kitchen staple, yet it is often processed using high heat and chemical extraction, which may raise concerns about the presence of trans fats and the degradation of omega-3 fatty acids. For those seeking cleaner eating options, oils that are cold-pressed and less refined are typically preferred.

While the product may have some attributes that align with cleaner eating, such as the use of non-GMO ingredients and simple flavors from natural sources like vinegar and sea salt, the presence of additives and non-organic ingredients overshadow these qualities. For those seeking the cleanest food options, this product does not meet the highest standards and therefore receives a lower rating on our scale.