Crunch Appeal

Ditch the potato chips and opt for two healthier but equally flavorful and crisp alternatives. 

By Saba Ghaffari, Photos by Tina Kreuger Kulic and courtesy of Live Love Pop and Moon Cheese

Whether salty and crunchy or spicy and sweet, potato chips have continued to dominate kitchen pantries for years as the nation’s go-to snack. Americans consume 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips each year, a shocking fact, given potato chips’ lack of nutrients and unhealthy additives and preservatives. They are also high in fat and calories, which can lead to an increased risk of obesity, hypertension and heart disease. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy and delicious alternatives on the market.

Eat this: Live Love Pop

Not that: traditional potato chips

What it is: Live Love Pop is a low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan popcorn snack without preservatives or GMOs.

Why: Tear open a bag of Live Love Pop for a crunchy snack without the caloric consequences of traditional potato chips. It has only 35 calories per cup, is made with whole grains and is a good source of fiber, providing more satiety than chips. The popcorn brand also gives back to a variety of charities with each flavor sold, so you’ll be making a difference in more than just your diet.

Eat this: Moon Cheese

Not that: traditional potato chips

What it is: Moon Cheese is a gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb and 100 percent all-natural cheese snack.

Why: Moon Cheese is a guilt-free way to satisfy crunch cravings. Additionally, the snack is an excellent source of calcium and is suitable for those following a variety of diets. According to the Moon Cheese website, the snack was created using patented technologies that remove the moisture from cheese while locking in nutrition and flavor.