If you're a fan of tortilla chips, you're probably familiar with the standard yellow corn chips. However, have you tried blue corn tortilla chips? These chips offer a colorful alternative with a unique flavor and texture. One serving of 14 chips (28 g) contains 140 calories, making them a satisfying snack option.

In addition to their great taste, blue corn tortilla chips offer some nutritional benefits. They are made with whole grain blue cornmeal, which is higher in fiber and protein than traditional white cornmeal. Blue corn also contains antioxidants called anthocyanins, which can have anti-inflammatory effects.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value and potential health benefits of blue corn tortilla chips, as well as some ideas for how to enjoy them as a snack or part of a meal.

Calories in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

As mentioned earlier, one serving of 14 chips (28 g) contains 140 calories. This makes them a reasonable snack option when enjoyed in moderation. Of the 140 calories, 60% come from carbohydrates, 32% come from fat, and 8% come from protein. This means that the chips are relatively high in fat, but they do provide some protein and fiber as well. If you're watching your calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight, be sure to keep track of your portion sizes when enjoying blue corn tortilla chips.

Serving Size of Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips is 14 chips (28 g). This equals about 1 ounce of chips. It's important to keep track of your portion sizes when enjoying snack foods like tortilla chips. You can measure out a serving using a food scale, or simply count out the number of chips in a serving. If you're enjoying your chips as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with a protein source like beans, chicken, or tofu to make the snack more filling and balanced.

Carbohydrates in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains 21 g of carbohydrates, including 2 g of fiber and less than 1 g of sugar. The majority of the carbohydrates in the chips come from starch, which provides energy for the body but doesn't provide many other nutrients. However, the 2 g of fiber in a serving of blue corn tortilla chips can help support healthy digestion and keep you feeling satisfied. If you're keeping track of your carbohydrate intake for health reasons, be sure to factor in the carbs from blue corn tortilla chips if you choose to enjoy them as a snack.

Protein in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains 3 g of protein. While this isn't a huge amount of protein, it can contribute to the overall nutrient profile of the chips. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied after eating. Consider pairing your blue corn tortilla chips with a protein-rich dip or topping, such as hummus, guacamole, or black bean salsa, to further boost the protein content of your snack.

Fat in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains 5 g of fat, including 1 g of saturated fat. While the fat content of the chips is relatively high, it's important to remember that not all fats are created equal. Blue corn tortilla chips are made with whole grain cornmeal, which provides some heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Additionally, the chips do contain a small amount of saturated fat, which should be limited in the diet. If you're trying to limit your fat intake or following a specific dietary pattern like a low-fat or plant-based diet, be sure to factor in the fat content of the blue corn tortilla chips in your meal planning.

Fiber in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains 2 g of fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient for digestive health, as it helps to bulk up stools and move them through the intestines. Additionally, fiber can help you feel full and satisfied after eating, which can prevent overeating or snacking on less healthy options. If you're struggling to get enough fiber in your diet, adding blue corn tortilla chips to your snack rotation can be a tasty way to boost your intake.

Sodium in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains 160 mg of sodium. This is a relatively low amount of sodium compared to other snack foods like potato chips or pretzels. However, if you're watching your sodium intake for health reasons, be sure to consider the sodium from other foods in your diet as well. To keep the sodium content of your snack lighter, pair blue corn tortilla chips with fresh salsa, guacamole, or another low-sodium dip option.

Sugar in Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

One serving of blue corn tortilla chips contains less than 1 g of sugar. This is a relatively low amount of added sugar compared to other processed snack foods. However, it's still important to monitor your overall sugar intake, as a diet high in added sugars can contribute to numerous health issues. By choosing blue corn tortilla chips as a snack option, you're avoiding some of the added sugars found in sweet snacks like candy, cookies, or pastries.

Health Benefits of Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

In addition to their delicious taste, blue corn tortilla chips offer some potential health benefits. Because they are made with whole grain blue cornmeal, these chips contain more fiber and protein than traditional white corn tortilla chips. Additionally, the anthocyanins in blue corn offer antioxidant benefits, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Overall, blue corn tortilla chips can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Ways to Enjoy Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

While blue corn tortilla chips are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them as part of a meal or snack. Try pairing them with fresh salsa, guacamole, or hummus for a flavorful snack. Alternatively, use them as a base for nachos or a Mexican-inspired salad. You can also incorporate blue corn tortilla chips into your everyday meals by using them as a crunchy topping for soups, stews, or casseroles.