Potato chips got a bad rap because of their high fat and sodium content.

This popular snack may taste great, but it’s loaded with empty calories.

Low-fat varieties are not better either.

Woman eating potato chips while sitting on the couch

Sodium, one of its main ingredients,may cause fluid retentionwhen consumed in excess.

Leaving these aspects aside, think twice before reaching for a bag of chips if you’re a vegan.

Like otherprocessed foods, potato chips may contain whey, cheese, and other animal-derived ingredients.

Different brands of potato chips on a store shelf

Can vegans eat potato chips?

The same goes for casein, lactose, and other ingredients.

Some brands also contain honey, which isn’t a vegan ingredient, notes theU.S.

Woman eating popcorn while using her laptop

National Library of Medicine.

Generally, plain potato chips are the least likely to contain animal ingredients.

The potatoes are baked, not fried, which reduces their fat content.

Last but not least, seekhealthier alternativesto potato chips.

Air-popped popcorn, kale or zucchini chips, baked parsnip chips, and mixed nuts are all great choices.