Protein Chips & Crisps Directory

Protein chips bring the satisfying crunch of traditional chips with dramatically better nutrition. These savory snacks deliver 10-19 grams of protein per bag, making them perfect for anyone craving something crunchy without derailing their diet.

Top Protein Chips

Highest Protein: Quest Protein Chips

Quest Protein Chips BBQ absolutely dominates with 19 grams of protein and only 4g net carbs. They’ve perfected the art of making chips from milk protein isolate that actually taste great and deliver satisfying crunch.

Most Innovative: Wilde Chips

Wilde Protein Chips Chicken & Waffles broke the mold by making chips from real chicken breast. With 10g protein and unique flavors like Chicken & Waffles, they’re redefining what protein chips can be.

Why Protein Chips?

Advantages Over Regular Chips:

Nutrition Comparison:

• Regular Chips: 2g protein, 15g carbs, 150 calories
• Protein Chips: 10-19g protein, 4-9g net carbs, 130-140 calories

The difference is dramatic - you’re getting 5-10x more protein with fewer carbs.

Satiety Factor:

• High protein increases fullness
• Fiber content (in some brands)
• Less likely to overeat entire bag
• Won’t leave you wanting more

Diet-Friendly:

• Perfect for keto diets
• Low-carb lifestyles
• High-protein meal plans
• Gluten-free options

Types of Protein Chips

Milk Protein Based

Quest Protein Chips use milk protein isolate as their base ingredient:

Advantages:

• Complete protein with all amino acids
• Highest protein content (19g)
• Excellent texture and crunch
• Multiple flavor options

Flavors Available:

• BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion
• Cheddar & Sour Cream, Ranch
• Salt & Vinegar, Loaded Taco

Browse more milk protein snacks.

Chicken-Based

Wilde Chips revolutionized the category:

Unique Features:

• Made from real chicken breast
• Paleo and grain-free
• Novel flavor combinations
• Cleaner ingredient list

Flavor Innovation:

• Chicken & Waffles
• Nashville Hot
• Himalayan Pink Salt
• Buffalo

Explore chicken protein snacks.

Cheese-Based

Brands like Shrewd Food and Whisps make crisps from real cheese:

Characteristics:

• Keto-friendly (near zero carbs)
• High fat content
• Intense cheese flavor
• Baked, not fried

Pea Protein

Emerging brands use pea protein:

Benefits:

• Vegan-friendly
• Sustainable protein source
• Allergen-friendly (dairy-free)
• Plant-based nutrition

Nutritional Breakdown

Key Observations:

Protein Content:

• Quest leads at 19g (960% more than regular chips)
• Wilde offers 10g (500% more)
• Both dramatically outperform traditional chips

Net Carbs:

• Both tie at 4g net carbs
• 73% fewer carbs than regular chips
• Perfect for keto lifestyles

Calories:

• Similar to regular chips
• But with 5-10x the protein
• Better satiety per calorie

When to Eat Protein Chips

Afternoon Snacking

• 2-3pm energy slump solution
• Office desk drawer staple
• Better than vending machine
• Protein prevents crash

Movie Night

• Satisfies chip cravings
• Won’t derail your macros
• Shareable with family
• Pairs with protein dips

Pre-Workout

• Quick, easy protein
• Some carbs for energy
• Light on stomach
• Convenient bag format

With Lunch

• Replace regular chips
• Add protein to meal
• Crunchy satisfaction
• Portion-controlled bag

Flavor Profiles

Classic Chip Flavors

• BBQ - smoky, sweet, tangy
• Sour Cream & Onion - creamy, savory
• Salt & Vinegar - bold, tangy
• Ranch - herby, buttermilk

Unique Innovations

• Chicken & Waffles - sweet-savory mashup
• Nashville Hot - spicy Southern heat
• Loaded Taco - fiesta flavors
• Cheddar & Sour Cream - cheesy tang

How to Use Protein Chips

Straight from the Bag

• Portable snacking
• No prep needed
• Portion-controlled
• Travel-friendly

With Dips

Keto-Friendly Dips:

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sugar-free BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing (full-fat)
• Spinach artichoke dip

Crushed as Topping

• Salad croutons
• Casserole topping
• Taco salad crunch
• Soup garnish

Meal Enhancement

• Sandwich side
• Burger accompaniment
• Wrap chips inside tortilla
• Lunch box addition

Diet Compatibility

Keto & Low-Carb

Both Quest and Wilde work perfectly:

• 4g net carbs per bag
• High protein, moderate fat
• Won’t kick you out of ketosis
• Satisfies salty cravings

Browse keto protein snacks.

Paleo

Wilde Chips are paleo-approved:

• Real chicken breast
• No grains or legumes
• Minimal ingredients
• Ancestral diet compliant

See more paleo snacks.

Gluten-Free

Most protein chips are naturally gluten-free:

• No wheat or grains
• Safe for celiac disease
• Verify individual products
• Check for cross-contamination

Find gluten-free options.

High-Protein Diets

Perfect for bodybuilders and athletes:

• 10-19g protein per bag
• Convenient protein source
• Satisfies savory cravings
• Portable for gym bag

Brand Comparison

Quest Nutrition

Strengths:

• Highest protein (19g)
• Best macros for keto
• Wide distribution
• Proven quality

Best For:

• Maximizing protein
• Keto dieters
• Traditional chip flavors

Wilde Brands

Strengths:

• Real chicken protein
• Unique flavors
• Paleo-friendly
• Cleaner ingredients

Best For:

• Paleo eaters
• Adventurous flavors
• Dairy-free needs

Storage & Freshness

Unopened:

• Store in pantry
• 6-12 month shelf life
• No refrigeration needed
• Avoid extreme heat

Opened:

• Reseal bag tightly
• Consume within days
• Chips can get stale
• Use chip clips

Travel Tips:

• TSA-friendly
• Throw in gym bag
• Office desk stash
• Road trip essential

Texture & Crunch

Quest Chips

• Baked, not fried
• Lighter, airier crunch
• Similar to baked Lay’s
• Not greasy

Wilde Chips

• Chicken-based texture
• Substantial bite
• Slightly different from traditional
• Satisfying crunch

Cheese Crisps

• Very crispy
• Can be brittle
• Pure cheese taste
• Almost cracker-like

Value Analysis

Cost per Serving:

Quest Protein Chips:

• $21.99 for 8-pack
• $2.75 per bag
• $0.14 per gram of protein

Wilde Chips:

• $23.99 for 4-pack
• $6.00 per bag
• $0.60 per gram of protein

Regular Chips:

• $4.99 for large bag
• $0.83 per oz
• But only 2g protein

Value Proposition:

Protein chips cost more, but deliver:

• 5-10x more protein
• Better satiety (eat less overall)
• Supports fitness goals
• Worth the premium for serious dieters

Where to Buy

Major Retailers:

• Target, Walmart
• GNC, Vitamin Shoppe
• Grocery stores (healthy snack aisle)
• Amazon

Online Direct:

• Quest.com
• WildeBrands.com
• Subscribe & save 15-20%

Common Questions

Do protein chips taste like regular chips?

They’re close but slightly different. Quest has a lighter texture, Wilde tastes like chicken. Both are satisfying but don’t expect exact replicas.

Are protein chips healthier?

Dramatically better macros - 5-10x more protein, fewer carbs, similar calories. For anyone tracking macros or following keto/paleo, they’re far superior.

Best protein chips for keto?

Both Quest and Wilde work great at 4g net carbs. Quest has slightly higher protein, Wilde offers unique flavors.

Can I eat a whole bag?

Most bags are single servings (unlike regular chip bags). The high protein helps you feel full, so overeating is less likely.

Do they expire quickly?

No - protein chips have long shelf lives (6-12 months) when unopened. They’re stable at room temperature.

Savory Protein Alternatives

Looking for more crunchy, savory options?

• Jerky & Meat Snacks - Ultimate savory protein
• Protein Bars - Some savory flavors available
• Roasted Chickpeas - Plant-based crunch

Or sweet cravings:

• Protein Cookies - Soft-baked treats
• Protein Bars - Sweet & convenient

Return to High Protein Snacks Directory | Compare all savory protein snacks | Explore keto-friendly crunchy options

All Protein Chips - Crunchy High-Protein Snacks