Why Are Potato Chips Greasy?

Potato chips, among the most popular snack foods in America, are traditionally made by deep-frying slices of potato in oil. The resulting product may satisfy salt cravings, but it often leaves behind a greasy residue.

Method

• The greasiness of a potato chip depends in part on how it was prepared. Baked and low-fat potato chips utilize less oil--and are subsequently less greasy--than fried, full-fat varieties.

Types

• The type of oil used may contribute to a chip's grease factor. Natural oils (such as sunflower or safflower) tend to create a greasier chip than do trans-fatty hydrogenated oils.

Potential

• To get an idea of a chip's projected greasiness before purchase, check its nutritional information. More fat grams will likely indicate a greasier chip.

Test

• Compare the greasiness of several brands by placing test chips on a paper towel or white piece of paper. Remove chips after several minutes to assess which brand leaves behind a bigger stain.

Considerations

• Today, more chips are made using organic potatoes and natural flavorings, but healthier ingredients won't necessarily create a drier chip. Organic grease is still, at the end of the day, grease.