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Original poster

Replacing crisps

164 replies

sunshine244 · 05/01/2026 17:52

My new year's resolution was to eat less crisps. My empty large doritos bag says I've failed. I love the crunch, the spice salt...

What alternatives are there? Don't dare suggest an apple 🤣

OP posts:
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8
QuornToBeWild · 05/01/2026 19:22

Air fried chickpeas seasoned with things like paprika, garlic, chilli etc are lovely.

MammaBear1 · 05/01/2026 19:21

Nothing compares unfortunately. I love crisps - just need to have them in moderation. If you ban them entirely, you’ll only end up massively overeating them the second you have some in the house.

CaptainCorellisXylophone · 05/01/2026 19:18

Bettysnow · 05/01/2026 17:54

I slightly boil potato skins, dry them then tiny bit of olive oil and seasoning them. Cook them in the actifryer until crispy. Amazing

These are crisps! Why has nobody else said that these are crisps?! 😂

hby9628 · 05/01/2026 19:10

@Member984815you're my wine & crisp soul mate! I’m exactly the same

unfortunately nothing can replace the amazing joy that crisps bring to me. I have to abstain completely. I do like the sweet/salty popcorn mini packs though as a low cal substitute. They are reasonably satisfying

Cazzovuoi · 05/01/2026 19:06

MaarvaCarassi · 05/01/2026 18:36

Well, yes, complex
carbohydarates.

Show quote history

There is no difference. Ask any type 1 diabetic.

Defrostedmariahcarey · 05/01/2026 19:04

I’ve done air fryer chick peas before and you can also buy them from supermarkets ready salted. Nothing beats a crisp though does it? So I have a bag of walkers baked - about 80 calories.

AllTheWatersTurnedToClouds · 05/01/2026 19:02

Poppadums - buy the raw ones in the indian supermarket and microwave them.

20 Calories for a whole one!

Perfect28 · 05/01/2026 19:02

Roasted seeds or chickpeas with msg

BlueWalker · 05/01/2026 19:01

I second the air popped popcorn, sliced raw peppers and radish suggestions. I also love munching on raw green beans. I am a recovering crisps fiend. I went the lower cal lentil chips, space raiders, quavers, french fries route, but I would just eat multiple bags of them.

Kitterkitkat · 05/01/2026 19:00

Someone mentioned chickpeas in harissa upthread, that sounds gorgeous.

Tyrells do 'no' salt crisps (meagre amount compared to others).

Soft options for snacks would include cubed cheese and halved olives, or balsamic vinegar topped with extra virgin olive oil. Dip bread in when it's separated (bonus of glowing skin)

FlockofSquirrels · 05/01/2026 18:58

Instead of focusing on fewer crisps, what if you paired crisps with something more filling (look for something with fiber and/or protein or something bulky like raw veg) and snacked on them together? Better yet, serve yourself crisps with a full meal.

I love ice cream, so instead of depriving myself of a pre-bedtime bowl I do a smaller scoop and add fresh raspberries and blackberries for fiber. I pair my favorite cheese cubes with whole wheat crackers and seasoned tomatoes. Celery, carrots and cucumber are nice mixed in with salty/spicy/sour crisps. Crisps often get dipped in bean dip/bean salads in my house. And we often serve biscuits or other sweets right on dinner plates with the rest of the food so they're just one part of a full, nutritious meal.

Zanzara · 05/01/2026 18:56

Rice cakes broken into quarters, dipped in tomato salsa.

Low calorie, crunchy, tasty, satisfying, contains fibre and vitamins. What's not to like? 😄

devildeepbluesea · 05/01/2026 18:53

persisted · 05/01/2026 18:13

I keep reading that if you roast chickpeas in the Airfryer and add a bit of salt and spices they’re brilliant. A lot like crisps with more protein and less fat.
I haven’t been convinced enough to actually try yet so would be interested to hear if you do.

They are delicious. I coat them lightly in oil then add garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt. Since the fun police reduced the salt in cinema popcorn I’ve been taking a box of chickpeas instead. You need to make sure they’re really well done.

abracadabra1980 · 05/01/2026 18:53

Following as I can't live without crunch in every meal except breakfast. Even crisped up a home made cheese scone in the air fryer and put that in a wrap yesterday 😁

drspouse · 05/01/2026 18:50

I quite like Popchips which come in small bags so one serving is less calorific.

NailsForChristmas · 05/01/2026 18:49

I find it almost impossible to not eat crisps. If I have a multi bag, the whole bag gets eaten in probably 30 mins. So know the challenge.

It isn't a direct replacement for crisps, but freeze dried strawberries (or other berries), are amazing. Expensive, but really help with my crunchy and sweetness cravings.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 05/01/2026 18:48

Cazzovuoi · 05/01/2026 18:21

Low sugar 😂😂😂😂😂😂

It’s got 54g of carbs ffs!

Show quote history

But the're the best bits, that and the sugar!

BringBackCatsEyes · 05/01/2026 18:45

Eating fewer rather than cutting out is quite achievable without feeling utterly bereft.
How many bags do you eat a week at the moment? What size bags?

Say it's 3 share bags a week. Cut down to 2 to start with. You're not denying yourself, just delaying the pleasure. I wouldn't try and replace that 3rd with some poor crisp alternative, but do something else instead - maybe not food related.

Don't have them in the house, just buy on a crisp day.

InterestedDad37 · 05/01/2026 18:43

Home-made beetroot crisps, or bung some kale in the oven on high for 10 mins, add soy sauce and black pepper 👍

Hankunamatata · 05/01/2026 18:41

Lentil crisps are slightly lower calories.

Popcorn - popped yourself and salted or flavoured

Carrot sticks with salt sprinkled on the in the fridge. I use potato chipper for quickness.

ClareVoiance · 05/01/2026 18:39

Buy the cheapest own brand tortilla chips instead.

MouseCheese87 · 05/01/2026 18:39

I just switch to lower cal bags. Pombears are only about 65 calories. French Fries are about 80.

Hotchocolateandmarsh · 05/01/2026 18:38

Popcorn multi bags low in calories or things like ryvita with cream cheese are my go to.

or if you really need crisps swap to French fired or bags that are less 100 cal

BillieWiper · 05/01/2026 18:38

Corn cakes. They're like popcorn version of rice cakes. You can add salt or seasoning.

Or do popcorn with no oil, and add those flavouring powders you can buy online. Or just regular seasoning.

Could you snack on air dried ham or bresaola, you could air-fry to make it crispy?

Or those seaweed thingies.

MaarvaCarassi · 05/01/2026 18:36

Cazzovuoi · 05/01/2026 18:21

Low sugar 😂😂😂😂😂😂

It’s got 54g of carbs ffs!

Show quote history

Well, yes, complex
carbohydarates.