Are Soy Crisps Healthy?

Soy crisps are made from soybeans, and are a protein-rich, low-fat snack. Although crispy like potato chips, soy crisps are baked, which results in a lower fat and calorie count than regular chips. Because of their nutritional profile, soy crisps may fit into a variety of diet plans, and can be healthy for you, especially if you are used to consuming snack foods with lower nutritional value. Check product labels when available, as nutrition facts may vary by brand and flavor.

Calories

Soy crisps are low in calories, with 17 crisps providing 100 calories. This amount is lower than other similar snacks, such as potato chips, which contain 150 calories for an 11-chip serving. If you are trying to lose weight, soy crisps are the healthier option, as weight loss requires a consistent calorie deficit; it takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose 1 lb.

Protein Content

Soybeans are rich in protein, which makes soy crisps higher in protein than many other snacks. Each 17-crisp serving of soy crisps provides 8 g of protein, which is the same amount in 1 cup of milk. Higher protein foods may be healthier for you. A study published in the March 2011 issue of "Nutrition & Metabolism" found increasing the dietary ratio of protein to carbohydrates promoted improved lean muscle mass and reduced fat mass.

Fat Content

Soy crisps are low in fat, with 1.5 g per 17-crisp serving. None of this fat comes from saturated fat, a type of fat that can adversely affect your cholesterol levels, possibly increasing your risk of heart disease. Compared to other snacks, soy crisps are much healthier for low-fat diets; 11 potato chips provide 10 g of fat, with 2.5 g of saturated fat.

Carbohydrate Content

Soy crisps are rich in carbohydrates, with 15 g per serving. None of the carbohydrates come from added sugar. Added sugar can promote tooth decay, and the empty calories from sugar may increase your risk of obesity. Each serving of soy crisps also provides 2 g of dietary fiber, a nutrient that aids in digestion and can promote satiety, an important factor for weight loss success.

Vitamins and Minerals

Soy crisps are not rich in vitamins and minerals, as the only significant nutrient provided is iron, with each serving containing 2 percent of the suggested daily intake. Iron is involved in the transport of oxygen throughout your body and "is an essential component of hundreds of proteins and enzymes", according to the Linus Pauling Institute.