A traditional snack food and favorite among sports fans, potato chips are a high-calorie, low-nutrient snack that should be enjoyed in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends substituting pretzels or low-fat potato chips for traditional potato chips to reduce saturated fat intake. In addition, people should avoid potato chips made with partially hydrogenated or fully hydrogenated oils, which are a source of harmful trans fat and should be excluded from your diet if possible.
Calories
Potato chips are a calorie-dense food. An ounce of plain potato chips--depending on brand, about 12 to 15 chips--contains 153 calories.
Carbohydrates
Potatoes are considered a starchy vegetable. Starchy vegetables contain more carbohydrates and calories than other types of vegetables. Each ounce of plain potato chips contains 13.9 g of carbohydrate, including 1.2 g fiber and 0.1 g sugar.
Fat
Because potato chips usually are fried in some kind of vegetable oil, the snack is understandably a high-fat food. Per ounce, potato chips contain 10.5 g of fat. That amount includes 3.1 g saturated fat, 2.8 g monounsaturated fat and 3.4 g polyunsaturated fat.
Protein
Potato chips do not contain high amounts of protein. An ounce has 1.8 g of protein.
Vitamins
Although specific brands may differ as far as nutrient density, potato chips are not typically a nutrient-dense food. Chips contain moderate amounts of vitamins, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommended daily values (DV) based on a 2,000 calorie intake per day. Per ounce, potato chips contain 9 percent DV of vitamins C and E, 8 percent DV of vitamin K, 19 percent DV of vitamin B6 and 12 percent DV of pantothenic acid.
Minerals
Lack of nutrient density also means potato chips are low in minerals. Each ounce of potato chips contains 13 percent DV of potassium and 9 percent DV of manganese.
Monosodium Glutamate
Many brands of flavored potato chips use monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in addition to large amounts of sodium. Various studies have linked MSG to negative health outcomes in rats. According to a study published in the August 2008 edition of the research journal "Obesity," MSG intake also may be linked to weight gain in humans. Although more research needs to be conducted to support this study, people should minimize MSG intake.
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