How many carbs are in potato chips?
One ounce of plain salted potato chips (28g, about 22 chips) has about 15g of carbohydrate and 14g of net carbs. The high fat content from frying makes chips calorie-dense but places their carb count below pretzels or crackers at the same weight.
Carbs by portion
| Portion | Total carbs | Fiber | Net carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz (28g, about 22 chips) | 15.1g | 0.9g | 14.2g |
| 1 oz (28g) | 15.3g | 0.9g | 14.4g |
| 100 grams | 53.8g | 3.1g | 50.7g |
Net carbs
One ounce of potato chips has about 14g of net carbs, which is total carbs (15.1g) minus fiber (0.9g). Chips are low in fiber, so total and net carbs are close. See the net carbs guide.
Glycemic index of potato chips
The glycemic index of potato chips is about 57. Potato chips have a moderate glycemic index, lower than you might expect for a potato product. The fat from frying slows gastric emptying and reduces the rate of starch digestion. Plain chips are around GI 57. Flavored or rippled varieties are similar; baked chips with less fat run higher, closer to GI 75.
For diabetes
Potato chips have a moderate GI of 57, which is lower than a plain baked potato (GI 85), because the fat content slows absorption. That said, it is very easy to eat 2 to 3 ounces without noticing, which means 30 to 45g of carbs. Portion control is the main challenge. Pre-portioning into a bowl before eating is the most effective strategy. See the diabetes carb-counting guide.
Keto and low carb
One ounce of potato chips has about 14g of net carbs. Two ounces, a small snack bag, would be 28g of net carbs, exceeding most keto budgets for the entire day. Chips do not fit keto. Pork rinds (0 carbs), cheese crisps (1g), and keto-specific snack chips made with almond flour are the standard substitutes.
Good to know
A standard 8-ounce retail bag of potato chips contains about 7 servings at 1 ounce each. Most people do not eat one ounce. Eating from the bag makes it easy to consume half or the whole bag in one sitting, which is 55 to 110g of carbs. Baked potato chips, often marketed as healthier, have less fat but more carbs per serving (roughly 23g per ounce) and a higher GI than fried chips. The fat is what keeps the fried version's GI moderate.
Full nutrition (per 100g)
- Calories: 532.0 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 53.83g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugars: 0.33g
- Protein: 6.39g
- Fat: 33.98g
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Get the appFrequently asked questions
How many carbs are in potato chips?
One ounce of plain potato chips (28g, about 22 chips) has about 15g of carbs and 14g of net carbs.
Do baked potato chips have fewer carbs than regular?
No. Baked chips typically have more carbs per ounce (around 23g) because the fat is removed. The lower fat also means a higher GI around 75, making them absorb faster despite having similar or more total carbs.
What is the glycemic index of potato chips?
Fried potato chips have a GI of about 57, moderate, because the fat slows digestion. Baked chips run higher at around 75 due to less fat.
Are potato chips keto?
No. Two ounces, a small snack bag, would be about 28g of net carbs, exceeding a full keto day's budget. Pork rinds are the go-to keto chip substitute.
How many chips are in one ounce?
About 22 regular-sized Lay's-style chips or 15 to 17 thicker kettle-style chips weigh approximately one ounce. It is a small amount visually, which is why the serving size is easy to exceed.