When choosing snacks for children, health and nutrition are key considerations. Popcorn and banana chips are both popular, crunchy snacks, but which one is truly better for kids? Let’s break down their differences based on key nutritional factors. Tap to read!
Nutritional Quality
Popcorn, are whole grain, a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, the frying and processing of banana chips often deplete their nutrient content, putting popcorn more in the nutrient density category.
Calorie and Fat Counts
Banana chips get fried in oil and are quite heavy on calories and saturated fat. On the other hand, air-popped popcorn provides almost zero calories and fat and therefore serves as a great light snack.
Fibre
Popcorn offers a very good amount of fibre that aids digestion and keeps the little ones satiated. Banana chips lose much of their fiber from the processing and might have other ingredients added with little to no fibre.
Sugar
Banana chips usually have sugar added, making them sweeter but less healthy. Plain popcorn is naturally free of sugar unless flavoured with some sweet topping.
Preparation
Popcorn can be popped in an air-popper with few ingredients, making for a clean snack. Banana chips get fried and sweetened, both of which add unhealthy oils and sugars.
Information credits
This information is sourced from research by PubMed. However, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or nutritionist before making dietary changes for children or introducing new foods regularly.