You know that feeling when you're standing in the snack aisle at Trader Joe’s, staring at a wall of salty, crunchy things, and you just can't decide? It’s overwhelming. Most people default to the Elote Corn Dippers or those dark chocolate peanut butter cups. But if you’re looking for something that won’t make you feel like a lead balloon an hour later, the lentil chips Trader Joe's stocks are basically the unsung heroes of the pantry.
They’re weirdly light. Honestly, when you first pick up a bag of the Salted Curl Lentil & Potato Snacks, it feels like there’s nothing in it. But that’s the magic. They aren’t heavy or greasy like a standard potato chip. They have this specific, airy crunch that feels more like a cloud than a root vegetable.
I’ve spent way too much time—and money—testing these against the other "healthy-ish" options. Most lentil chips on the market are either rock-hard or taste like dusty cardboard. Trader Joe’s somehow nailed the texture. It's a blend of lentil flour and potato starch. It works.
What's Actually in Lentil Chips Trader Joe's Fans Love?
If you flip the bag over, you won't see a chemistry textbook. That’s why people keep coming back. The primary ingredients are lentil flour and potato starch. It’s a simple base. They use expeller-pressed sunflower oil, which is a massive upgrade over the highly processed seed oils you’ll find in gas station snacks.
Nutrition-wise, they’re interesting. A single serving (about 31 chips) is roughly 140 calories. You get about 3 grams of protein. Is that a protein shake? No. But compared to a standard potato chip that offers basically zero nutritional value, it’s a win.
- Lentil Flour: The muscle of the chip.
- Potato Starch: Gives it that "melt in your mouth" vibe.
- Sea Salt: Just enough to make you want another.
- Sunflower Oil: Keeps it crisp without the heavy grease.
There’s a common misconception that "lentil" automatically means "high protein." Let’s be real for a second. You aren't going to get jacked eating lentil chips Trader Joe's sells. But you are getting a snack that is gluten-free and generally easier on the stomach for people who struggle with heavy corn or wheat-based products.
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The Texture Factor
It’s a curl. That’s important.
The shape isn’t just for looks. Because they are curled, they have more surface area. More surface area means more crunch. It also means they hold onto dip incredibly well. If you’ve ever tried to dip a thin potato chip into a thick hummus only to have the chip shatter into a million pieces, you know the pain. These curls are sturdy enough for the TJ’s Roasted Garlic Hummus but light enough to eat by the handful.
Comparing the Options: Lentil Curls vs. The Field
Trader Joe's is famous for rotating their stock. Sometimes you see the Dill Pickle Lentil Chips (which are polarizing, to say the least), but the Salted Curls are the backbone of the operation.
Why choose these over the Veggie Straws? Veggie straws are mostly potato flour and cornstarch with a tiny bit of spinach powder for color. Lentil chips actually lead with the legume. It’s a subtle difference in the ingredient list but a big difference in how your blood sugar reacts.
The salt level is also dialed in perfectly. I’ve found that brands like Enjoy Life or Calbee sometimes go way too heavy on the seasoning or the oil. TJ's keeps it balanced. It’s a "clean" salty taste. You don’t end up with that weird film on the roof of your mouth.
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The Gluten-Free Lifesaver
For the Celiac community or those just trying to cut back on gluten, these are a godsend. Finding a snack that doesn't taste like "alternative food" is hard. Usually, gluten-free snacks are either too hard or too crumbly. These chips don't feel like a compromise. You could serve these at a party and half the people wouldn't even realize they’re eating a lentil-based snack. They just think it's a really good, crunchy chip.
How to Level Up Your Snack Game
Don't just eat them out of the bag. I mean, you can. I usually do. But if you want to be fancy, there are better ways.
- The Hummus Pairing: Use the Salted Curls as a vessel for the Mediterranean Style Hummus. The acidity of the hummus cuts through the earthy lentil flavor perfectly.
- The "Tuna Scoop": Honestly, they work great with tuna salad. Since they are slightly thicker than a standard chip, they don't get soggy immediately.
- Crushed Topping: Use the bottom-of-the-bag crumbs. Don't throw them away. Sprinkle them over a salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a gluten-free crouton alternative.
A Quick Reality Check on Health Claims
Let's talk about the "health halo." Just because the word "lentil" is on the bag doesn't mean this is a superfood. It's still a processed snack. It's still fried (or baked and flash-fried). If you eat the whole bag in one sitting—which is surprisingly easy to do—you’re still consuming a fair amount of sodium.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health often points out that while legumes are incredible for you, processing them into a flour and frying them changes the fiber content. You’re losing some of the "whole food" benefits. But, in the hierarchy of snacks, lentil chips Trader Joe's offers are still miles ahead of a standard tortilla chip or a puff made of refined corn meal.
Why Do They Disappear?
If you’ve been a TJ’s shopper for a while, you know the "Trader Joe's Heartbreak." You love a product, and then one Tuesday, it's just gone. Discontinued.
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The lentil chips have survived several "culls" of the snack aisle, which tells you how well they sell. They have a cult following. People buy them in bulk because they are one of the few snacks that kids and adults both like. My toddler will crush these, and my 70-year-old father, who hates "health food," loves them too.
The Logistics of the Buy
Currently, a bag will run you about $2.99 or $3.49 depending on your region. That’s a steal. If you went to a high-end health food store, you’d be paying $5 or $6 for a similar lentil-based snack. This is why TJ's wins. They take a niche, "healthy" product and make it affordable for everyone.
What to Look Out For
- Stock levels: They tend to sell out before long weekends.
- The "Dill" Variation: If you see the Dill Pickle version, buy it only if you really like vinegar. It’s aggressive.
- Air in the bag: Don't be mad about the air. It's nitrogen. It prevents the chips from oxidizing and turning into a bag of lentil dust during transit.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
Next time you’re navigating the crowded aisles, skip the heavy crackers for once. Grab two bags of the lentil chips Trader Joe's has in the snack section—one for the car ride home and one for actual snacking later.
If you're hosting, pair them with the Vegan Tzatziki or the Zhoug Sauce. The spiciness of the Zhoug against the plain salted lentil is a top-tier flavor combination. Also, check the expiration date. Because they use better oils, they don't have a shelf life of ten years like some other chips. They are best eaten within a few weeks of purchase.
Stick to the Salted Curls if you're a purist. They are the most versatile and consistent product in that category. If you find your local store is out of stock, ask a crew member when the next "load" comes in; usually, it’s a daily shipment, and they can tell you exactly when the shelves will be restocked. Store them in a cool, dry place, and if you live in a humid environment, consider a chip clip—the light texture makes them prone to getting stale faster than a dense corn chip.
Ultimately, these are the best "middle ground" snack. They satisfy the craving for something salty and crunchy without the heavy, oily regret of traditional chips. They are a staple for a reason. Go get the bag. Or three. No judgment here.
Actionable Insights for the Savvy Shopper:
- Check the Bottom: Always look for bags at the back of the shelf for the furthest expiration dates, as these chips are preservative-light.
- Portion Control: Because they are so light, it’s easy to eat the whole bag. Pour them into a bowl to avoid "accidental bag clearance."
- The Gluten-Free Hack: If you're breading chicken or fish and want a gluten-free crunch, pulse these chips in a blender. They make an incredible, flavorful crust that holds up better than almond flour.
- Pairing Strategy: Match them with high-protein dips like Greek yogurt-based dressings or bean dips to turn a simple snack into a more satiating mini-meal.