New Product Snapshot: PopCorners Protein Crisps
Diet & NutritionFood & Ingredients

New Product Snapshot: PopCorners Protein Crisps

New Product Snapshot: PopCorners Protein Crisps
Target (2); Everyday Health
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Published on August 6, 2026
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Protein-focused snackers have another new option in the chip aisle. PopCorners, a popular crunchy snack, have gotten a protein makeover with pea protein isolate, rice protein isolate, and whey. PopCorners Protein Crisps come in three flavors: Zesty Cheddar, Hickory BBQ, and Cinnamon Delight. One serving of 15 crisps delivers 9 grams (g) of protein.

It's the latest product to join the "protein craze," a trend that has some food makers stuffing extra protein into surprising foods such as pancakes and mac and cheese.

 But a high-protein label doesn’t automatically make a snack nutritious, so it’s worth taking a closer look at what these crisps actually offer.

PopCorners Protein Crisps Nutrition Facts

Every bag of PopCorners Protein Crisps contains 5 servings. Each serving of the Zesty Cheddar flavor contains:


Category
Amount
Calories
140
Total Fat
6g
Sodium
220mg
Carbohydrates
11g
Sugar
1g
Added Sugar
0g
Protein
9g
Compared with Spicy Queso, a similar flavor of the original PopCorners, the Zesty Cheddar protein version adds 7 g of protein and trims 8 g of carbohydrates. The fat content, at 6 g, is about the same. The sodium content is 80 milligrams (mg) higher in the protein version.

“While none of these numbers are alarmingly high, I noticed that they’re lacking fiber. That’s something that most Americans aren’t getting enough of,

 so this is another food that isn’t providing fiber,” says Avery Zenker, RD, who’s based in Ontario. “To make it a more balanced option, I would pair it with a fiber-rich snack, like a handful of nuts or seeds, trail mix, fruit, chopped veggies and hummus, or roasted edamame or chickpeas.”
Take note of that extra sodium in the protein version, too.

 For people trying to limit sodium, one serving of these protein crisps isn’t particularly high, but it can add up over the day, Zenker says. The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 1,500 mg of sodium daily as the optimal goal for adults, though it sets 2,300 mg per day as the high-end maximum. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease, so it’s important to be mindful of serving sizes.

What’s Actually in PopCorners Protein Crisps?

Unlike the original product, PopCorners Protein Crisps are made with rice flour instead of corn.

 Corn is actually slightly higher in protein than rice,

 but both products are nutritionally very similar aside from protein content, Zenker says.

Protein

Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients, and most people in the United States already meet their daily protein needs without adding fortified snacks.

The bulk of the added protein in PopCorners Protein Crisps comes from pea protein isolate and rice protein isolate. These are plant-based protein sources, which makes them a good option for people trying to limit their animal protein intake, says Zenker. But all versions of PopCorners Protein Crisps contain some dairy ingredients, so they’re not vegan.

“Most Americans are getting a lot of protein from animal sources,

 so it’s good to start getting more of the plant-based proteins when possible,” Zenker says. “They [pea protein isolate and rice protein isolate] have all nine essential amino acids in different amounts, so having both of them together is really complementary.”

Seed Oils

These protein crisps also contain seed oils, like canola, safflower, and sunflower. Despite some claims that seed oils are “toxic,” research shows they’re associated with better cardiovascular health and child development.

“The evidence is not supportive that they’re inherently harmful. The concern with seed oils is more to do with the types of foods that they’re used in. A lot of ultra-processed foods use seed oils, and seed oils are a fat. Fats are higher in calories, and too many calories can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk for metabolic conditions,” Zenker says.

Processed Ingredients

The original and protein versions of PopCorners contain processed ingredients, Zenker says, and the NOVA classification system classifies them as an ultra-processed food.

 That means they’re best enjoyed in moderation.
In general, research links diets high in ultra-processed foods to an array of negative health outcomes, while cutting back is associated with better health.

“This product isn’t especially dense in vitamins, minerals, or fiber,” Zenker says. “They can be part of a diet that’s also high in nutrient-dense whole foods, but they don’t contribute particularly meaningful nutrients on their own other than the protein.”

Does It Live Up to the Hype?

PopCorners Protein Crisps can be a convenient high-protein snack option when you’re in a pinch, Zenker says.

“Most people are doing okay getting enough protein. But there are certain populations who could benefit from getting more protein in this way, like people with a low appetite, older adults, and picky eaters,” she says.

If you like crunchy snacks, Zenker says PopCorners Protein Crisps can be a healthier alternative to regular potato chips because they’re lower in fat and higher in protein, and they’re popped, not fried. For example, a serving (11 chips) of Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips contains 150 calories and 8 g of fat with only 2 g of
protein.

“Popped” doesn’t always mean low-fat, but it does have benefits over frying. “The deep-frying process not only adds fat but also exposes both the oil and the food to sustained high heat, which can oxidize the fat and produce harmful compounds like trans fats, aldehydes, and acrylamide,” Zenker says. Higher intakes of fried foods are associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Our Take: Try It or Don’t Buy It

If you enjoy eating savory, crunchy snacks, PopCorners Protein Crisps are a solid alternative to potato chips, which can be higher in fat and calories. The protein crisps offer 9 g of protein in one serving, which is a decent amount for a snack, Zenker says.

That said, higher-quality protein snack choices are available. Zenker suggests roasted edamame, which is high in protein and fiber, and low in carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium.

“Roasted edamame are a whole-food, high-quality complete protein source,” she says. They contain about 13 g of protein for ¼ cup [30 g] serving with only 120 calories.

“What matters more is the context of the entire diet. If all your daily protein is coming from these crisps, it's not ideal, but if you're eating a variety of other types and sources, these can contribute meaningfully to your protein intake,” Zenker says.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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  14. Hatta-Langedyk J et al. UltraProcessed Food Versus Diet Quality in Relation to Cardiometabolic Health and All-Cause Mortality: NHANES 1998-2018. American Journal of Public Health. June 17, 2026.
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Sylvia E. Klinger, DBA, MS, RD, CPT

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Sylvia Klinger, DBA, MS, RD, CPT, is an internationally recognized nutrition expert who is relentlessly passionate about helping people fall in love with creating and enjoying deli...

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Tiffany Ayuda is an editor and writer with more than a decade of experience covering fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She's passionate about helping people make impactful ...

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