Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Aaron
Do you love Parmesan cheese? If so, you’re going to love Parmesan crisps!
These little snacks are made from shredded/grated Parmesan cheese into thin, crispy wafers, and they are SO good!
In this article, we will discuss the nutritional information of Parmesan crisps and provide some tips on how to enjoy them.
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So, Are Parmesan Crisps Healthy?
The answer is yes and no. Parmesan crisps are made by heating the grated parmesan cheese until it’s partly melted and forms a golden brown crispy wafer. There are no oil, unhealthy additives, salt, or preservatives in Parmesan crisps.
Most brands of parmesan crisps are made with just 1 ingredient – parmesan cheese. It can be done by oven baking or heating on a pan.
Just like parmesan cheese. Parmesan crisps are generally low carbs, high calcium, and high protein – Therefore, it’s a healthier snack option than other processed snacks. Parmesan crisps are keto-friendly.
Also, they are low in lactose and gluten-free.
However, Parmesan crisps are like parmesan cheese also high in saturated fat and sodium, so Parmesan crisps are not necessarily “healthy” in the sense that they are low in calories or fat.
Parmesan Crisps vs Potato Chips
In fact, one serving (1-ounce) of ParmCrisps USDA has about 160 calories, making it a high-calorie snack – the same calories in a serving of Lay’s potato chips.
When compared to potato chips (Lay’s),
- They have about the same fat content and calories.
- ParmCrisps has a much higher saturated fat (7g vs 1g).
- ParmCrisps has 2x more sodium – twice as salty.
- ParmCrisps has much lower carbs (1g vs 15g), higher protein (13g vs 2g), higher calcium (380mg vs 10mg).
So, if you are watching your weight or trying to eat healthily, you should limit your consumption of Parmesan crisps.
Parmesan crisps are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Parmesan Crisps vs Parmesan Cheese
What if we compare it to a block of real Italian parmesan cheese. With that being said, the parmesan used in making the crisps are likely from a cheaper source of parmesan. Nonetheless, let’s compare them.
For each ounce, Parmesan crisps from ParmCrips are 31% higher calories than the Parmissimo USDA PDO Parmesan cheese.
The other popular brand of parmesan crisps, Whisps USDA, is also 27% higher calories than Parmissimo.
ParmCrips has a higher protein than the Parmissimo (14g vs 9g), 27% higher in fat, slightly higher saturated fat, and higher in sodium content.
Overall, Parmesan crisps (ParmCrips) are slightly less healthy than Parmissimo Parmesan cheese in terms of fat content and calories.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy Parmesan crisps:
- Add them to your salad for a cheesy crunch.
- Mix them with some roasted vegetables as a healthy side dish.
- Use them as a pizza topping instead of pepperoni or sausage.
- Sprinkle them over soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Enjoy them as a healthy and low-carb snack.
FAQs
Are Parmesan Whisps healthy?
Parmesan Whisps is considered a healthy snack.
Nutrition-wise, Parmesan Whisps is so not much different from ParmCrips parmesan crisps. Moreover, it has a 5x lower protein content.
Do you have to refrigerate parmesan crisps? How long to store?
Parmesan crisps do not need to be refrigerated. The unopened package can last for a few good months. You can store them airtight in a cool and dry place. Best to finish it in 2-4 days once opened.
Can Parmesan Crisps be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze Parmesan crisps. Put them in an airtight bag and they will last up to two months in the freezer. But they may not taste as fresh and crisp when you defrost them due to the moisture.
Is ParmCrisps vegan?
No, Parmesan crisps are not vegan. They are made with aged parmesan cheese, which is a dairy product made from milk, culture, salt, and rennet.
Are Whisps low sodium?
No, Whisps are not low in sodium and can be quite salty. They have about 350mg of sodium per 1-ounce serving. Parmesan crisps (ParmCrisps) have 370mg of sodium.
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