Why is Sour Cream & Onion Flavored classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is labelled NOVA 4 because the formulation includes refined vegetable oils, added sugars (dextrose), maltodextrin, natural flavors, medium‑chain triglycerides and citric acid (E330), all of which are ingredients that undergo extensive industrial processing.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With about 7 g of sugar per 100 g, the snack can cause noticeable blood‑glucose spikes and is not suitable for strict diabetic control. Its 1.8 g of salt per 100 g contributes to daily sodium intake and may be problematic for people managing hypertension.

Is the whey in this product a concern for individuals with milk allergy?

Yes. The product lists whey and skim milk among its ingredients, along with lactose and sour cream, so it is not safe for anyone who is allergic to milk proteins.

Lay's • 7.75 oz

Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

The product is a flavored potato snack belonging to the salty‑snacks group, packaged in a mixed‑plastic bag and sold in US supermarkets. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with added dairy, refined oils, and several additives. Nutritionally it is high in fat (≈36 g/100 g), saturated fat (≈5.4 g) and sugar (≈7 g), while providing moderate protein and low fibre, and it contains milk‑derived allergens such as whey and lactose.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal571 kcal

Iron2.1 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty‑snack, this chip contains substantially more fat (35.7 g vs 23.6 g) and slightly more saturated fat (5.4 g vs 5.1 g), its sugar level (7.1 g) exceeds the category average (3.8 g), while its salt (1.8 g) is far lower than the typical 52.4 g, and it provides more energy (571 kcal vs 471 kcal) but less fibre and protein.

Ingredients

POTATOES, VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA OIL, CORN OIL, SOYBEAN OIL, SUNFLOWER OIL), SKIM MILK, SALT, WHEY, ONION POWDER, PARSLEY, SOUR CREAM (CULTURED CREAM, SKIM MILK), DEXTROSE, MALTODEXTRIN (MADE FROM CORN), NATURAL FLAVORS, MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES, LACTOSE, CITRIC ACID.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips.

Lay's

28.3 g