Why is Nacho Cheese Tortilla Style Protein Chips classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product uses isolated milk and whey protein isolates, refined vegetable oils, flavor enhancers and a range of food additives such as lecithin (E322i), paprika extract (E160c), annatto (E160b), calcium carbonate (E170i) and stevia, all of which are characteristic of ultra‑processed formulations, placing it in NOVA‑4.

How does the sodium content of these protein chips affect a hypertensive or low‑sodium diet?

A single 32 g serving provides 330 mg of sodium (about 0.8 g of salt), which represents roughly 14 % of the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg, so regular consumption can be problematic for people managing hypertension or following a low‑sodium regimen.

Can these protein chips be used in a keto or gluten‑free diet, and are they suitable for vegans or those with dairy/soy allergies?

They are certified gluten‑free and contain only 5 g of total carbohydrates per 100 g, making them keto‑compatible, but they contain milk‑derived proteins, cheese powders, butter and soy‑derived lecithin, so they are not vegan and may trigger dairy or soy allergies.

Quest • 1.1 oz (32 g)

Nacho Cheese Tortilla Style Protein Chips

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

The Nacho Cheese Tortilla Style Protein Chips are a gluten‑free, kosher snack classified as salty snacks and appetizers. They belong to the ultra‑processed NOVA‑4 category and carry no Nutri‑Score because they are treated as a dietary supplement. Nutritionally they provide 18 g of protein per 32 g serving with 6 g fat and 1 g sugar, but also contain 330 mg sodium (high salt) and several additives such as lecithin, color extracts and stevia.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables5.6 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical salty‑snack averages, these chips deliver far more protein (56 g vs 8 g per 100 g) while containing less fat, saturated fat, sugar and especially salt, and they provide about the same calories.

Ingredients

PROTEIN BLEND (MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE, WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE), VEGETABLE OIL (SUNFLOWER OIL, CANOLA OIL, SOYBEAN OIL), CALCIUM CASEINATE, CORN STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, SOLUBLE CORN FIBER, PSYLLIUM HUSK. 2% SALT, CHEDDAR CHEESE POWDER (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), ROMANO CHEESE (MILK, CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), BUTTERMILK POWDER, BUTTER (CREAM, ANNATTO), TOMATO POWDER, ONION POWDER, GARLIC POWDER, SPICE, NONFAT DRY MILK, WHEY POWDER, CHIA SEED, PAPRIKA EXTRACT (COLOR), TURMERIC OLEORESIN (COLOR), LECITHIN (SUNFLOWER, CANOLA, SOY LECITHIN), CALCIUM CARBONATE, YEAST EXTRACT, STEVIA (SWEETENER).

84%

35%

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