Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips

Common questions

Is Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips healthy?

Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips scores 2/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This product is heavily processed and contains multiple harmful ingredients, including industrial seed oils like corn, cottonseed, and sunflower oil, which are linked to inflammation and other health issues.

Does Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips contain seed oils?

Yes — Scout's ingredient analysis flags seed oils in Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips, and that is reflected in its score.

How processed is Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips?

Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

How does Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips compare to other salty snacks?

Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips ranks #102 of 118 salty snacks in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Jesse & Ben's House-Cut Fries Tallow & Sea Salt at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Potatoes, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic Powder count in its favor; Vegetable Oil, Maltodextrin, Canola Oil are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Herr's Cheddar & Sour Cream Ridged Potato Chips

Herr's
Contains seed oils
2 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 9
Owned by Herr Foods Inc.
Category Salty Snacks
Summary

This product is heavily processed and contains multiple harmful ingredients, including industrial seed oils like corn, cottonseed, and sunflower oil, which are linked to inflammation and other health issues. It also includes artificial additives such as maltodextrin, MSG, and artificial colors, which contribute to its ultra-processed nature. The presence of these ingredients, combined with the high level of processing, significantly impacts its health rating.

Key ingredients 19

Vegetable Oil
Very Bad

Vegetable oils like corn, cottonseed, and sunflower are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. These oils are often highly processed and may contain trans fats. Regular consumption of these oils is linked to various health issues.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

See more about Vegetable Oil →
Canola Oil
Very Bad

Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil that is high in omega-6 fatty acids. It is often highly processed and may contain trans fats. Its consumption is associated with increased inflammation and other health concerns.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

See more about Canola Oil →
Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener or filler. It has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels. It offers little nutritional value and is often used in processed foods.

Risks

May cause blood sugar spikes and is linked to digestive issues in some individuals.

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Natural And Artificial Flavors
Bad

Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste but offer no nutritional value. They can contain a variety of chemical compounds, some of which may cause allergic reactions. The lack of transparency in their composition is a concern.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions and lack of transparency in ingredient composition.

See more about Natural And Artificial Flavors →
Monosodium Glutamate
Bad

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. It is associated with symptoms like headaches and nausea. Its use in processed foods is controversial due to potential health effects.

Risks

May cause headaches, nausea, and other symptoms in sensitive individuals.

See more about Monosodium Glutamate →
Disodium Phosphate
Bad

Disodium phosphate is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in processed foods. It can contribute to an imbalance in phosphate levels when consumed in large amounts. Its presence in food is primarily for texture and preservation.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to an imbalance in phosphate levels, affecting bone health.

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Modified Food Starch
Bad

Chemically modified starch additive.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability in food products.

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Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate
Bad

These are flavor enhancers often used in conjunction with MSG. They can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals and are associated with symptoms like headaches. Their use in processed foods is primarily for enhancing savory flavors.

Risks

May cause adverse reactions like headaches in sensitive individuals.

See more about Disodium Inosinate And Disodium Guanylate →
Colors
Bad

Artificial colors like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Annatto Extract are used to enhance appearance. Some artificial colors are linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions. Their use in food is controversial due to potential health effects.

Risks

May cause hyperactivity and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and a source of protein. It is generally well-tolerated and provides essential amino acids. However, its nutritional impact in small quantities within processed foods is minimal.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with dairy sensitivities.

Benefits

Provides essential amino acids and is a source of protein.

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Onion Powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onion used for flavoring. It retains some of the beneficial compounds found in fresh onions, such as antioxidants. However, its nutritional impact is minimal in small quantities.

Benefits

Provides flavor and contains some antioxidants.

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Sour Cream
Neutral

Sour cream is a dairy product that adds flavor and creaminess. It contains probiotics and nutrients like calcium. However, it is also high in saturated fat and calories.

Risks

High in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Contains probiotics and calcium, beneficial for gut and bone health.

See more about Sour Cream →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is essential for bodily functions but can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess. The type of salt used in processed foods is typically refined.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

See more about Salt →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. It is generally recognized as safe and is found naturally in citrus fruits. Its use in processed foods is primarily for preservation and flavor balance.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative and enhances flavor.

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Vinegar Powder
Neutral

Vinegar powder is used for flavoring and preservation. It retains some of the acidic properties of vinegar, which can aid in flavor enhancement. Its nutritional impact is minimal in small quantities.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

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Lactic Acid
Neutral

Lactic acid is used as a preservative and flavoring agent. It is naturally found in fermented foods and is generally recognized as safe. Its primary function in processed foods is to enhance flavor and preserve freshness.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and preserves freshness.

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Potatoes
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

Frying potatoes can increase calorie content and introduce unhealthy fats.

Benefits

Potatoes provide essential nutrients and are a versatile food source.

See more about Potatoes →
Cheddar Cheese
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, essential for bone health.

See more about Cheddar Cheese →
Garlic Powder
Good

Concentrated whole-food seasoning.

Benefits

Contains allicin, which may have health-promoting properties.

See more about Garlic Powder →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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