Bean Chips

There’s really something addicting about the crunchy, salty, oily potato chips!  But with the trend moving towards living healthy and choosing wholesome food, there has been a huge clamor for guilt-free substitutes that are delicious and doesn’t actually taste like cardboard. Now here comes one of the contenders to the potato chips’ throne: the bean chips!

The original bean chips first debuted in 2010.  This new snack can cater to people suffering from diabetes, celiac disease, or those dealing with weight gain and obesity. Beans are considered to be great sources of protein and fiber, naturally sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free, which makes it a great base for this healthier alternative.

Bean Chip Trivia

• Pinto and black beans were initially chosen to be the base for the chips as these have a low glycemic rating.
• Beans as the main ingredient for chips are also considered to be better for the environment as they need substantially less water than corn or wheat.
• The Texan producer of the original bean chips sources beans from other states such as North Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska, and Colorado.

Bean Chip Buying Guide

Bean chips brands are now conveniently available in groceries and supermarkets. Consumers can choose between deep-fried or baked bean chips, as well as between the original bean flavor or those seasoned with other yummy spices, herbs, and flavorings.

Bean Chip Production & Farming in Texas

The first and original bean chips actually originated from Texas! Austinite and food entrepreneur Doug Foreman, who was also behind a popular line of low-fat, baked tortilla chips, went back to his home test kitchen to experiment on snack alternatives because he needed to lose weight. He also noticed the excess usage of corn in processed foods and all the empty calories in the food intake of Americans. This gave rise to the first bean chips brand that is non-GMO, corn-free, wheat-free, soy-free, and gluten-free and made from whole beans, Texas-bred Beanitos!

Preservatives, Additives, and Chemicals

The original bean chips were conceptually made and marketed as a healthier snack alternative, and therefore does not use preservatives and additives. It is also marketed as all-natural, with no trans fats, no MSG, and uses certified Kosher.

Packaging

Bean chips are usually stored in sealed or resealable plastic packages to preserve its freshness and crispness.

Enjoying Bean Chips

No special occasion needed to fully enjoy this crunchy, tasty, and healthy treat. Grab it and enjoy it anytime and anywhere! It can be eaten on its own but some do enhance its flavor by dunking it in dips, whether homemade or store-bought. Though it might be better to choose vegan and fruit-based dips so it is easier to adhere to a healthier diet.

Storage 

Make sure that the bean chips are stored in a sealed, airtight container, free from moisture, and exposure to other elements to preserve its freshness and maintain its crunchy texture. Some brands report that their chips have a 12-month shelf life.

Cooking

You can also make your own bean chips at home through This Healthy Kitchen’s recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup black bean flour
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or other cooking oil (except olive oil)
• 1/2-2/3 cup water
• 1/2-1 tsp sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. You can make your own black bean flour by measuring a ½ cup of dry black beans and blending it on high on a powerful blender, until a flour-like consistency is reached.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
3. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Mix salt and bean flour in a medium bowl.  Add oil to the mix.  Make sure the oil is incorporated well in the mixture.
5. Slowly pour water into the mixture, starting with half a cup and adding more until you reach a runny batter consistency.
6. Pour teaspoons of batter onto the baking sheet.  There should be plenty of space between each chip.
7. Press on to the chip using a fork and stretch it gently to spread the batter.  It should be nice and think to achieve maximum crispiness.
8. Bake for 10 minutes.  Using a fork, flip the chips and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and let the chips cool completely.