Researchers found that eating salted potato chips with salsa could cause people to consume twice as many calories as eating potato chips alone (or about 77% more calories).
The study involved 46 adults who visited the lab twice over a two-week period to eat snacks.
On one visit, participants were offered 70 grams of potato chips (about 3 small bags) by themselves. On another visit, participants were offered the same amount of potato chips with a third of a cup (79 ml) of ranch dressing, and were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.
After analyzing and tracking the amount and duration of snacking, it was found that participants consumed (on average) 345 calories from chips and salsa at each eating session, compared to just 195 calories when they ate chips alone.
“The most striking finding in our study is that participants didn’t eat fewer chips when salsa was available,” said study author John Hayes, professor of food science and director of the Center for Sensory Evaluation at Penn State. “They ate the same amount of chips, plus salsa.”
The study indicated that the sauce encouraged people to eat more of the salty snack.
Understanding snacking behavior is critical to addressing the problems of overeating and obesity, Hayes added.
“This study opens up new avenues for exploring how the properties of foods can influence our eating behaviors and ultimately our energy consumption,” he said.
The study was published in the journal Food Quality and Preference.
Source: Daily Mail
#effects #eating #salted #potato #chips #sauce
2024-09-12 15:44:53
Table of Contents
The Surprising Impact of Salsa on Potato Chip Consumption: A Study Reveals a Caloric Bomb
Potato chips are a popular snack enjoyed by many around the world. However, a recent study reveals a surprising fact: eating salted potato chips with salsa can lead to consuming almost twice as many calories as eating potato chips alone. This staggering finding has significant implications for our snacking habits and overall health.
The Study: A Closer Look
Researchers recruited 46 adults to participate in a two-week study, where they visited a lab twice to eat snacks. On one visit, participants were offered 70 grams of potato chips (approximately 3 small bags) on their own. On the second visit, they were given the same amount of potato chips, but with a third of a cup (79 ml) of ranch dressing, also known as salsa. The participants were free to eat as much as they wanted during each session.
The results were striking. On average, participants consumed 345 calories from chips and salsa at each eating session, compared to just 195 calories when they ate chips alone. This represents a whopping 77% increase in caloric intake when salsa is involved.
Why Do We Consume More with Salsa?
According to study author John Hayes, professor of food science and director of the Center for Sensory Innovation, “The most striking finding in our study is that participants didn’t eat fewer chips when salsa was available.” This raises an interesting question: why do we tend to consume more potato chips with salsa?
One possible explanation is that the combination of salty, crispy potato chips and tangy, flavorful salsa creates a snack that is both addictive and pleasurable. Our brains may be tricked into thinking we’re satisfying our cravings, leading us to overindulge.
The Nutritional Impact of Potato Chips
To put this study into perspective, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content of potato chips. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a serving of potato chips (about 25 grams) contains approximately 133 calories, 8.5 grams of fat, 1.6 grams of protein, and 13 grams of carbohydrates [[3]]. Americans, on average, consume 23 calories of potato chips every day [[1]].
In terms of macronutrients, potato chips are a significant source of fat and carbohydrates, making them a high-calorie snack. The USDA also reports that potato chips contain 536 kcal of energy, 7.14g of protein, 35.71g of fat, and 53.57g of carbohydrates per serving [[2]].
Conclusion
The discovery that eating salted potato chips with salsa leads to a significant increase in caloric intake is a wake-up call for those of us who enjoy this popular snack. By being more mindful of our snacking habits and portion sizes, we can make healthier choices that benefit our overall well-being.
In the meantime, researchers can continue to explore the complex relationships between food combinations, flavor profiles, and consumer behavior. Who knows what other surprising findings await us in the world of nutrition and food science?
References:
<a href="https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Potatochips%2Cplain71200100nutritional_value.html”>[[3]]
The Surprising Impact of Salsa on Potato Chip Consumption: A Study Reveals a Caloric Bomb
Potato chips are a popular snack enjoyed by many around the world. However, a recent study reveals a surprising fact: eating salted potato chips with salsa can lead to consuming almost twice as many calories as eating potato chips alone. This staggering finding has significant implications for our snacking habits and overall health.
The Study: A Closer Look
Researchers recruited 46 adults to participate in a two-week study, where they visited a lab twice to eat snacks. On one visit, participants were offered 70 grams of potato chips (approximately 3 small bags) on their own. On the second visit, they were given the same amount of potato chips, but with a third of a cup (79 ml) of ranch dressing, also known as salsa. The participants were free to eat as much as they wanted during each session.
The Results: A Caloric Bomb
The results were striking. On average, participants consumed 345 calories from chips and salsa at each eating session, compared to just 195 calories when they ate chips alone. This represents a whopping 77% increase in caloric intake when salsa is involved.
Why Do We Consume More with Salsa?
According to study author John Hayes, professor of food science and director of the Center for Sensory Innovation, “The most striking finding in our study is that participants didn’t eat fewer chips when salsa was available.” This raises an interesting question: why do we tend to consume more potato chips with salsa?
One possible explanation is that the combination of salty, crispy potato chips and tangy, flavorful salsa creates a snack that is both addictive and pleasurable. Our brains may be tricked into thinking we’re satisfying our cravings, leading us to overindulge.
The Nutritional Impact of Potato Chips
To put this study into perspective, let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content of potato chips. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a serving of potato chips (about 25 grams) contains approximately 133 calories, 8.5 grams
