When it comes to snacking, many health-conscious consumers are looking for options that are tasty, satisfying, and relatively low in calories. One popular snack that seems to check all these boxes is Hippeas, a brand of chickpea puffs that come in a variety of flavors. But exactly how many calories are in an entire bag of Hippeas? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Hippeas
Hippeas are a snack made from chickpea flour that was launched in the United States in 2016. They have a similar texture to cheese puffs, but are made with chickpea flour instead of corn or wheat flour. The brand touts them as a high protein, gluten free, vegan snack option.
Hippeas come in several flavor varieties, including:
- Vegan White Cheddar
- Sriracha Sunshine
- Far Out Fajita
- Happenin’ Hickory
- Maple Haze
- Pepper Power
The puffs are crunchy and airy, providing a satisfying snacking experience. They are considered a better-for-you snack option, as chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Hippeas are marketed as a feel-good snack, with the brand donating a portion of sales to support chickpea farmers in the developing world.
Hippeas Nutrition Facts
When evaluating the calories and nutritional value of Hippeas, it helps to first look at the nutrition facts label for a standard 1 ounce (28g) serving size.
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 ounce serving of Hippeas Vegan White Cheddar flavor:
| Nutrition Facts | 1 oz (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 170mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
As you can see, a 1 ounce serving contains 130 calories, with 18g of carbohydrates and 4g of protein. It also provides 3g of fiber per serving.
Calories in a Full Bag of Hippeas
Now that we know the calorie count for a single serving, we can calculate the total calories in a full bag of Hippeas. Hippeas come in several different bag sizes, so the total calories will vary depending on the size purchased.
Here is an overview of the common Hippeas bag sizes and the total calories each contains:
| Bag Size | Total Calories |
|---|---|
| 0.75 oz / 21g | 195 calories |
| 1.5 oz / 42g | 390 calories |
| 2.5 oz / 70g | 650 calories |
| 3.5 oz / 99g | 910 calories |
| 5.5 oz / 156g | 1430 calories |
As you increase the bag size, the total calories increase proportionally. The calorie count ranges from around 200 calories for a small 0.75 ounce bag to over 1400 calories for a large 5.5 ounce bag.
Calorie Count by Flavor
Keep in mind that the calorie count can also vary slightly depending on the Hippeas flavor. Here is a breakdown of the calories per serving of the major Hippeas flavors:
| Hippeas Flavor | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Vegan White Cheddar | 130 calories |
| Sriracha Sunshine | 130 calories |
| Far Out Fajita | 140 calories |
| Happenin’ Hickory | 130 calories |
| Maple Haze | 130 calories |
| Pepper Power | 130 calories |
While the calorie count is relatively consistent across flavors, the Fajita flavor contains slightly more at 140 calories per serving compared to 130 calories for the other varieties. However, this is a relatively minor difference.
How Hippeas Calories Compare to Other Snacks
To get a better sense of the calorie impact of Hippeas, it helps to compare them to some other popular salty snack options. Here is how a 1 ounce serving of Hippeas stacks up calorie-wise against other snacks:
| Snack | Calories (per 1 oz / 28g serving) |
|---|---|
| Hippeas Vegan White Cheddar | 130 calories |
| Regular Cheese Puffs | 152 calories |
| Pretzels | 110 calories |
| Pita Chips | 137 calories |
| Potato Chips | 152 calories |
| Tortilla Chips | 146 calories |
Hippeas are very comparable calorie-wise to other puffed and crunchy snack options. They contain fewer calories per serving than cheese puffs or potato chips, and only slightly more than pretzels or pita chips. So they can be considered a relatively solid lower-calorie salty snack choice.
Nutritional Benefits of Hippeas
Beyond calorie count, Hippeas offer some additional nutritional advantages over other conventional snacks:
- Protein – With 4g of protein per serving, Hippeas provide more protein than most salty snack options.
- Fiber – The 3g of fiber per serving is more than most cheese puffs or chip varieties.
- Low Sugar – Hippeas only contain 1g of sugar per serving, while many snacks and puffs contain higher added sugar.
- Gluten-Free – The snacks are made from chickpea flour and are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan – Hippeas are dairy-free, egg-free and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of diets.
While they aren’t extremely low in calories compared to all snacks, Hippeas do provide more nutritional value from protein, fiber, and other nutrients compared to many standard crunchy snack options out there.
Are Hippeas Healthy Overall?
When consumed in moderation, Hippeas can be part of an overall healthy diet.
Some potential benefits of Hippeas include:
- Provide protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals from chickpeas
- Gluten-free and vegan options available
- Low in sugar compared to other snacks
- Provide more filling fiber and protein compared to other puffed snacks
- Air-popped texture gives a crunchy snack experience with less fat than oil-popped options
However, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Still a processed food and not as nutritious as whole foods
- Higher in sodium content
- Can be easy to overeat due to air-popped texture
- Higher glycemic index than whole chickpeas
Hippeas really provide the most benefit when consumed mindfully and in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet focused primarily on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Tips for Healthy Snacking with Hippeas
Here are some tips to keep in mind when adding Hippeas as an occasional snack in your routine:
- Stick to reasonable serving sizes instead of overindulging
- Enjoy Hippeas alongside other nutritious foods like veggies, hummus, or fruit
- Select varieties like Sriracha Sunshine for spicy kick instead of added salt
- Choose Hippeas over less nutrient-dense salty snacks
- Don’t rely on Hippeas alone to fuel you – incorporate as part of balanced eating
Conclusion
An entire bag of Hippeas can range from around 200 calories for a 0.75 ounce bag up to over 1400 calories for a 5.5 ounce bag. A single 1 ounce serving of Hippeas contains 130 calories across most flavors. While not extremely low in calories, Hippeas do provide more nutritional benefits than many other crunchy and puffed snacks. When enjoyed mindfully and in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, Hippeas can be an occasional better-for-you snacking option.
