French fries are a popular snack all over the world, with everyone having their own preference for how they like to prepare and serve them. Some people prefer low-fat varieties, while others lean towards plant-based fries – but is one really healthier than the other? Many believe that by opting for plant-based fries, they are making a healthier choice. However, there’s a lot more to consider before deciding which type of fries wins out in terms of nutrition. We’re going to go over all the facts to better inform you about which type of fries is best for your diet.
Vegetable fries or potato fries: which are healthier?
When it comes to nutrition, potato fries and vegetable fries are both fried foods and therefore should be eaten in moderation. Potato fries contain higher levels of carbohydrates and calories than vegetable fries, but vegetable fries contain more dietary fiber and vitamins. Potatoes also contain a good amount of potassium and vitamin C, while vegetables have higher concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and iron.
If we compare a serving of potato fries to a serving of vegetable fries, the caloric content is about the same (177 kcal versus 121 kcal), but the potato fries provide a little more fat (about 15 g against 6 g for vegetables). Potato fries have about 30g of carbs per serving, compared to 20g in a serving of vegetable fries. The carbohydrate content of potatoes includes 3.8g of dietary fiber, while vegetables provide about 4.8g per serving.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, potatoes offer a significant amount of vitamin C (24% daily requirement per serving) in addition to potassium (38% daily) as well as vitamin E (42% RDA) , while vegetables generally provide significantly more vitamin A (about 90% daily), vitamin K (96% daily), folic acid (18% daily) and iron (10% daily). In conclusion, although potato and veggie fries are fried foods that should be eaten sparingly, if you are looking for a healthier option, veggie fries may be the best choice due to their higher content. high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
The cooking method that boosts the calories of fries!
Vegetable fries, like sweet potato and zucchini, tend to be lower in calories than traditional potato fries because the vegetables are lower in carbs and fat than potatoes. However, when vegetables are fried, their calorie content increases to levels comparable to traditional potato fries. This is because frying increases the amount of fat and calories in any food cooked in this way.
For example, a 100g serving of baked sweet potato fries contains about 83.5 calories, but if you fry those same sweet potatoes in oil, the calorie count can jump to over 250 calories per serving. same portion.
Similarly, a small order of regular fries at a fast food restaurant typically contains between 250 and 289 calories (only for a well-seasoned 100g serving), but if those same fries are baked or pan-fried, the number of calories can easily decrease to approximately 180 calories (depending on the type of vegetable). It is therefore clear that the method of cooking has the most influence on the increase in the calorie content of the two types of fries.
Vegetable chips and fries: a healthy version or a booming marketing stunt?
Vegetarian fries and crisps have recently become a very popular snack, marketed as a healthier alternative to regular fries and crisps. However, one question remains: are these products actually healthier? While it is true that vegetable crisps and fries are made from vegetables, they still contain oil, salt, sugar and other additives. Therefore, in terms of nutrition, as you may have read earlier, they may not be better than regular crisps.
The best way to get all the nutrients from veggie fries is to make them yourself!
To make vegetable fries at home, you will need fresh vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. First, preheat your oven to 190°C. While it is heating, wash and cut the vegetables into thin fries. Place them on a greased baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve warm! You can also spice up your fries with vegetables by adding herbs or spices like chili powder or rosemary for extra flavor. Good appetite 🙂
