Lundberg Rice Cakes vs Rice Chips: Which Is Healthier for Snacking?

When snack cravings strike, reaching for something crunchy and satisfying is a must. Lundberg Family Farms offers two popular options: rice cakes and rice chips. Both are made with organic whole grain brown rice, but they differ in texture, flavor, and nutritional profile. If you're wondering which one is healthier for your snacking routine, this comparison will break down the key differences.

We'll look at calories, fat, sodium, fiber, and ingredients so you can make an informed choice. Whether you prefer the light, airy crunch of a rice cake or the hearty, baked crisp of a rice chip, there's a Lundberg snack for you.

Nutritional Comparison: Rice Cakes vs Rice Chips

At first glance, both rice cakes and rice chips are made from organic whole grain brown rice, but their processing leads to different nutritional outcomes. A standard Lundberg rice cake (about 16 grams) contains roughly 60 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, 0 mg sodium, and 1 gram of fiber. Rice chips, on the other hand, are baked with oil and seasoning, so a 28-gram serving (about 12 chips) provides around 130 calories, 5 grams of fat, 120 mg sodium, and 1 gram of fiber.

If you're watching calories and sodium, rice cakes are the clear winner. They are virtually fat-free and sodium-free, making them a great base for toppings like nut butter or avocado. Rice chips are more calorie-dense but offer a satisfying crunch on their own, often with savory flavors like sea salt or barbecue.

• Rice cakes: ~60 cal, 0.5g fat, 0mg sodium, 1g fiber per cake
• Rice chips: ~130 cal, 5g fat, 120mg sodium, 1g fiber per 12 chips

Ingredients and Processing

Lundberg rice cakes are made by applying heat and pressure to whole grain brown rice, causing it to puff and form a disc. The only ingredient is organic whole grain brown rice, with no added oils, sugars, or preservatives. This minimal processing keeps the snack close to its natural state.

Rice chips, such as Lundberg's Organic Sea Salt Rice Chips, are made from a dough of organic brown rice flour, organic oat flour, and organic sunflower oil, which is then baked into crispy chips. They may contain added salt and natural flavors. While still made with organic ingredients, rice chips are more processed than rice cakes.

• Rice cakes: single ingredient – organic whole grain brown rice
• Rice chips: multiple ingredients including rice flour, oat flour, and oil

Texture and Flavor Variety

Rice cakes have a light, airy texture that can be dry on their own. They are best enjoyed with spreads or toppings. Lundberg offers plain rice cakes as well as lightly salted or flavored varieties like Apple Pie Sweet Cakes, which add a touch of sweetness from organic apple juice concentrate and cinnamon.

Rice chips are designed for snacking straight out of the bag. They are crunchy, savory, and come in bold flavors like Chili & Lime, Fiery Hot, and Sea Salt. The texture is more substantial, making them a satisfying alternative to potato chips. If you crave a savory, crunchy snack without the need for toppings, rice chips are the way to go.

Which Snack Fits Your Lifestyle?

Choose Lundberg rice cakes if you're looking for a low-calorie, low-sodium base for creative toppings. They are ideal for portion control and can be part of a weight management plan. They also work well for those with dietary restrictions, as they are gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO.

Opt for rice chips when you want a ready-to-eat savory snack with more flavor and crunch. They are perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or movie nights. While higher in calories and sodium, they are still a healthier alternative to conventional potato chips, thanks to organic whole grains and no artificial ingredients.

Both Lundberg rice cakes and rice chips have their place in a healthy diet. Rice cakes are the lighter, more versatile option, while rice chips deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch. For a wholesome, ready-to-eat snack, try a bag of Lundberg rice chips. Explore the full range of organic snacks from Lundberg Family Farms and find your new favorite.