Banana chips are a popular snack because they are crunchy, sweet, and easy to carry. Many people assume they are simply dried bananas and therefore just as healthy as fresh fruit. However, when you look closely at banana chips calories, the difference between banana chips and fresh bananas becomes very clear.
Understanding this difference helps you make better snack choices, especially if you are tracking calories, managing weight, or trying to eat more mindfully.
What Are Banana Chips?
Banana chips are made by slicing bananas and then drying, baking, or frying them until they become crisp. In most commercial versions, the slices are deep-fried in oil and sometimes coated with sugar or flavouring.
During processing, bananas lose most of their water. What remains is a concentrated form of carbohydrates and fat. This is the main reason banana chips calories are much higher than expected.
Banana Chips Calories per 100g
Looking at calories per 100 grams gives the clearest comparison.
On average:
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Banana chips calories (100g): 480–520 calories
The exact number depends on preparation:
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Deep-fried banana chips are highest in calories
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Lightly fried versions are slightly lower
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Baked or air-dried banana chips are lower, but still calorie-dense
This is very different from the calories from banana in its natural, fresh form.
Why Banana Chips Are So High in Calories
1. Water Removal
Fresh bananas contain a large amount of water. When bananas are dried or fried, this water is removed, but the natural sugars remain. This concentrates calories into a much smaller volume.
2. Added Oil
Most banana chips are fried in coconut oil or vegetable oil. Oil adds a large number of calories very quickly, even in small amounts.
3. Added Sugar
Some packaged banana chips include added sugar or sweet coatings, further increasing banana chips calories.
Because of these factors, a small handful of banana chips can contain the same calories as several fresh bananas.
Banana Chips Calories by Type (Table)
| Type of Banana Chips | Approx. Calories (100g) |
|---|---|
| Deep-fried banana chips | 500–520 |
| Lightly fried banana chips | 480–500 |
| Baked banana chips | 430–460 |
| Air-dried banana chips | 400–420 |
Even the lowest-calorie options are still much higher than calories from banana eaten raw.
Banana Chips Calorie’s per Common Serving
Most people do not eat 100 grams at once, but banana chips are easy to overeat.
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20g (small handful): ~95–105 calories
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30g (medium snack): ~145–160 calories
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50g (large portion): ~240–260 calories
Because they are crunchy and not very filling, banana chips calorie’s can add up quickly without you realizing it.
Banana Chips vs Calories From Banana (Fresh)
The contrast is significant.
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Fresh banana (100g): ~89 calories
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Banana chips (100g): ~500 calories
Fresh bananas provide water, fiber, and volume, which help you feel full. Banana chips lack this volume, making them easier to eat in large quantities. This is why calories from banana in whole form are much more diet-friendly than banana chips.
Are Banana Chips Healthy?
Banana chips are not junk food, but they are not the same as whole fruit.
Pros:
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Contain potassium
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Provide quick energy
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Convenient and shelf-stable
Cons:
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Very high in calories
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Often high in fat
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Less filling than fresh bananas
Compared to calories from banana eaten fresh, banana chips deliver more calories with less satiety. This is very different from the calories from banana when it is eaten fresh, where water and fiber help control portion size and fullness.
Banana Chips Calories and Weight Loss
For weight loss, banana chips require caution.
Because banana chips calories are high and portions are small, they can easily push you into a calorie surplus. Many people eat them thinking they are making a healthy choice.
If weight loss is your goal:
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Limit portions strictly
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Avoid sugar-coated and deep-fried varieties
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Do not eat them daily
Fresh fruit is usually a better option.
Banana Chips Calories for Weight Gain
For people trying to gain weight, banana chips can be useful.
They provide:
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High calories in small portions
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Easy snacking between meals
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Quick energy
They work best when combined with balanced meals, not used as the main food source.
How to Eat Banana Chips More Wisely
You do not need to eliminate banana chips completely.
Smarter habits include:
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Measuring portions instead of eating from the packet
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Choosing baked or air-dried versions
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Pairing with protein or fiber-rich foods
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Treating them as an occasional snack
This keeps banana chips calorie’s under control.
Final Thoughts
Banana chips calorie’s are far higher than most people expect. While banana chips can be tasty and convenient, they are a concentrated source of energy due to water removal and added fats. Compared to calories from banana in its natural form, banana chips deliver much more energy in a much smaller portion.
Enjoy banana chips occasionally, but for everyday snacking, fresh bananas remain the more balanced and filling choice.
