Raising Are veggie straws healthy for kids 4–8? The Cheddar label
Are veggie straws healthy? One ounce of Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws (Cheddar) has 130 calories, 0 g added sugars, 1 g of protein, 0 g of fiber and 310 mg of sodium. The first ingredients are potato starch, potato flour and oil; spinach powder and tomato paste come after them. The label lists maltodextrin, natural flavors and colors, which mark a highly processed food under the NOVA system.
Veggie straws: snack check
- No added sugar
Label: 0 g added sugars; cane sugar is listed - Highly processed
Maltodextrin, natural flavors, colors (Cheddar label) - Low protein and fiber
1 g protein, 0 g fiber per 1 oz serving - Choking risk under 4
CDC: chips, pretzels, popcorn, 'or similar snack foods'
Each check is a yes-or-no fact with its source: a green check means the flag does not apply, an amber mark means it does. The count is not a health score. Our sources and how we check them.
| Serving | 1 oz (28 g, about 38 straws), Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws, Cheddar |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Added sugars | 0 |
| Protein | 1 |
| Fiber | 0 |
| Sodium | 310 |
Numbers: USDA FoodData Central, FDC 2624397 (Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws Cheddar label, 2023). Checked October 2026.
What's in it
Cheddar Garden Veggie Straws, 1 oz (28 g): 130 calories, 0 g added sugars, 1 g protein, 0 g fiber, 310 mg sodium (FDC 2624397). The Sea Salt version (FDC 1874979, 2021 label) lists 130 calories, 1 g protein, 1 g fiber and 210 mg sodium; its ingredients start with potato starch, potato flour and corn starch, with beetroot powder for color.
For kids 4–8
The CDC lists "potato or corn chips, pretzels, popcorn, or similar snack foods" as choking hazards for young children; veggie straws are a crisp, chip-type snack, which our method counts under that clause. Serve them seated, in a bowl rather than the bag. The Cheddar version contains milk, a major allergen.
Swaps and pairings
For a crunchy side with more fiber and protein, try air-popped popcorn for kids who are ready for it, or whole-grain crackers with cheese. If veggie straws are the snack, add a protein food such as a string cheese stick (6 g protein) or a glass of milk.
Store-bought vs homemade
Oven-baked vegetables are the homemade version: thin zucchini or sweet potato sticks tossed with a little oil and salt. They keep the vegetable's own fiber, which the starch-based straws do not show on the label.
FAQ
What are veggie straws made of?
Mostly potato starch and potato flour, then oil, spinach powder, tomato paste, salt and seasonings, per the Sensible Portions label. Flavored versions add maltodextrin and natural flavors.
Are veggie straws a vegetable?
The vegetable ingredients are powders and paste listed after the potato starch, flour and oil. A 1 oz serving lists 0–1 g of fiber, depending on flavor.
Why you can trust this page: every number and flag links to its source, a separate reviewer checks each page before it goes live, and the date shows when we last checked. Sources and method · Report an error
Facts for parents, not medical or nutrition advice. Ask your pediatrician about allergies or your child's needs.
More snack checks
Popcorn
Is popcorn healthy? Plain air-popped popcorn has no added sugar and 4.1 g fiber per ounce, but the AAP lists it as a choking risk. Numbers and sources.
Pretzels
Are pretzels healthy? Hard pretzels have 0 g added sugar but 370 mg sodium and 1 g fiber per serving, and the CDC lists them as a choking risk. Sources inside.
Rice cakes
Are rice cakes healthy? Plain rice cakes are brown rice and salt, 35 calories each, with under 1 g of protein and fiber. Toppings and choking facts inside.
Healthy Snacks for Kids: Easy Ideas for Ages 4–8, Plus Safety
Healthy snacks for kids ages 4–8: simple pairings, protein ideas, less-processed swaps, choking safety, nut-free school rules, and how to handle waiting.
Read next →Waiting for a treat is a skill. In our program for kids 5–6, the lesson "Boss of My Want" practices it.