Calories in Carob Chips

Carob chips are prepared from the non-fleshy carob beans, hence the name. A leguminous species, the carob tree is indigenous to Mediterranean countries, and shares family with peas and beans. Nowadays, with the increased usage of carob beans, it is cultivated in many parts of the world.

Matured carob beans are flattened pods which are dried first to produce carob powder. This powder is used in making carob chips, and also as a substitute for cocoa and coffee. Taste wise, they are sweet, slightly nutty, and bitter. Marketed as gluten-free products, they are sold as sweetened or unsweetened types in the market. But, it is to be borne in mind that the sweetened version is not free of gluten.

When compared with chocolate products, carob chips are considered a better choice. The point is that carob beans are naturally sweet and require less sugar for making chips, which is not so in case of chocolate chips. Also, they are free of caffeine and other alkaloid ingredients. Most people prefer unsweetened carob chips, as they contain no added sugar and are low in calories.

The calories in carob chips are relatively very low as compared to other sweet food items. Hence, they are often used as a substitute for sweet ingredients by health conscious people. Needless to say, the exact calorie count depends on the ingredients, which vary from one food brand to another. Calories in unsweetened and sweetened carob chips are.

• Unsweetened Carob Chips: One serving (5 ounces) or 2 tablespoons of unsweetened carob chips yields 70 calories. 30 calories are contributed by total fats.
• Sweetened Carob Chips: One serving size (5 ounces) or 2 tablespoons is sufficient to provide 73 calories. It is found that 27 calories come from fats present in the chips.

As far as nutrition is concerned, they contain high percentage of proteins, just like other leguminous beans. Also, they are rich sources of fiber, carbohydrates, and calcium. Studies have revealed that they contain a moderate amount of fats and zero cholesterol.

The concern is the presence of sodium and natural sugar in high amounts. Considering this, patients who are suggested to restrict sodium and sugar intake should consult their doctor before consuming carob chips.

No doubt the calories in carob chips are lower than the similar looking chocolate chips, but they still contain calories and are not a safe replacement for healthy plant-based foods like vegetables and fruits. So, consume these chips in moderation, or as per the recommendations of a nutritionist.