French Fry Diary 706: Wai Lana Chips

These snack chips made from cassava rather than potato began to show up at local Wawas maybe a year or two ago, and yes, I'm just getting around to reviewing them now. Wai Lana the person is apparently the world's most famous yoga teacher, watched by millions worldwide on television. She's not just a teacher or media phenomenon, and it's not just a cassava chip, Wai Lana is a lifestyle.

All that said, on to the chips. Cassava is a root vegetable native to the South American tropics. According to the packaging, these cassava chips have 30% less fat than regular potato chips, and they're also gluten free with zero transfats. Furthermore they have no GMOs, cholesterol, artificial flavors or preservatives. They come in a dazzling variety of Asian inspired flavors including sweet & sour and Tai curry & lime, also lime chili, as well as more traditional ones like sea salt & vinegar and barbeque.

I chose three flavors to try - the Sweet & Sour, Thai Curry & Lime, and my favorite potato chip flavor, Barbeque. The chips actually look similar in size and shape to the various air popped chips out there.

I didn't really get a sweet and sour taste from the Sweet & Sour, not sure what the flavor was, but it wasn't bad. The Thai Curry & Lime had a tiny bit of a kick to them, with the lime really standing out. The Barbeque was very smoky but without the sweet vibe that flavor needs.

These weren't bad, and were certainly tastier and more flavorful than most healthy snacks, but I think I'll stick with more traditional potato chips myself.