The Short Answer
Hippeas are a caution. Despite the brilliant marketing and "health halo," these are highly processed snacks made with inflammatory seed oils.
They also recently dropped their USDA Organic certification. This increases your risk of glyphosate exposure. Even worse, an August 2024 independent lab test found unsafe levels of cadmium and arsenic in their popular Vegan White Cheddar flavor.
Why This Matters
Hippeas quietly dropped their organic label. If you look at older bags, they proudly displayed the USDA Organic seal. Today, the ingredient list simply says "chickpea flour," meaning they switched to conventional farming.
Conventional chickpeas are heavily sprayed with glyphosate. Farmers frequently use the weedkiller Roundup as a desiccant to dry out legumes right before harvest. Without the organic label, you are highly likely to be eating pesticide residue.
August 2024 independent lab tests found unsafe levels of cadmium and arsenic. The advocacy group Lead Safe Mama reported that the Vegan White Cheddar flavor tested positive for these heavy metals at levels considered dangerous for children.
Heavy metals bioaccumulate in the body. They don't just flush out in your urine. When kids eat these puffs daily, the heavy metals build up in their organs and bones, increasing long-term toxicity risks.
These are still an ultra-processed food. Because they are vegan and gluten-free, many parents treat them as a health food. But when you look at the Oils In Chips and synthetic flavorings used, they are ultimately just junk food with better PR.
What's Actually In Hippeas
Here is the ingredient breakdown for their popular Groovy White Cheddar flavor. It is a textbook ultra-processed ingredient list.
- Chickpea Flour — A decent source of protein, but no longer certified organic, meaning a high risk of glyphosate exposure.
- Sunflower Oil — A highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids. Overconsumption drives chronic inflammation. Oils In Chips
- Yellow Pea Flour — Another conventional legume flour. Peas are notorious for absorbing heavy metals from the soil.
- Maltodextrin — A highly processed carbohydrate used as a thickener. It spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar.
- Natural Flavor — An umbrella term for proprietary chemical blends. It is used to mimic the taste of real cheddar cheese without using dairy.
- Cane Sugar — Added sugar. It is included simply to make the puffs hyper-palatable.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Plant-based protein — They deliver 4g of protein and 3g of fiber per serving.
- Dairy-free — They are a great option for those with severe lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Red Flags:
- No longer organic — High risk for glyphosate on the conventional chickpeas and peas.
- Heavy metals — Positive tests for cadmium and arsenic in recent 2024 independent labs.
- Seed oils — They use processed sunflower oil instead of cleaner options. Chips No Seed Oils
- Highly processed — The maltodextrin and natural flavors make this an ultra-processed snack.
The Best Options
You can do much better than Hippeas. If you want a clean puff, look for brands that prioritize organic ingredients and avoid industrial seed oils. Check out our full guide to the Healthiest Cheese Snack.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serenity Kids | Grain Free Puffs | ✅ | Made with cassava and zero seed oils. |
| LesserEvil | Paleo Puffs | ✅ | Organic, grain-free, and tumbled in coconut oil. |
| Hippeas | Chickpea Puffs | ⚠️ | Heavy metal concerns, dropped organic status, and sunflower oil. |
| Cheetos | Cheese Puffs | 🚫 | Loaded with artificial colors (Yellow 6) and MSG. |
The Bottom Line
1. Treat them like junk food, not health food. They might be better than Cheetos, but they are still an ultra-processed snack. Are Cheese Puffs Bad
2. Limit consumption for kids. Because of the 2024 heavy metal testing, do not make these an everyday staple for toddlers.
3. Upgrade your puffs. Look for brands that use clean oils and strictly organic ingredients. Healthiest Cheese Snack
FAQ
Are Hippeas organic?
No, they recently dropped their organic certification. While older packaging shows the USDA Organic seal, current bags list conventional chickpea and pea flours.
Do Hippeas contain heavy metals?
Yes, recent independent testing found unsafe levels. An August 2024 lab report found elevated levels of cadmium and arsenic in the Vegan White Cheddar flavor.
Are Hippeas healthier than Cheetos?
Yes, but the bar is incredibly low. Hippeas have more protein and fiber, and they avoid the artificial food dyes and MSG found in Cheetos. Are Cheese Puffs Bad
Do Hippeas use seed oils?
Yes, they are cooked in sunflower oil. This is a highly processed oil that can contribute to inflammation when consumed in high amounts. Chips No Seed Oils