Reduced-fat Ruffles chips

What they are: Potato chips that claim 25 percent less fat than the same brand's regular potato chips. "Reduced Fat!" shouts the label.

Is it true? Yes. As the chart below shows, these chips do have the claimed lower fat level — or even a bit lower. They also have 2/3 less saturated fat than the regular chips. (Neither has trans fat.)

So they're health food? Hardly. They still have a hefty 7 grams of fat per one-ounce serving (about 13 chips). They also have a bit more sodium (180 milligrams per serving) than the regular chips. Plus, many health authorities call chips "empty calories" because of their low nutritional value. And many chips lovers wouldn't stop at a single ounce.

What to do? If you're smitten with potato chips, you might choose these over the regular chips and eat only a few.

Or consider eating chips that, unlike these products, are baked so they contain little or no fat. Or snack on fruits or vegetables.

The chart compares calories, fat and sodium levels in one ounce of Ruffles Reduced Fat Potato Chips with the same amount of this brand's regular chips.

Judith Blake, Seattle Times staff writer