Potato Chip Promises Energy Boost

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS13) - They look and crunch like any other chip, but these come with a kick.

In addition to potatoes, salt and spices, they've got B vitamins, protein, caffeine, and taurine, which is an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks.

Nutriontist Jo Ann Hattner isn't surprised to hear of yet another energy product.

"I think they're trying to target the young, those who are athletic or wish to be," said Hattner.

Although, she questions whether coating potato chips with energy supplements really give you much of a boost.

"It's what I call an image food. Seventy milligrams of caffeine is really not that much, you might get that in a shot of espresso," said Hattner.

However, you get fewer calories with an espresso shot.

The Arma Energy Chips come with 70 milligrams of caffeine and 290 calories.

Compare that to a can of Red Bull, which has 80 milligrams for 110 calories.

A shot of espresso offers the same boost, with only 5 calories.

So gram for gram, if you're watching your weight this product may not be for you.

And while the chips seem to be marketed to carbo-loading athletes, personal trainer Elizabeth Bachrad says they have better options.

"We strive for whole foods as much as possible that would give the most energy over a sustained period of time," Bachrad.

But just because they're not for the heath conscious doesn't mean their not for anyone.

If you're looking for a tasty treat with a bit of a boost, this might be your fix.