eli5: why is potato chips so high in calories but potatoes are relatively low?

Question

eli5: why is potato chips so high in calories but potatoes are relatively low?

In: Other

Answer 1

Potatoes are actually pretty high in calories too, since they are mostly comprised of starch, which is a form of sugar. Potato chips however take this starch and then fry it in oil, so you are essentially adding fat to sugar, which is going to result in a very high calorie snack.