Alcohol with Potato Chips or Peanuts
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Shifa Fathima's photo

By Shifa Fatima, MSc.,

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Apoorva T, MHM.

Reviewed: June 8, 2022

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Experiment Question

Which of these Foods is the Better Choice? Alcohol with Potato Chips or Alcohol with Peanuts?

Experiment Answer

Alcohol with Peanuts!

Roasted peanuts have almost half carbohydrates as compared to potato chips in the same quantity. To avoid a spike in sugar levels, it is important to take a snack that is not high in carbs, along with alcohol. Hence, best snacks with alcohol in India definitely are peanuts.

Scientific Rationale

The human body can lose a lot of water during prolonged physical activities, like marathons, during which essential minerals like potassium and salt can be lost. Here's where peanuts and beer come in: Nuts are rich in potassium and weak beers, like lagers, contain vitamins and carbohydrates. Experts even suggest the combination could be more beneficial for hydration than water or a sports drink

Peanuts have high amounts of fat which are helpful in slowing the absorption of alcohol. During long runs - including marathons - the human body can potentially lose up to three litres of fluid every hour. Nuts are rich in potassium and contain vitamins and carbohydrates which will restore energy. The kind of food usually consumed along with Beer like potatoes chips, fries, pakoda, and more are all salty in nature and increases thirst. This makes us crave for more fluids which in this case could be beer, thus resulting in consuming excessive empty calories because of it.

FAQs

Are Peanuts Good with Alcohol?

If you’ve ever been to a bar, you would have noticed the bartenders serving peanuts with alcohol in most places. Well, there is science behind it. Peanuts taste better, and are also high in fat content, making it easier for the body to absorb alcohol. The distinct peanut flavor also helps balance the flavors by taming the astringent tannins and bitter hops of beer. Also know about peanut for diabetes

What Snacks Are Good While Drinking Alcohol?

There are various snacks you can enjoy with alcohol; however, the items can vary depending on your location. For example, snacks like rice paper rolls, popcorn, crackers with toppings, hydrated fruits, olives, and edamame go well with alcohol outside India. But options like paneer tikka, masala papad, spicy chicken wings, potato fritters, and peanut chaat go well with alcohol in India. Thus are mostly favored as best snacks for drinking alcohol.

What Foods Should Never Be Mixed with Alcohol?

Beans, excessive salty food, bread, marinara pizza, and chocolate are some food items that generally don’t go well with alcohol. Be it in terms of taste or food composition; it just doesn’t sit well with alcohol. You can instead pair alcohol with items like mildly salted peanuts, vegetable fritters, and more.  

Why do People Eat Peanuts When Drunk?

Most beers have an intense bitter taste, and having them with peanuts makes them taste slightly sweeter. Besides making the beer taste less bitter, it also helps the body to absorb the alcohol consumption slowly. Peanuts are able to aid alcohol consumption because of their fat content.

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Disclaimer

This website's content is provided only for educational reasons and is not meant to be a replacement for professional medical advice. Due to individual differences, the reader should contact their physician to decide whether the material is applicable to their case.