Answer

In Jain Dharma, cassava root chips should generally be avoided, because cassava is a root vegetable.

Explanation

Jain food discipline traditionally avoids kand-mool — root vegetables such as potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, beets, and similar underground roots/tubers.

The reason is that:

• Uprooting the plant destroys the entire plant.
• Root vegetables may contain many subtle living beings.
• They often involve more himsa compared to fruits, grains, pulses, and above-ground vegetables.

Cassava is an underground root/tuber, so cassava chips would fall under this category.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain food choices are guided by ahimsa — minimizing harm to living beings as much as possible. Avoiding root vegetables helps cultivate awareness, restraint, and compassion in daily life.

Takeaway

If you are following Jain dietary rules, it is best to avoid cassava root chips.