The Most Nutritious Store-Bought Crackers You Can Buy
Crackers are among the most versatile items you can have in your pantry. You can enjoy them with a creamy dip or spread, crumble them over a salad or soup to add a crunchy element or top them with chocolate and marshmallows for a delicious yet easy dessert. Nonetheless, while there are several different varieties of crackers, not all are created equal. While some contain a short list of wholesome ingredients, many can actually be considered ultra-processed foods: According to a 2021 study, processed foods are defined as heavily processed formulations containing minimal whole foods.
If you're at the supermarket shopping for crackers, you may be wondering how to spot the most nutritious ones. The first thing you should do when shopping for crackers (or any snack, for that matter) is to check their ingredients list and nutritional facts and opt for an option with the least amount of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, which according to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, should only account for 15% of your daily caloric intake.
Instead, go for the ones with the least amount of processed ingredients and higher fiber content. Fiber can help control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve your gut health, prevent cancer, and leave you feeling fuller for longer, which, in turn, can help manage your weight, according to a 2020 review published in Nutrients. There are a few incredibly good cracker brands out there that you can buy at your favorite store.
Mary's Gone Super Seed Crackers
Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Classic Crackers are an excellent choice if you're looking for a more exciting way to add some heart-healthy seeds to your meal or snack. They're made with pumpkin, sunflower, flax, sesame, and poppy seeds, which, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), can easily boost your heart health due to their nutrient-rich profile.
Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, which help manage blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, pumpkin seeds pack a punch of magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan, which promote heart and bone health, immunity, and sleep, respectively (as per the AHA).
Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed Classic Crackers are also made with other wholesome ingredients like brown rice and quinoa and pack three grams of fiber and five grams of plant-based protein per serving. Plus, they are certified gluten-free, verified Non-GMO, USDA Organic, vegan, and kosher. And for the adventurous people who like to keep things interesting, the brand also has an additional five different flavors, including jalapeño, basil garlic, seaweed, everything, and rosemary.
Hippie Snacks Original Cauliflower Crisps
To say that cauliflower has become one of the most interesting vegetables to cook with might be the understatement of the decade. It pretty much went from being just a bland and boring vegetable to a vegetable that can be used in pizza, rice, tortillas, pasta, and even a vegan alternative for wings. Thus, it's safe to say you can turn cauliflower into pretty much any imaginable dish, including the Hippie Snacks' Crispy Cauliflower Crackers.
These crackers are made with minimally-processed ingredients to keep them as real and natural as possible. They are also naturally gluten-free, verified Non-GMO, 100% plant-based, and pack five grams of protein per serving.
Furthermore, choosing cauliflower-based crackers over regular crackers can help you increase your daily vegetable intake, which, according to a 2022 study published in Circulation, is associated with lower mortality and a key factor for reducing many chronic diseases. Yet, the study notes that as the average intake for Americans is one and a half servings of vegetables per day, American adults are far from the two and a half servings recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Orga Foods Original Super Crisps
Orga Foods Original Super Crisps are just what fiber dreams are made of. They're made with 100% organic ingredients: These are so natural that you could easily make them at home with a few simple items from the grocery store (except who wants to go through all the cooking and cleaning trouble when these crackers are just as good?). The ingredient list consists of five different seeds; flax, chia, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin, followed by organic chickpea flower and pink Himalayan salt. Plus, these crackers are also gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and verified Non-GMO.
Orga Foods Super Crisps contain about 6 grams of fiber per serving, and they provide all the benefits insoluble fiber has to offer. According to a 2020 review published in Nutrients, insoluble fiber is the type of fiber that comes from whole-grain sources, and it's linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, these crackers contain no added sugars, and they're low in sodium. Lastly, according to consumer reports, Orga Foods Original Super Crisps are light and crispy and make a great addition to your breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner.
Hu Kitchen Paleo Vegan Crackers
Do you follow a paleo diet and struggle to find tasty paleo-friendly snacks? Well, search no more because Hu Kitchen Paleo Vegan Crackers might just be what you were looking for. These certified paleo crackers are made with a grain-free flour blend comprised of almonds, cassava, and coconut: Aside from containing no refined starches, they are also gluten-free
These crackers include other ingredients like flax and chia seeds, which provide heart-healthy fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (via the American Heart Association (AHA). In addition, Hu Kitchen Paleo Vegan Crackers are verified as Non-GMO, vegan, and kosher. They are also free of seed and vegetable oils, tapioca, soy, dairy, and additives like maltodextrin and lecithin, which are commonly used in the food industry to enhance flavor and texture, respectively.
Plus, in an effort to keep their ingredients simple and clean, they are seasoned with natural spices like sea salt, thyme, and rosemary. Hu Kitchen Paleo Vegan Crackers offers three different cracker flavors, including sea salt, everything, and pizza, which you could enjoy on their own or with your favorite dip or cheese.
Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers
Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers are a delicious addition to any gluten-free cheese platter. Since these crackers are oat-based, they provide multiple healthy compounds that are present in oats, such as beta-glucan, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. According to a 2016 study published in Foods, beta-glucan is the soluble fiber that gives oats their health benefits, including its cholesterol-lowering effect and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers are verified Non-GMO, certified gluten-free, and kosher, as well as soy-, dairy-, and egg-free.
Bob's Red Mill Oat Crackers are notorious for being thin and crispy (unlike many gluten-free products, which are known for their unflattering texture). They are available in four different flavors, including classic, rosemary, sesame, and jalapeño. These crackers can be served with a wide variety of dips and spreads, such as hummus, tahini, avocado, or nacho cheese sauce. They can also be topped with your choice of cheese and veggies.
Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps
If you follow a keto lifestyle, are a vegetarian, or are on the look for a gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free snack, then Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps might save your day by ticking all of your boxes. These crunchy and keto-friendly crackers are made with only one ingredient: Parmesan cheese.
Thus, they have the cheese's characteristically nutty flavor. Additionally, unlike many crackers, these are baked instead of being fried. This saves you from unnecessarily eating unhealthy saturated fats, which, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), can increase your risk of heart disease.
Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps also pack a whopping 13 grams of protein and just 1 gram of total carbs per serving. Furthermore, these cheese crisps are available in multiple additional flavors, including garlic herb, cheddar, hot and spicy, tangy ranch, asiago and pepper jack, barbeque, and nacho. Lastly, these crackers are incredibly versatile. According to their website, you could crush them up and use them as a breading substitute, as salad croutons, or just eat them straight out of the bag.
Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers
Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers are rice-based crackers that are perfect for those that are looking for a different gluten-free alternative. These crunchy crackers are made with olive oil, which is known for being a rich source of heart-healthy fats and cancer-fighting properties (via a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences).
Aside from being certified gluten-free, Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers are vegan, kosher dairy, and verified Non-GMO. Plus, they contain no added flavors, are made in a peanut-free facility, and due to their olive oil, flax, and sesame seed content, they're also a good source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Additionally, since they are baked rather than fried, they are free of cholesterol and trans fats, which is a type of unhealthy fat associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke (as per the American Heart Association). Consumers describe the crackers as having a nut-like flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings, such as peanut butter and jelly or cheese and guacamole.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Whether you have a dietary restriction or follow a specific dietary pattern, Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers are an excellent choice, even for the pickiest eater. These crackers are made with a blend of almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flaxseed flour blend. They're certified gluten-, grain-, corn-, and dairy-free, kosher, verified Non-GMO, vegan, and paleo-friendly. Plus, they're seasoned with natural spices such as organic onion and garlic.
These crackers are an almond-based product, and they're rich in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant that may reduce your risk of heart disease and Alzheimer's (via Healthline). Almond flour is highly nutritious and an excellent wheat flour alternative for blood sugar and cholesterol control. Furthermore, the crackers are baked instead of being fried and are available in a variety of flavors, including cheddar, rosemary and sea salt, sun-dried tomato and basil, ground sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
Back to Nature Multi-Seed Rice Thin Crackers
Back to Nature Multi-Seed Rice Thin Crackers are a wholesome gluten-free alternative to your traditional wheat-based cracker. These plant-based crackers are made with brown rice flour and are certified gluten-free as well as kosher, verified Non-GMO, Whole Grains Council certified, and Good Housekeeping nutritionist approved. Furthermore, they are described as having an earthy texture due to their mix of seeds, which include sesame, poppy, black sesame, and flax seeds.
Aside from taking care of your health, the Back to Nature brand also takes care of the world by partnering with The Nature Conservancy (a nonprofit environmental organization considered one of the most efficient and effective worldwide) and supporting initiatives that focus on conservation to preserve the planet. Consumers report that Back to Nature Multi-Seed Rice Thin Crackers are so tasty so tasty that you don't even realize they're gluten-free. Claims also suggest they are an excellent addition to your afternoon snack or charcuterie board.
Fat Snax Almond Flour Crackers
Whether you are a keto fan or simply follow a low-carb lifestyle, Fat Snax Almond Flour Crackers are the right snack for you. Fat Snax crackers are made with clean, healthy, keto-friendly ingredients, and given that they trade wheat flour for almond and coconut flour, they are also gluten- and grain-free. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) explains that the keto diet is a high-fat eating pattern that is moderate in protein and promotes a low-carb intake.
Therefore, since Fat Snax Almond Flour Crackers were designed with the keto diet in mind, the crackers follow those guidelines and contain 11 grams of fat and as little as 2 to 3 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the flavor (you can choose between sea salt, everything, cheddar, and rosemary olive oil). Fat Snax crackers are perfect for any kind of dip or sauce. You'll surely find something to pair them with, from a light and fresh tomato sauce to a thick and firm cream cheese spread.
Top Seedz Cumin Crackers
If you're looking for a paper-thin, seed-based cracker to enjoy with your favorite cheese or spread, then this is your sign to stop looking because Top Seedz Cumin Crackers are the cherry on top for your next salad, soup, or dip.
These crackers are made with a mix of organic health-promoting seeds, including sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds. They are also certified organic, vegan, and gluten- and nut-free. Plus, since the remaining ingredients only include natural spices, olive oil, and cornstarch, these crackers are considered keto-friendly.
Top Seedz Cumin Crackers are seasoned with cumin seeds and powder. According to Healthline, cumin has been linked to numerous health benefits, including blood sugar and cholesterol control, weight loss properties, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory effects, and memory-enhancing properties. Aside from their cumin-flavored crackers, Top Seedz offers a few additional flavors, such as sea salt, rosemary, and maple magic.
Flackers Organic Sea Salt Flax Seed Crackers
Flackers Organic Sea Salt Flax Seed Crackers are nutrient-rich crackers that are made with few yet wholesome ingredients. The ingredient list of these crackers consists of only three components: High-quality organic flax seeds, organic apple cider vinegar, and sea salt. Yet, despite their short ingredient list, these crackers pack a punch of flavor described as nutty and earthy that pairs perfectly with mild but tasty spreads like hummus or tzatziki.
Flackers Organic Sea Salt Flax Seed Crackers are naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. They are also vegan, paleo, and kosher. Additionally, since they are made with germinated flax seeds, they are considered highly nutritious, considering that the germination process enhances the seed's nutritional value (according to a 2021 study published in Nutrients).
Aside from their sea salt-flavored crackers, the brand has three additional flavors, including cinnamon and currants, savory, and rosemary crackers. Lastly, not only are these crackers considered keto-friendly and low-carb, they are also classified as a low glycemic food (the type that won't spike your blood sugar after eating it).