Crack open that pantry door and beware—some crackers aren’t just harmless snacks; they’re sneaky little saboteurs plotting to wreck your diet one crunchy bite at a time.
Sure, they look innocent sitting there in their fancy boxes, but behind that crispy façade hides a wild cocktail of salt, sugar, and mystery oils ready to throw your healthy habits straight out the window.
Ready to unmask these crunchy villains before they sneak back into your shopping cart?
1. Ritz Crackers
They look innocent in their shiny red box and taste buttery in the best way. But refined flour and hydrogenated oils do the heavy lifting here, cranking up the calorie count without offering much nutrition.
Why They’re Bad: The processed fats and high sodium can become a daily habit that adds up fast. If you love the flavor, try limiting your portion and pair them with a protein-rich topping to slow down that carb rush.
2. Cheez-It Original
These squares are beloved for their cheddar taste and baked crunch. Yet they rely on artificial flavors, processed cheese, and a hefty dose of salt to deliver that addictive bite.
Why They’re Bad: It’s the combination of refined flour plus artificial additives that might spike your cravings. The result? You can end up polishing off the whole box before you realize it.
3. Wheat Thins
Marketed as “whole grain,” Wheat Thins might sound like a healthy choice. But take a peek at the label: added sugar and refined grains slip into the ingredients list.
Why They’re Bad: The sweeteners give these crackers a higher glycemic index, which can throw your blood sugar for a loop. If you truly want a wholesome wheat cracker, go for one with zero added sugars.
4. Goldfish Crackers
Their cute fish shape wins hearts, especially among kids. Sadly, the refined flour and artificial additives swim right alongside them.
Why They’re Bad: Each handful is mostly simple carbs that leave you hungry again in no time. They also use artificial colors to keep that bright, cheerful hue.
5. Austin Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter
A salty-sweet combo makes these pocket-friendly snacks tempting on busy days. Yet the cheese is highly processed, and the peanut butter often includes hydrogenated oils.
Why They’re Bad: Unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives all sneak in here. Throw in a sugary beverage, and you’ve got a triple threat for your waistline.
6. Club Crackers
Rich and buttery, these are perfect for dunking in soup or spreading with cheese. But that flavor often comes from processed oils and a hearty sprinkling of salt.
Why They’re Bad: Refined flour means you’re loading up on empty carbs, with minimal fiber. They vanish quickly on the palate, leaving you craving more.
7. Town House Original Crackers
They look fancy on a charcuterie board, but don’t let appearances fool you. The key ingredients are refined flours and artificial flavors.
Why They’re Bad: High sodium, little to no fiber, and a raft of processed oils. Pair them with salty toppings, and your daily sodium intake can skyrocket.
8. Captain’s Wafers Crackers
Soft, flaky, and often served alongside soups or in lunch packs. These crackers rely on hydrogenated oils to stay that way.
Why They’re Bad: Trans fats and a heavy hand with salt make these a poor choice if you’re trying to watch your heart health. Plus, the lack of whole grains leaves you hungry soon after.
9. Sociables Crackers
With varied shapes and a slight seasoning, these make a festive addition to party platters. Underneath, though, they’re just refined flour and salt.
Why They’re Bad: The “fun” flavors come from artificial additives. Expect little nutritional value and a noticeable thirst afterward thanks to extra sodium.
10. Better Cheddars
Picture Cheez-It’s cousin, only saltier. The bright orange color and intense cheddar taste come from processed ingredients, not real cheese.
Why They’re Bad: Sodium, saturated fat, and synthetic flavors combine to make these a munchie best reserved for rare occasions—if at all.
11. Triscuit Thin Crisps
Triscuits are known for being relatively wholesome, but the Thin Crisps version often includes additional sugar or refined flours. It’s a twist that can mess with that healthy image.
Why They’re Bad: When you add extra starches, you get a spike in carbs that lacks the fiber found in original Triscuit lines. That leads to faster digestion and less satiety.
12. Good Thins
The name alone sounds saintly, right? Unfortunately, many varieties are heavy on starch and contain very little actual nutrition.
Why They’re Bad: Refined potato or rice flour doesn’t keep you full. If you’re looking for a better snack, choose an option with recognizable whole grains and seeds.
13. Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies
They charm you with cute bunnies and the promise of organic ingredients. But even “organic” refined flour and processed cheese can still be problematic.
Why They’re Bad: The label might trick you into thinking it’s health food. In truth, these are still little carb bombs with minimal vitamins or fiber.
14. Chicken in a Biskit Crackers
They have a distinct savory flavor that screams comfort. Sadly, that taste comes from MSG, synthetic chicken flavoring, and lots of salt.
Why They’re Bad: High sodium plus mysterious flavor enhancers can lead to bloating and cravings for more. It’s a snack that’s all about instant gratification.
15. Keebler Toasteds
They appear delicate and refined, but behind that crisp exterior lurk refined carbs and hydrogenated oils. They also go heavy on salt for that addictive taste.
Why They’re Bad: Essentially, you’re popping mini salt-laden sponges into your mouth. Swap them for a whole-grain alternative if you want a better nutritional profile.
16. FlipSides Pretzel Crackers
Half cracker, half pretzel, and totally over-the-top in sodium. They’re fun to snack on, but that combination means extra refined carbs.
Why They’re Bad: The salt content can skyrocket, making it easy to blow past your recommended daily intake. They don’t offer much protein or fiber to balance things out.
17. Cheez-It Grooves
They’re basically Cheez-Its on steroids: thinner, crunchier, and with even more surface area for salt and artificial cheese powder.
Why They’re Bad: The processed ingredients get ramped up, too. This can mean more sodium and a bigger flavor punch—but less actual nutrition.
18. Nabisco Premium Saltines
A staple in many households, these plain crackers are deceptive. They’re almost all white flour and carry a fair amount of sodium without any redeeming fiber.
Why They’re Bad: “Simple” can sometimes be good, but here it’s just refined carbs plus salt. You’ll probably need more than a few to feel satisfied.
19. Lance Toast Chee Crackers
Bright orange crackers sandwiching equally orange cheese filling. The color alone hints at artificial dyes and processed ingredients.
Why They’re Bad: Salt, hydrogenated oils, and a synthetic cheese spread. It’s a trifecta that can bloat you and spike your cravings.
20. Barnum’s Animal Crackers
They might remind you of childhood, but these “crackers” are more like cookies. With refined sugar, refined flour, and minimal nutrients, they’re anything but a healthy snack.
Why They’re Bad: The sugar content can push your sweet cravings into overdrive. If you want a quick nostalgia fix, at least limit yourself to a small handful.
21. Handi-Snacks Cheese & Crackers
A little tub of processed cheese, plus refined-flour crackers, equals a sodium-heavy duo that’s short on real nutrients.
Why They’re Bad: The cheese sauce usually contains a cocktail of additives, and the crackers offer next to no fiber. This combo can leave you unsatisfied and reaching for more.
22. Cheese Nips
A direct competitor to Cheez-Its, these go all in on artificial flavors, colors, and added salt. The cheddar tang doesn’t come from fresh cheese.
Why They’re Bad: High sodium and processed flours contribute to a snack that’s basically empty calories. They’re tough to portion-control, too.
23. Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers
Take the ingredients from Ritz plus processed cheese, and you have a recipe for a miniature sodium bomb. They’re easy to mindlessly munch on until the bag’s empty.
Why They’re Bad: High in sugar, salt, and artificially flavored cheese. The lack of fiber means you’ll be hungry again soon—and likely craving more.
24. Teddy Grahams
Their shape might be adorable, but they’re still high in sugar and refined flour. One handful can quickly become three before you know it.
Why They’re Bad: These “crackers” behave more like cookies when it comes to nutritional impact. That sweetness can send your blood sugar soaring.
25. Mystical Marshmallow Crunch Crackers
Imagine a cracker that looks like a fairytale creation, combining the crunch of a traditional cracker with a sweet marshmallow filling. These Mystical Marshmallow Crunch Crackers might seem like a dream.
Why They’re Bad: They sneak in more sugar and unhealthy fats than you’d think. Relying on them as a snack can add empty calories and unwanted sugars to your diet.
26. Monterey Jack Cheese Crackers
Monterey Jack Cheese Crackers might seem innocent at first glance, with their cheesy allure and crispy texture. However, what lurks beneath the surface is a snack loaded with unhealthy saturated fats.
For those trying to maintain a balanced diet, indulging in these crackers may lead to regret. Their addictive quality can make restraint difficult, often resulting in overconsumption.
27. Spicy Jalapeño Crackers
Spicy Jalapeño Crackers are a bold choice for those who love a bit of heat in their snacks. Yet, their fiery kick is not the only thing that should catch your attention.
Consuming these crackers can lead to increased thirst and potential over-snacking. Their spicy nature might mask the high sodium content, leading you to consume more than intended, ultimately affecting your diet negatively.