We Tested Dozens of Healthy Crackers, and These Are the Tastiest Ones to Snack On (2024)

If you could see the crumbs on our keyboards, you’d know that the Prevention team cannot function without copious snacking. Everyone in the office is pretty much always game for a midday healthy snack break—especially when crackers are on the menu. This food comes in clutch if you’re assembling a cheeseboard, looking for something to spread peanut butter onto, or whenever you’re simply craving some crunch. So when the time came to taste test the best healthy crackers, there was no shortage of volunteers.

What qualifies as a healthy cracker, you ask? The answers are right on the box—not the front, with the confusing marketing claims, like “all-natural” (which means different things to different people) or “made with,” written in mouse type, and then, in a bigger font, “REAL VEGETABLES.” Instead, check out the side panel for the real deal.

What to look for in a healthy cracker:

“When it comes to choosing a healthy cracker, the most important place to look is the ingredients label,” says Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., the Good Housekeeping Institute’s registered dietician. “Ideally, you want as few ingredients as possible and no refined grains.” Whole grains, nut flours, or vegetables make for a great base, while seeds and nuts can add more crunch to the equation. Next, peruse the nutrition data. “Try to choose an option that is high in fiber (3 grams or more per serving is ideal) but low in sodium (140 milligrams or less per serving) and minimal-to-no added sugar.”

You also want to make sure you’re picking something that has a little protein, adds Lauren Slayton, M.S., R.D., founder of FoodTrainers in New York City. This nutrient, along with fiber, will help you stay full. And do your best to avoid refined oils, such as canola, soybean and corn oil. “These are stripped of their nutrients,” Slayton says.

Fortunately, you can find a lot of healthy crackers that meet most, if not all, of the above criteria. But it’s hard to tell which ones will actually taste good. That’s why the Prevention team tore open dozens of boxes to find the best-tasting options available—from gluten-free or grain-free classics to cauliflower crackers.

Curious to know how we tested? Tasters rated each cracker, providing separate scores for both texture and flavor, and including detailed notes. Because people’s tastes are so subjective—one person’s “just the right amount of salt” is another person’s “OMG too salty!”—we’re recommending the ones upon which most people commented favorably, and that no one thought tasted, as one tester commented about one sample, “like corrugated cardboard.” (Everybody’s a critic.)

Check out the results of our healthy cracker taste test, listed in no particular order—these are all winners.

Sometimes you just want a nice, salty bite with no other strong flavors butting in. “Good crunch—heartier than saltines, but in that zone,” said one taster. Because these are made with an almond and seed flour blend, they pack in the protein content (and are gluten-free, too!). Plus they are made with organic sunflower oil and come in single-serving bags to toss in your purse.

These classics are sturdy and salty, and you’re likely to see them at any party you attend. While they may not be the absolute most nutritious answer, you needn’t steer clear, either. “Triscuits aren’t a bad choice, since the first ingredient is whole grain wheat, which is what you want to look for,” says Sassos. But it’s not a calorie bargain, so pay attention to how many you eat and what you pile on top of each cracker. “The serving size is pretty meek, at only six crackers for 120 calories.”

Testers appreciated an assortment of crackers from this brand, but the flax ones were definitely a hit. Made with a combination of rice and almond flour, “they don’t taste like nuts and have a nice texture,” said one eater. “Nut-Thins stand apart from the other crackers because they contain 400 milligrams of ALA omega-3s per serving,” Sassos says. “The ingredients are simple, they contain no sugar, and are low-sodium which is a win.”

For a lighter, more flavor-forward crisp, you can’t go wrong with these Swedish-style crackers. Unlike others we tried, these have a distinct rosemary flavor that is neither fake nor overpowering. Plus, everyone agreed that these could be a great addition to (almost) any cheese board. One taster said, “I’m already envisioning all the types of cheese I could pair this with,” as others imagined how delicious Brie or sharp Pecorino would be. (P.S. We also named the brand’s thick Rye Swedish Crispbread in Prevention’s 2020 Healthy Snack Awards.)

These crisps are light and cute (they’re about the size of Cheese Nips) and their first ingredient is actually butternut squash. “What a great way to sneak in some vegetables while munching on crackers,” says Sassos. “The serving size on these is awesome—you can have 44 crackers for only 100 calories. Plus, they have a cheesy flavor but are made with vegan ingredients.” Her only beef is that the sodium though is a bit higher than the other contenders on this list.

“These gluten-free crackers are free from the top eight allergens,” says Sassos. “They are low sodium and have no added sugar, plus you can have 21 crackers for only 130 calories. Four grams of protein per serving is pretty good for crackers, too.” Tasters loved the “light, popcorn-y texture,” and one suggested they’d do well floating in tomato soup.

Tasters enjoyed the how these lentil and corn crackers had a hint of turmeric, as well as three types of seeds (flaxseed, sesame and chia). The company’s kale crackers also scored raves, even from people who said they didn’t support the trendy green out of principle. “They are USDA organic and all gluten-free, plus they are all low-sodium and have no cholesterol,” Sassos says of all RW Garcia varieties. “The only change I would love to see is the highlighted ingredient (ie: lentil, sweet potato, sweet beet, or chickpea) as number one on the ingredients list, since each variety lists organic stone ground white corn as the first ingredient.”

Another gluten-free alternative, these crackers earned their ranking for their subtlety. They’re not too salty and not too bland, which makes them an ideal grain-free base for your go-to toppings. And, people were fans of the texture. One taster said they loved how they’re ultra-crispy, yet you “don’t get bits stuck in your teeth.”

Once again, several flavors of these were beloved (the cheesy garlic and ultimate everything also got shoutouts) but this straightforward cracker was a hit for those looking for a simple, satisfying snack. “I could snack on this as is—no toppings needed!” raved one taster. Sassos agrees: “Crunchmaster is a staple in our house because you can find them practically anywhere and they have so many varieties. I like the multi-seed crackers since they have a nice crunch and are 100% whole grain. They are low-sodium and contain no sugar. They have a great crunch and pair well with salsa or hummus!”

Unlike some flavored choices, these are subtle with “no weird aftertaste,” says one taster. Plus, they’re thick, so they “would be good with a dip or hummus,” said another. “Mary’s Gone Crackers are 100% USDA Organic and are one of my favorites,” Sassos says. “They are packed with all different types of seeds and have 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber in the original variety—very satisfying, in my opinion.”

Many tasters compared these cheesy crackers to other brands you typically find at the grocery store, but these have cauliflower listed as the first ingredient. They do clock in higher on the sodium (about 330mg for 50 crackers), but each plant-based bite is bursting with “bold, cheesy flavor” thanks to a myriad of spices.

Is it a cracker? Is it a flatbread? The mystery persists, but the crunch says cracker—and you can top them with the same stuff you’d put in a sandwich, a plus if you’re moving beyond just a snack. (One favorite topper: Salmon Rillette). “It’s filling and packed with all different types of seeds and whole grains,” Sassos says. “Plus, 1 slice is only 45 calories and contains 3 grams of fiber.”