Is Crackers Ultra Processed?
Yes — Ultra-Processed
Most commercial crackers are ultra-processed (Level 4), containing refined flour, hydrogenated or interesterified oils, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Simple seed crackers or Triscuit-style crackers with 3-4 ingredients are exceptions at Level 2.
Key Findings
- •Triscuit (3 ingredients) and simple seed crackers are Level 2 exceptions in a mostly Level 4 category
- •Goldfish, Cheez-Its, and Ritz contain 15-25 ingredients each
- •Graham crackers, despite seeming simple, typically contain multiple sweeteners and preservatives
Why Is Crackers Ultra-Processed?
Mass-market crackers use chemical leavening, refined bleached flour, and multiple processing aids. Hydrogenated or interesterified oils provide shelf stability and texture. TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a common preservative. Flavor-enhanced crackers like Cheez-Its add cheese powder manufactured through an industrial spray-drying process, along with artificial colors.
Crackers Processing Level Distribution
How 998 crackers products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 22.2 · Average nutrition score: 4.9/10
Crackers Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed crackers products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Brown Rice Thin Puffed Cakes Snack Crackers | Suzie's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Brown Rice Thin Puffed Cakes Snack Crackers | Suzie's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Everything Toasted Snack Crackers, Everything | Craize | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Brown Rice Thin Puffed Cakes Snack Crackers | Suzie's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Matzo Crackers, Unsalted | Manischewitz | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Matzo Crackers, Unsalted | Manischewitz | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Multiseed Seeded Flatbread Crackers, Multiseed | Chesapeake Cracker Company | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.8 | 1 |
| Multiseed Seeded Flatbread Crackers, Multiseed | Chesapeake Cracker Company | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.8 | 1 |
| Multiseed Seeded Flatbread Crackers, Multiseed | Chesapeake Cracker Company | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.8 | 1 |
| Black Rice Crackers | Laiki | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 3 |
How to Read Crackers Labels
- 1
Triscuits list 3 ingredients (wheat, oil, salt) — a rare simple cracker
- 2
Avoid crackers listing "partially hydrogenated" oils (trans fats)
- 3
TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant preservative — a sign of ultra-processing
- 4
Cheese-flavored crackers use spray-dried cheese powder, not real cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Goldfish crackers ultra-processed?
Yes. Goldfish contain over 15 ingredients including autolyzed yeast extract, modified starches, and multiple oils. They are Level 4 despite their simple appearance.
What is the least processed cracker?
Triscuits (wheat, oil, salt), Mary's Gone Crackers (seeds, brown rice, herbs), and Scandinavian-style crispbreads with just rye and salt are among the least processed options.
Crackers Varieties
Processing levels vary by type. Explore specific varieties: