Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese crackers are a popular snack, but are they healthy? The answer depends on the ingredients and nutritional content of the crackers. Some cheddar cheese crackers are made with simple, natural ingredients and are a good source of protein, while others may be highly processed and contain high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and calories. The type of flour used, the presence of added sugars, and the quality of the cheese can also impact the healthiness of cheddar cheese crackers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fat content | Cheese crackers are not that high in fat to begin with. However, watch out for crackers that are "rich", "buttery", or "flaky", as these are red flags for high-calorie and fat content. |
| Sodium levels | Cheese spreads and crackers tend to be high in sodium. |
| Carbohydrates | Carbohydrate content varies across different brands of cheese crackers. |
| Protein | Cheddies crackers, for example, contain 6 grams of protein per serving. |
| Fiber | Some crackers, like Highkey Almond Flour Cheddar Crackers, are a good source of fiber. |
| Sugar | Sugar content varies across different brands of cheese crackers. |
| Calories | Calorie content varies across different brands of cheese crackers. |
| Allergies | Some cheese crackers are grain- and corn-free, making them a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. |
| Ingredients | Some crackers, like Cheddies, are made with simple and natural ingredients, and are non-GMO. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese crackers with low saturated fat
Cheese crackers are a popular snack, but are they healthy? The answer depends on the ingredients and how they are prepared. Some cheese crackers are high in fat and calories, while others are made with healthier ingredients and baking methods to reduce fat content.
Cheddar cheese crackers, for example, can be made with a variety of ingredients and methods to reduce saturated fat content without compromising on taste. Here are some tips and tricks to make healthier cheddar cheese crackers:
Choose Low-Fat Cheese: Start by selecting a low-fat cheddar cheese. Look for cheese with reduced fat content, such as skimmed milk cheese or low-fat cheese slices. Sargento, for example, offers a range of low-fat cheese slices suitable for keto diets.
Use Cheese Powder: Instead of using only shredded or block cheese, combine it with cheese powder. Cheese powder is dried and pulverized cheese that absorbs moisture and adds a boost of flavour. This helps reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing taste.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn't work as well in cracker recipes. Grate your own block cheese using a food processor or box grater. The sharper the cheese, the better, as it adds more flavour with less quantity.
Add Fibre-Rich Ingredients: Include ingredients that add fibre to your crackers. For example, use whole wheat flour or chickpea flour instead of plain flour. Fibre-rich ingredients help increase satiety and can balance the fat content of the crackers.
Bake at the Right Temperature: Cheddar cheese crackers should be baked at the right temperature to ensure they don't become soggy. Bake at around 300-350°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your crackers. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Dry in the Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and let the crackers dry inside for about an hour. Then, leave them in the cooled oven overnight to drive out any remaining moisture. This helps keep the crackers crisp and prevents them from becoming soft.
Store in an Airtight Container: Once your crackers are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. This will help them stay crisp for at least a week, if they even last that long!
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy cheddar cheese crackers with reduced saturated fat content. As always, remember to enjoy cheese crackers and other snacks in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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High protein and fibre content
Cheddar cheese crackers can be a good source of protein and fibre, depending on the brand and ingredients.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair body tissues, and it is recommended that protein makes up 10-35% of our daily calorie intake. Fibre, on the other hand, is important for healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, and adults should aim for about 25-30 grams of fibre per day.
Some cheddar cheese crackers, such as Cheddies Classic Cheddar Crackers, contain 6 grams of protein per serving, which is considered high. This is likely due to the use of real cheddar cheese and whey protein in their ingredient list. Other crackers, like Annie's Cheese Crackers with Hidden Veggies, provide 3 grams of protein per serving, which is still a good source, especially when paired with the hidden vegetables of pumpkin, tomato, and carrot.
In terms of fibre content, most cheddar cheese crackers provide around 1-2 grams of fibre per serving. For example, Mary's Gone Cheezee Crackers, which are plant-based and cheese-flavoured, offer 2 grams of fibre per 19 crackers. Similarly, the Highkey Almond Flour Cheddar Crackers, made with almond flour and cassava flour, provide 8 grams of fibre per serving, which is impressive and contributes to a balanced and filling snack.
When choosing cheddar cheese crackers, it is important to consider the other nutritional aspects as well. For instance, some crackers may be higher in saturated fat and sodium, which should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, certain crackers may be made with refined flours and added sugars, which can impact their overall nutritional value. Therefore, checking the ingredient list and nutritional information is crucial to making an informed choice.
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Organic and gluten-free options
If you're looking for organic and gluten-free options, there are several brands that offer cheddar cheese crackers with these specifications. For instance, Made Good's Cheddar Star Puffed Crackers are certified organic and gluten-free. They are also free from the top nine major allergens, making them a good option for those with food allergies. Each serving provides 25% of the recommended daily value of micronutrients, including vitamins D, A, C, E, B1, and B6.
Mary's Gone Cheezee Crackers are another certified organic and gluten-free option. These plant-based crackers are cheese-flavoured and provide 4 grams of protein per serving. They are described as crunchy and tasty while being lower in saturated fat and sodium compared to other options.
Additionally, you can find recipes online for homemade gluten-free cheddar cheese crackers. These recipes typically use gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, salt, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and water. You can also add herbs and spices to enhance the flavour, such as sage, rosemary, black pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder. These homemade crackers are a great option if you want more control over the ingredients and can be made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
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Non-GMO and vegan alternatives
While cheese crackers are often viewed as indulgent snacks, some options are healthier than others. For instance, some crackers are made with natural ingredients and are free from unhealthy chemicals, preservatives, and additives.
If you're looking for non-GMO and vegan alternatives, there are several options available:
Back to Nature Cheese Flavored Crackers
These crackers are vegan, non-GMO, and made with wheat flour. Customers describe them as fresh, crunchy, and crispy, with a buttery and cheesy flavor. They are considered a healthier alternative to other crackers, as they contain good quality ingredients and fewer additives. However, some customers dislike the salt content.
Highkey Almond Flour Cheddar Crackers
These crackers are vegan, organic, and have no added sugars. The cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast, and they are naturally colored with turmeric. Each serving has just 0.5 grams of saturated fat and 11% of the daily value of sodium. They also provide 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Annie's Cheese Cracker with Hidden Veggies
These crackers are certified organic and include vegetables like pumpkin, tomato, and carrot, adding natural color and flavor. They are also grain- and corn-free, making them suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities. Each serving of 45 crackers has just 5% of the daily value of saturated fat and 13% of the daily value of sodium.
Mary's Gone Cheezee Crackers
These crackers are plant-based, cheese-flavored, certified organic, and gluten-free. They are made with chickpea flour and provide 4 grams of protein per serving of 19 crackers. They are crunchy and tasty while offering only 10% of the daily value of saturated fat and 12% of the daily value of sodium.
Nuts For Cheese
This brand offers a variety of vegan cheese options, including a chipotle cheddar flavor that has received praise from customers.
In addition to these specific products, it is worth noting that vegan cheese options are becoming increasingly available, with brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, Miyokos, and Boursin offering plant-based alternatives. These can be paired with vegan crackers or regular crackers to create a non-GMO and vegan snack.
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Reduced-fat varieties
While cheese crackers are a delicious snack, they are not always the most nutritious option, especially for toddlers and growing children. However, reduced-fat varieties are available for those who want to consume less fat. According to the National Federation of the Blind, reduced-fat crackers contain at least 25% less fat than the original versions, which is about 2.5 to 3.5 grams of fat per serving. For instance, Keebler's reduced-fat "Town House" crackers have only two grams of fat per half-ounce serving.
Reduced-fat cheese crackers, such as Reduced Fat Cheez-Its, may appear to be a healthier option due to their lower fat content. However, it's important to note that cheese crackers aren't typically high in fat to begin with, so the reduction may not make a significant difference. Additionally, as fat content decreases, the sodium content often increases, so it's essential to consider the overall nutritional profile when making a choice.
Some specific examples of reduced-fat varieties include Keebler's "Town House" crackers and Kraft's "Healthy Favorites" line, which has 50% less fat than its regular counterparts. These reduced-fat options can be a good choice for those watching their fat intake, but it's always important to read the nutrition labels and compare different options to make an informed decision.
When considering the healthiness of cheddar cheese crackers, it's also worth noting that some brands may include vegetables to boost their nutritional content. For example, Annie's Cheese Crackers with Hidden Veggies include pumpkin, tomato, and carrot, adding natural color and flavor while also contributing to a healthier snack option.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese crackers can be healthy, but it depends on the brand and ingredients. Some crackers are made with simple, natural ingredients and are a good source of protein, while others are highly processed and high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories.
Some healthier options for cheddar cheese crackers include Cheddies, which are made with real cheddar cheese and simple ingredients, and are non-GMO and high in protein. Other options include Made Good's Cheddar Star Puffed Crackers, which are organic, gluten-free, and free from the top nine allergens, and Mary's Gone Cheezee Crackers, which are plant-based, certified organic, and gluten-free.
When looking for healthy cheddar cheese crackers, it's important to watch out for highly processed ingredients, such as white enriched flour and added sugars. Crackers that are described as "rich," "buttery," or "flaky," or those flavored with meat or cheese, are often high in calories and fat.
Some healthy alternatives to traditional cheddar cheese crackers include crackers made with cauliflower, whole grains, and vegetables, such as From the Ground Up's Cauliflower Cheddar Crackers, or those that are vegan and made with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, such as the crackers from Every Body Eat.
