Crackers are a popular snack enjoyed by children and adults alike. They're crunchy, satisfying and delicious to eat on their own or as a vehicle for spreads, dips and cheeses. And these days, there are more and more heathy cracker options on shelves.
Here, dietitians share their top healthy cracker picks with the most benefits, which less-healthy crackers to limit, and how to enjoy crackers as part of a healthy diet. Crackers can absolutely be healthy, Frances Largeman-Roth, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of , tells TODAY.com.
When eaten in moderation, crackers can be part of an overall healthy, balanced diet. "On their own, they aren’t necessarily a health food, but they also aren’t a food to completely avoid. They fall somewhere in the middle," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and nutrition editor for TODAY.
com. Some crackers are better for you than others. These days, there are an increasing number of crackers with made with healthy ingredients.
“Gone are the days of having only white flour-based, highly refined crackers. There are so many delicious and wholesome options now," says Largeman-Roth. When choosing healthy crackers, the experts recommend looking at the ingredients and nutrition label.
Try to choose crackers with: The more healthy, whole ingredients you can recognize on the nutrition label and the fewer additives, the better, says Rizzo. Here's what to look for: "Consumers should look for whole-grain flour or a nut-and-seed mix as the.