Crispy, crunchy, glutenfree crackers? Yes, really. Here’s the scoop on the best — and worst.
It’s crunch time — for happy gluten-free eaters. The days when gluten-avoiders had to suffer without the crispy crunch of a well-made cracker are gone, done, over. Today, a stroll down any cracker aisle turns up crackers of all sorts that don’t have a trace of gluten.
Made with a creative array of nut, vegetable and grain flours, gluten-free crackers are not only plentiful, but surprisingly tasty — when done right. Most are crispy and seedy, predominantly made from rice and sesame. Others are similar to their gluten-packed cousins; think Carr’s Water Crackers, Cheez-its or Wheat Thins.
The best are toasty, flavorful bites that leave you wondering what took them so long to make it to market. The worst are oddball concoctions that are oily, over-seasoned or texturally challenged — or they taste like a tragic health-food collision.
Here’s the scoop on the best gluten-free crackers and the yucky, crunchy mistakes. Nutrition details refer to 30 grams, which can range from five to 28 crackers, depending on size and ingredients.
Crunchmaster Multi-seed Chile Pasilla
A perfect balance of seasonings in these crispy, spicy, snack-sized crackers made with brown rice and potato starch makes these disappear quickly. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 120 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $3.69 for 4.5 ounces at Whole Foods.
Absolutely Gluten Free Original
These simple white crackers are a standout alternative to water crackers. They are slightly under-seasoned, but have a pleasant crunch and are thick enough to play well with charcuterie. 130 calories, 4 g fat, 130 mg sodium, 1 g protein. $4.99 for 4.4 ounces at Whole Foods.
Jilz Crackerz Original Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper
Super-thin and extra seedy, these are more like a cracker bread. They are tender, salty and packed with flavor thanks to sesame, sunflower, chia and flax seeds. Added bonus: They come in four packets, so they don’t go stale. 100 calories, 8 g fat, 180 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $6.99 for 5.5 ounces at Whole Foods.
Trader Joe’s Original Savory Thin Crackers
Unlike so many sesame crackers, these nail it on both flavor and texture. They’re crispy, salty and packed with toasted sesame seeds. 130 calories, 2.5 g fat, 115 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $1.69 for 3.4 ounces.
Doctor Kracker Seeds and Sea Salt
The addition of oat flour gives these a more traditional texture, a plus for those who want crackers they can stack with cheese and charcuterie. 120 calories, 4.5 g fat, 115 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $4.49 for 4 ounces at Whole Foods.
Simply Balanced Multigrain Brown Rice Crackers
Rice and sesame are the primary flavors in these medium-sized rectangles, but the millet, flax and quinoa add more complex flavor. They’re plain but enjoyable. 130 calories, 2.5 g fat, 135 mg sodium, 2 g protein. $2.79 for 3.5 ounces at Target.
365 Black Sesame Rice Crackers
These black crackers bathed in tamari sauce are earthy and rich with a touch of sweetness. 130 calories, 3 g fat, 140 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $2.99 for 3.57 ounces at Whole Foods.
Simple Mills Rosemary & Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers
Rosemary fans will love these Wheat Thins-style crackers. They’re tasty, if a bit over-seasoned. 150 calories, 8 g fat, 180 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $4.99 for 4.25 ounces at Whole Foods.
Good Thins Veggie Blend Rice Crackers
The light texture of these small squares made by Nabisco makes them fun to eat, and they definitely taste like roasted vegetables, albeit slightly burned ones. 120 calories, 1.5 g fat, 90 mg sodium, 2 g protein. $4.49 at Safeway for 3.5 ounces.
Van’s Say Cheese
Say Cheese? Say what? These Cheez-it inspired bites get points for their extra-crispy texture, but the mere hint of processed cheese flavor is a bust. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 230 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $3 for 5 ounces at Sprouts Market.
Milton’s Gluten Free Fire Roasted Vegetable Crackers
The hit of roasted vegetable flavor in these curly, chip-like crackers is a win, but they have far too much cumin. 130 calories, 4 g fat, 240 mg sodium, 2 g protein. $3.49 for 4.5 ounces at Safeway.
Blue Diamond Almond Nut-thins
These are certainly edible, but they taste flat and lack the crisp texture of their competitors. 130 calories, 2 g fat, 80 mg sodium, 3 g protein. $3.99 for 4.25 ounces at Safeway.
Saffron Road Oven Baked Rosemary Herb Lentil Crackers
Even fans of rosemary will have a hard time with these sweet, beany crackers made with lentil flour. The crackers are light and crisp, but the flavor is just plain odd. 120 calories, 2 g fat, 150 mg sodium, 5 g protein. $3.99 for 4.5 ounces at Sprouts.
Laiki Black Rice Crackers
These puffy little black crackers have a Bugles-like texture, but the flavor? These taste like oil. 130 calories, 8 g fat, 110 mg sodium, 4 g protein. $3.49 for 3.53 ounces at Whole Foods. (No stars)
Edward & Sons Baked Vegetable Brown Rice Snaps
Proceed with caution: These pack such a massive garlic punch, they obliterate tastebud sensation, and the crackers are so tough, they hurt your teeth. 120 calories, 2 g fat, 70 g sodium, 2 g protein. $3.50 for 3.5 ounces at Sprouts. (No stars)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com.