Choosing crackers and biscuits without regret: a practical guide for every snack occasion

A pack of crackers and biscuits seems like a simple purchase, until you have to choose between savoury crackers, sweet biscuits, rice cakes and snacks to serve with drinks. Packaging often highlights flavour, fibre or a handy size. The information that tells you whether a product is really right for your household is usually in smaller print on the label.

So keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:

• A large pack isn’t always better value. A multipack can be handy, but check the total weight and the amount per portion.
• “Light”, “high in fibre” or “sugar-free” doesn’t tell you everything. Check the nutritional information per 100 grams. A product may contain little sugar but relatively high amounts of fat, carbohydrates or sweeteners.
• A flavour name doesn’t always tell you what’s inside. Paprika, cheese or bacon varieties may contain flavourings, milk, egg, soya, sulphites or other allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

What should you look for when choosing crackers and biscuits?

1. Compare the nutritional information per 100 grams

The nutrition table is the most useful starting point for a fair comparison. Look at:

• energy: shown in kilocalories and kilojoules;
• fat and saturates: useful when comparing different snacks;
• sugars: particularly important for sweet biscuits, stroopwafels and chocolate snacks;
• fibre: useful if you’re specifically looking for high-fibre crackers;
• salt: worth checking for savoury crackers, snack crackers and nibbles to serve with drinks.

The figures for a portion may look more favourable than those per 100 grams. What counts as a portion can also vary from person to person. So start with the figures per 100 grams, then check how many portions are in the pack.

2. Check the ingredients and allergens

Wheat and gluten are common in crackers and biscuits. Products may also contain milk, egg, soya, sesame, oats, barley or sulphites. For example, a product sold as a rice cake may also contain maize, chocolate, soya or milk.

If you’re looking for gluten-free crackers, don’t rely on the front of the pack alone. Check that the product is specifically labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information. If in doubt, always follow the information on the current product packaging.

Look out for sweeteners too. According to the product information, the Panpan biscuits in this range contain maltitol (E965) and are labelled as containing sweeteners. That’s not the same as a product without a sweet taste. Choose based on the full ingredients list and your own preferences.

3. Choose a size and pack to suit the occasion

Individual portions are handy for journeys or lunchboxes. A larger pack may offer better value for a family or a get-together, but only if you’ll use it in good time. Crackers lose their crunch more quickly if the pack isn’t sealed properly.

Think about the occasion:

• With coffee or tea: stroopwafels, speculaas biscuits or other sweet biscuits.
• For drinks and nibbles: Tuc crackers, mini crackers, savoury sticks and cheese- or paprika-flavoured crackers.
• On the go: individually wrapped biscuits or small packs of rice cakes.
• With toppings: plain crackers, such as mini crackers or wholegrain varieties.
• For variety at home: pair a savoury option with a sweet snack, so there’s something for everyone.

Picks for different types of shopper

The selection below is based on information you can check, such as pack size, packaging, ingredients and nutritional values. Taste is personal, so always check the latest product information before buying.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Tuc Original Crackers - 100 g

Why it suits this shopper: A familiar savoury cracker in a 100-gram pack, ideal for stocking up for the first time or for a small get-together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The compact pack means you don’t have to buy a large multipack before you know whether you like the flavour. The product information lists 3 portions per pack.

Key benefits and highlights

Oven-baked, crunchy crackers; 100 grams; the label states 1.7 grams of salt per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Lu Mini Cracker Olive & Oregano - 250 g

Why it suits this shopper: The combination of olive oil and oregano is a good fit if you’re putting together a well-stocked aperitif board with toppings, cheese or dips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains 8 boxes, each with 5 twin crackers. This makes portions easier to manage and share than with one large open bag.

Key benefits and highlights

250 grams; olive oil and oregano are listed in the ingredients; the product information states 4 grams of fibre per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snackers

Liga Cracotte high fiber - 250 g

Why it suits this shopper: A practical choice if you regularly eat crackers with sweet or savoury toppings and are specifically looking for fibre.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fibre claim is backed up by a specific figure on the label: the supplied product information states 11 grams of dietary fibre per 100 grams.

Key benefits and highlights

Around 34 crispbreads per pack; made with ingredients including wholemeal wheat, rice, rye and oats; suitable for sweet and savoury toppings.

For a sweet treat, you could also try stroopwafels, Oreo Original, Hellema Smoeltjes speculaas biscuits or Snack A Jacks with chocolate. If you’re after a lighter snack, compare rice cakes with caramel or chocolate. Pay particular attention to sugar, chocolate, milk and soya in the ingredients list.

Frequently asked questions about crackers and biscuits

Which crackers are good for serving with drinks?

For nibbles to serve with drinks, you could choose savoury crackers, Tuc crackers, mini crackers, cheese crackers or savoury sticks. Consider how the flavours will work with dips and cheese, and check the salt content and packaging too. Individual portions are handy if you want to reduce waste.

Are rice cakes automatically a lighter choice?

Not necessarily. Rice cakes are often light and each one weighs very little, but nutritional values vary between varieties. Chocolate- or caramel-coated rice cakes may contain more sugar than plain ones. So always compare the figures per 100 grams and check the portion size.

How do you keep crackers and biscuits crisp?

Store opened products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Seal the pack tightly or use an airtight storage container. Check the best-before information on the packaging, and don’t use a product if the packaging is damaged.