Looking for a lower-sugar cracker to enjoy with your coffee? Compare the total sugars per 100 g and per serving, rather than relying on a claim on the front of the pack. Check the ingredients and toppings too: a plain cracker gives you more choice, while crackers with seeds or added protein also mean you’ll need to consider fat, salt and allergens.
You’re looking for something crunchy to enjoy with your coffee and want to know how much sugar the cracker itself contains. Read both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition information: no added sugar doesn’t mean the total sugar content is zero.
You compare crackers on more than just sugar, such as their stated fibre and protein content. With varieties containing seeds or extra protein, it’s also important to check fat, salt and allergen information.
You’re looking for a plain wholemeal or light cracker to top with something savoury or sweet. When comparing the nutrition of your coffee break, consider the cracker, the topping and how many you’ll eat together.
Start with your main reason for buying crackers to enjoy with coffee. Then compare the nutrition information on the same basis and check what a serving means for you.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Total and added sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per serving; read the ingredients and check the comparison group for a claim such as ‘less sugar’. | I mainly want to limit the amount of sugar in my cracker with coffee, rather than rely on a claim on the packaging. Around 36% of consumers say this is their main priority. |
| Fibre and protein | Check the stated fibre and protein, along with fat, salt and allergens. | If I’m looking for more than a light, crunchy snack, I want to compare fibre and protein without overlooking other nutritional values. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cracker and topping | Check the sugar and salt in the cracker, and include your chosen topping in the comparison. | I mainly want a plain base that I can top myself, so what I add is part of my choice. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Serving size and storage | Read the weight per serving, the number of crackers and the storage instructions after opening. | I like to have a set amount with my coffee and want to store the rest of the pack properly. Around 14% of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
A statement about one nutrient doesn’t tell you how much sugar, salt or fat the whole cracker contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains nutrition claims, but you’ll still need the nutrition table to make your own comparison.
Put the labels of the crackers you’re considering side by side and compare the same quantity, such as per 100 g.
Bolletje Fruitige Crackers Appel is compared with snack bars, not plain crackers. According to the product information on Jumbo, it contains 15 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check which products are used for comparison, then compare the total sugars in the crackers you’re actually considering.
The Albert Heijn and TastyBasics varieties reviewed list ingredients including wheat or gluten, sesame, soya and lupin. The TastyBasics Maanzaadcracker also states that it may contain egg and milk.
If you have an allergy or follow an avoidance diet, check the allergen information on the pack of the variety you choose.
A lower sugar figure doesn’t automatically answer questions about fat, salt or how much you eat. For example, Jumbo lists 1,20 g of salt per 100 g for its Luchtige Crackers Naturel.
As well as sugars, compare the nutritional values that matter for your coffee break, and factor in your chosen topping.
These examples show why it’s better to compare specific varieties than brand names: sugar, fibre, salt and allergens vary from product to product.
The Bolletje products reviewed include wholegrain, protein and fruity crackers.
The own-brand varieties reviewed include thin wholegrain crackers and hearty crackers with sesame seeds.
Jumbo Luchtige Crackers Naturel is an example of a plain, light cracker included in the review.
The Maanzaadcracker reviewed contains seeds, so you should consider its sugar, protein and fibre alongside fat and allergens.
These crackers offer different options for your coffee break: a plain base for toppings, a seasoned variety or a cracker whose nutrition information you’ll want to compare. Choose according to your serving size, any toppings and the allergens that matter to you.
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A rye cracker to consider as a base for your choice of toppings. Compare the sugars and salt on the pack; if you have allergies, also check for rye, barley, sesame and milk.
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A seasoned option if you’re not looking for a plain cracker to top with something at coffee time. As well as total sugars, compare fat and salt; if you have allergies, check for lupin, egg, milk, sesame and wheat.
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A plain matzo cracker for a simple coffee break or your choice of toppings. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack, especially if you avoid wheat or gluten.
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A wholemeal crispbread to pair with your choice of toppings. Include those toppings when comparing sugars per serving, and read the full allergen information on the pack you choose.
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A wholemeal crispbread for comparing crackers to enjoy with coffee on sugars, fibre and salt. If you have allergies, check the pack for cereals containing gluten, sesame and possible traces of lupin.
No. Added sugars and total sugars are listed separately. For example, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 1,1 g of total sugars per 100 g for AH Stevige crackers proteïne sesamzaad. So check both figures when making a comparison.
That claim doesn’t tell you. According to the product information on Jumbo, Bolletje Fruitige Crackers Appel is compared with snack bars and contains 15 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g directly with the crackers you’re choosing between.
As well as sugars, compare fat, salt and the allergen information. The Albert Heijn and TastyBasics varieties reviewed include ingredients such as sesame, wheat or gluten, soya and lupin. Check the pack of the specific variety you want to buy.
Yes. Consider the cracker and topping together. Even if you choose a cracker based on a low stated sugar content, a sweet topping can change the amount of sugar in your finished serving.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the crackers well after opening. The product information reviewed for Albert Heijn and Jumbo recommends storing various varieties in a dry place; check the instructions for the product you choose.
