Choosing crackers and snack bars: practical tips and popular choices

Anyone searching online for crackers and snack bars will soon come across dozens of varieties: crispbread for breakfast, wholegrain crackers for lunch, muesli bars for on the go and sweet snacks for in between meals. However, the packaging can give a misleading impression. A product featuring words such as “high in fibre”, “organic” or “no added sugar” does not automatically suit your eating occasion, taste preferences or allergies.

Use these checkpoints to compare products based on the information that really matters.

Three common pitfalls when choosing crackers and snack bars

1. A healthy appearance says little about the overall nutritional value

Packaging featuring grains, fruit or vegetables does not necessarily mean that a product is low in sugar, fat or salt. Always check the nutritional value per 100 grams. This makes comparisons easier, as serving sizes vary from one brand to another.

For example: MadeGood Granola Mixed Berry lists 27 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Hero Coconut Muesli Bar contains 28 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Both are sweet snacks, even though they contain grains or fruit ingredients.

2. “Wholegrain” and “high in fibre” are not always used in the same way

Check the ingredients list rather than relying solely on the front of the pack. For wholegrain crackers, a wholegrain flour should be clearly listed in the ingredients. g'woon Wholemeal Crispbread includes 48% wholemeal rye flour and 16% wholemeal wheat flour, among other ingredients. The product information states that it contains 14 grams of fibre per 100 grams.

Also pay attention to the amount of fibre. According to the product information, Wasa Breakfast Biscuits Sesame contains 9 grams of fibre per 100 grams. Bolletje Light Whole Grain Crackers lists 15 grams. This difference may be relevant if you are specifically looking for high-fibre snacks.

3. Allergen information can be decisive

When dealing with food allergies or intolerances, the ingredients list is more important than a marketing term on the packaging. Look out for wheat, gluten, milk, soya, nuts, peanuts, sesame, egg and barley. Also check the current packaging, as recipes can change.

The information provided for MadeGood Granola Mixed Berry mentions gluten-free oats, but also states “contains: gluten”. This is contradictory information. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, do not choose this product based solely on the online description. Check the label or contact the seller.

What should you look for in breakfast crackers and snack bars?

Ingredients and type of grain

For a neutral base at breakfast or lunch, crackers made with wheat, rye or other grains are suitable for pairing with savoury or sweet toppings. Savoury crackers with onion, olive or oregano are ideal for a drinks gathering or meal, for example. Sweet varieties with chocolate, berries or caramel are more suited to a snack between meals.

When choosing organic snack bars, look for the official organic certification mark and information about their origin. MadeGood products are described as organic in the product information. However, organic certification does not automatically tell you anything about the sugar or fat content.

Nutritional values per 100 grams

Use this order when comparing products:

• Fibre: relevant if you are looking for crispbread or a snack bar with a higher fibre content.
• Sugars: important for muesli bars, granola bars and other sweet snacks.
• Saturates: pay particular attention to these in chocolate, caramel and coconut varieties.
• Salt: especially important for savoury crackers and seasoned biscuits.
• Protein: some bars contain relatively high levels of protein, but check the full ingredients list as well.

Holie’s Chewy Bar Double Chocolate lists 21 grams of fibre and 23 grams of protein per 100 grams. These are product specifications, not a guarantee of any particular effect on satiety or health. The bar contains wheat, spelt, barley and hazelnut, among other ingredients.

Portion size and snack packaging

A large family pack may offer better value per gram, but it is less practical if you often take the product with you. Individual portions are handy for school, the office or travelling. For example, Pacific Biscuits offers a 400-gram pack containing 16 small packs. Hero Coconut Muesli Bar consists of six individually wrapped 25-gram bars.

For a large pack, also check whether you can seal the contents properly after opening. Store crackers and bars according to the instructions: usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always check the best-before date on the packaging.

Recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Crispbread Golden Brown - 375g

Why it suits this profile: A generous pack for breakfast, lunch or a simple snack with toppings. The neutral, crunchy base is easy to pair with other ingredients.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutritional information lists 3.33 grams of sugar per 100 grams. However, check the label, as the ingredients list contains wheat flour and syrup.

Main benefit & advantages

375 grams per pack; 12 grams of protein per 100 grams according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Wasa Breakfast Biscuits, Sesame - 250 g

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for crispbread made with wholemeal wheat and sesame for breakfast, lunch or a snack with toppings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 49% wholemeal flour and 9 grams of fibre per 100 grams. However, the product contains wheat, gluten and sesame; check the allergen information carefully.

Main benefit & advantages

396 kcal, 9 grams of fibre and 14 grams of protein per 100 grams according to the label in the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users

Holie's Chewy bar Double Chocolate 11 pack x 3 bars

Why it suits this profile: A bulk pack of bars for the office, travelling or multiple snack occasions. The chocolate flavour is ideal for fans of sweet snacks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

“0% added sugar” does not mean sugar-free. The bar contains 2.9 grams of sugars per 100 grams and 15 grams of fat, so compare the entire nutrition panel.

Main benefit & advantages

23 grams of protein and 21 grams of fibre per 100 grams according to the product information; however, it contains hazelnut, wheat, spelt and barley.

Comparing crackers and snack bars for your needs

Use this quick checklist before ordering:

1. Decide when you will eat it: breakfast crackers and wholegrain crispbread are often suitable for toppings; granola bars and muesli bars are more convenient when you are out and about.
2. Compare per 100 grams: look at sugar, fibre, salt, fat and protein.
3. Check allergens: look out for gluten, milk, soya, nuts, peanuts, sesame and egg.
4. Consider the packaging: choose a family pack for stocking up or an individual snack pack for your bag, school or work.
5. Check the current product page and packaging: especially for organic products, gluten-free snacks and recipe changes.

Frequently asked questions about crackers and snack bars

Are wholegrain crackers always high in fibre?

Not always to the same extent. Check the fibre content per 100 grams and see which grains appear first in the ingredients list. Products such as g'woon Wholemeal Crispbread and Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread list 14 grams of fibre per 100 grams, while other wholegrain varieties may contain less.

Which snack bars are convenient when travelling?

Individually wrapped bars are practical for keeping in a handbag, rucksack or desk drawer. Also pay attention to the portion size, allergens and shelf life. Hero Coconut Muesli Bar comes as six 25-gram bars. MadeGood Granola Mixed Berry is available in a 144-gram pack; check the storage instructions after opening.

How should I store crackers and muesli bars?

Store opened products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Close the packaging securely to help preserve crunchiness and limit exposure to moisture. Individual wrappers help with portion control and taking snacks with you, while a resealable or securely closed outer pack is useful at home.