If you’re putting out a platter of small bites
You want crackers to share alongside dips, cheese or other toppings. The number of pieces or portions will help you plan better than a ‘family pack’ label alone.
Who are you choosing crackers for?
If you’re also serving topped crackers
Alongside small nibbles, you’re looking for a cracker that can hold a more generous topping. Check the size and stated sturdiness of the specific variety, rather than relying on the type of grain or seed alone.
If you need to cater for an allergy
For every variety you choose, read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the current packaging. The product category or a pack you bought previously cannot guarantee that it’s suitable.
What should you look for when buying?
First, decide whether the crackers will mainly be served on their own or topped. Then check how many you can hand round and whether your chosen varieties suit your guests.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size for sharing | Compare the net weight with the number of pieces or portions. Think about what other snacks you’ll be serving. | If everyone will be helping themselves from the same platter, I want enough to go round without having lots left over. Around 36% of consumers would put pack size for sharing first. |
| Size and flavour | Choose between plain mini crackers, melba toast and a specifically seasoned variety, based on the snacks you want to make. | For dips or small toppings, I want a size and flavour that work with the rest of the spread. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this combination. |
| Toppings and wholegrain preference | Check the size and stated sturdiness. If you prefer wholegrain, read the product name and ingredients. | If crackers are also going to be a more generously topped snack, I’m looking for a suitable base rather than just small toasts. Around 21% of consumers would consider this the most important factor. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the physical pack. | If a guest needs to avoid an allergen, I can’t rely on a general description of the crackers. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label would be the most important condition when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a ‘family pack’ has a set quantity
A large-looking pack doesn’t tell you how many individual bites you can serve. Packs can vary in weight, number of pieces and portions.
Compare those details on the pack and take into account what else you’ll be serving on the snack table.
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Assuming seeds or a brown colour mean wholegrain
The amount of seeds and the type of grain used are different product characteristics. So, a mention of seeds won’t necessarily tell you whether a product is wholegrain.
If wholegrain is a buying requirement for you, check the name and ingredients of the specific crackers.
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Choosing one pack for everyone without checking the label
The cracker products we looked at list different allergens and warnings. A pack that suits most guests may not be suitable for someone with a food allergy.
Check every pack before serving and, if a guest has an allergy, ask them what information they need.
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Relying only on online product information
Ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn notes in its product information that the packaging may therefore differ from the online listing.
Use the product page to help you narrow down your options, but check the pack you actually buy for ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Bolletje
The breakfast and seed crackers we looked at are worth considering if you want to serve topped crackers as well as small nibbles.
- Bolletje describes its Meerzaden Ontbijtcrackers as sturdy. For its Zonnebloempitten variety, the brand states that it contains 45% seeds and is 100% wholegrain. These descriptions apply to the products named.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety, including cereals containing gluten and sesame.
Albert Heijn
AH Mini crackers naturel are listed in a 250 g pack, for anyone looking for small crackers to share.
- The stated pack size gives you a clear starting point for comparing products.
- Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional information and allergen information can change, so check the current pack.
Jumbo
The mini crackers and light crackers we looked at come in different pack formats for a shared snack table.
- Jumbo lists eight 31,25 g portions for Mini Crackers Naturel, and a 2 × 125 g pack for Luchtige Crackers Naturel.
- These details apply to the varieties named. Check the allergens on the pack you choose.
Snack Day
The Snack Day Crackers we looked at are for anyone wanting to serve a distinctly savoury flavour.
- Lidl Netherlands lists sea salt and rosemary varieties in 185 g packs.
- Lidl lists these crackers as available in store only, so check availability before making plans.
Sun Snacks
The ALDI range we looked at includes mini crackers and melba toast for small bites.
- ALDI Netherlands lists Mini-crackers naturel in 250 g packs and Melba toast in 240 g packs.
- Check availability at the store where you plan to buy the products.
Crackers for different occasions
This selection of Joybuy products includes a gift pack, small seasoned crackers and packs for sharing. Choose based on what you want to serve, and check the quantity and label of the variety you choose.
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Pacific Biscuits Large Gift Pack
A gift pack to consider if you want to share crackers at the table. Before buying, compare the pack size and the number of pieces you can serve.
According to the stated storage instructions, opened packs should be refrigerated and used within one day. Check the current label for allergens too.
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Tuc Original Crackers, 3 × 100 g
The three 100 g packs may be handy if you want to serve the crackers on more than one occasion. If you’re planning individual bites, check how many crackers are in each pack.
If you have allergies, check the current label, including for the stated possible presence of milk and soya.
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Lu Mini Cracker Olive & Oregano, 250 g
A mini cracker with an olive and oregano flavour, for anyone looking to serve small savoury bites. The pack contains 250 g.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack before serving this variety to guests.
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Sky Flakes Crackers, 800 g
The 800 g pack is an option if several guests will be sharing from the same supply. To help plan portions, check the number of pieces on the pack too.
The product information lists wheat as an allergen. Check the current label before serving and reseal the pack after opening, following the storage advice.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers, 300 g
A 300 g pack to consider if you want to serve crackers for toppings as well as small nibbles. Compare the size and ingredients with what you plan to serve.
Check the current label for cereals containing gluten and possible traces of sesame and milk.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a pack is large enough for St Nicholas’ Eve?
Compare the pack size with the number of pieces or portions, and think about what other snacks you’ll be serving. For example, Jumbo lists eight 31,25 g portions for its Mini Crackers Naturel. That tells you more about how much you can serve than the pack name alone.
When should I choose wholegrain crackers instead of mini crackers?
Consider wholegrain crackers if you want to serve crackers with more generous toppings and wholegrain is one of your buying preferences. Mini crackers are suited to small bites that guests can pick up individually. Check the characteristics of the variety you choose in either case.
Which allergens should I check on crackers?
Read the listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on every pack you plan to serve. The product information we looked at includes cereals containing gluten and sesame, among others. The warnings vary by variety.
How should I store crackers after opening?
Follow the storage advice on the specific pack, as requirements may vary. Jumbo advises storing its Mini Crackers Naturel in a cool, dry place. For other products, check the label for advice on storage after opening.
Is online ingredient information enough if someone has an allergy?
Use online information to help you make an initial choice, but check the label on the actual pack before buying and serving it. Albert Heijn states that ingredients and allergen information can change.