If you’re choosing lower-sugar crackers for Easter drinks, compare similar options by their sugar content per 100 g. Then check the salt, fibre, ingredients and allergens too. Plain, wholemeal and flavoured varieties suit different preferences, but their names don’t tell you how much sugar or salt they contain. The toppings matter too.
You want to compare the sugar content of crackers. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing similar products using the nutritional information per 100 g, rather than relying on the front of the pack alone.
You’re looking for a crispy base for toppings and want to take fibre into account too. A label such as ‘wholemeal’ or ‘multigrain’ is a reason to check the packaging, not a substitute for doing so.
You’re serving crackers to guests and check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety before buying. If someone has an allergy, check for any warnings about cross-contamination too.
Start by comparing the sugar content per 100 g of similar crackers. Then choose between plain, wholemeal and flavoured varieties by comparing salt, fibre and ingredients too. If you’re serving guests, remember to check the toppings as well.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | For similar crackers, compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g and read the ingredients list. | I want to choose crackers for Easter drinks without relying on a claim on the front of the pack. Lower sugar is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Sugar and salt | Compare sugar and salt per 100 g, especially when choosing between plain and flavoured varieties. | With seasoned crackers, I don’t want to look at sugar alone, as salt matters to my choice too. Around 29% of consumers prioritise both sugar and salt. |
| Fibre | Check the fibre per 100 g and compare sugar and salt too. Don’t decide based on the words ‘wholemeal’ or ‘multigrain’ alone. | I’m looking for a crispy base and fibre is my main consideration. Fibre is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients for guests | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the exact pack, and check the toppings too. | When I’m serving guests, I want to know what’s in the crackers and toppings I’ve chosen. Around 21% of consumers place the greatest importance on suitability for guests and ease of serving. |
A term such as ‘light’ or ‘high in fibre’ doesn’t tell you how the sugar, salt and fibre compare with those in another cracker.
Compare similar products per 100 g, then read the ingredients list. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the label as the basis for comparing products.
‘Plain’, ‘wholemeal’ and ‘multigrain’ describe a product, but they don’t tell you its full nutritional value.
Use the name to find varieties you want to compare, then check the sugar, salt and fibre on the exact pack before you decide.
At Easter drinks, crackers are often served with toppings or a dip. Looking at the nutritional value of the cracker alone won’t give you the full picture.
Compare the crackers first, then check the ingredients and nutritional information for the toppings you plan to serve.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties. Albert Heijn also points out that product information may change.
Just before buying, check the allergen information and any warnings on the pack of the specific variety.
Jumbo lists Van der Meulen melba toast in plain, wholemeal and multigrain varieties, among others.
Its own-brand range includes AH Melba toast naturel and AH BASIC Melba Toast.
Jumbo lists its own tomato and basil melba toast, as well as several Van der Meulen melba toast varieties.
Bolletje offers rusks, crackers and crispbread, among other products. These can be crispy bases, but they aren’t necessarily the same type of product as melba toast.
This crispbread makes a crispy base for toppings, but it isn’t melba toast. Compare its nutritional information with products of the same type, and don’t treat the variety name as proof that it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
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A crispy base for toppings and an alternative to melba toast, but not a directly comparable type of cracker.
The ‘Sesame-Free’ wording in the product name conflicts with other product information that lists sesame. Don’t choose this product for someone with a sesame allergy based on the name; check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging before buying.
For similar crackers, compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g in the nutrition table. Check salt and fibre too, so a claim on the front of the pack isn’t your only basis for choosing.
No. The variety name alone doesn’t give you the full nutritional value. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses criteria for sugar, salt and fibre, among other things, for products included in its Wheel of Five. Check the values for the specific melba toast you’re considering.
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging of the exact variety. Do the same for the toppings, and don’t rely on the product name or a photo alone.
Follow the storage advice on the pack of the crackers you’ve chosen. Before serving, check the use-by date and make sure the crackers still have their expected smell and texture.
