Cracker Calories

Yes, the starch in crackers is digested into glucose and can raise blood sugar. Eating crackers with protein or fat, such as cheese or nut butter, makes the snack more substantial than eating them by themselves.

Crackers can fit into a weight-loss eating plan, but they are easy to snack on in large amounts and may not keep you full for long. Put a portion on a plate and pair it with a filling topping rather than eating from the packet.

Crackers are usually made from flour, oil or another fat, salt, and leavening ingredients. Recipes vary by product, so the exact ingredients in a particular cracker can only be confirmed from its package.

Keep crackers in an airtight container or tightly sealed packet in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air and moisture makes them lose their crisp texture, so avoid storing them near a kettle, stove, or other source of steam.

Crackers can stand in for bread in a small snack, but they are not always an equivalent everyday substitute. They may be less filling as the base of a meal, so add a substantial topping such as eggs, cheese, or hummus.

Cheese, hummus, nut butter, and sliced vegetables all pair well with crackers. A topping with protein or healthy fats can make the snack more filling, while fruit adds a sweet contrast to salty crackers.

You can freeze crackers in a well-sealed, moisture-proof container, but freezing is usually unnecessary and condensation may make them soft when thawed. For the best crunch, keep them sealed in a dry cupboard and use them while fresh.

Plain crackers may be easy for some people to tolerate when they want a mild, dry snack, but they do not treat the cause of an upset stomach. Salty or strongly seasoned varieties may be less appealing if nausea is present.

Crackers can provide quick carbohydrates before exercise, especially when you want a small, easy-to-carry snack. For a longer-lasting option, pair them with a little cheese or nut butter; avoid a large portion just before activity.