Are Table Water Crackers Healthy?

Walk down the biscuit aisle of any supermarket or greengrocer and I am sure you’ll agree - we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to crackers. Choosing the perfect cracker for your cheeseboard or grazing platter can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when we’re faced with a sea of boxes and packets, showcasing crackers of different sizes, shapes and flavours for us to consider. And let’s not forget those ingredient lists!

One popular choice of cracker is the humble Table Water Cracker. These unassuming, yet versatile crackers have stood the test of time and have been around for years. Table Water Crackers seem to find their way onto cheeseboards and grazing platters no matter where I am! But it begs the question, are Table Water Crackers healthy?

What are Table Water Crackers?

Table Water Crackers have become a beloved staple in many homes and a consistent feature on many cheeseboards in restaurants. Known for their simplicity, subtle flavour and versatility, Table Water Crackers are thin, crisp and are typically round in shape.

Primarily made from flour, water and salt – their subtle flavour makes them a popular choice for pairing with all types of cheeses, charcuterie, dips and spreads as they do not compete or overshadow with the flavours of the foods they are paired with, but instead help compliment the flavours very well.

What ingredients are used to make Table Water Crackers?

Let’s take a look at the ingredients used to make Table Water Crackers. If you glance at the ingredient list of any pack of mass-produced Table Water Cracker, you will typically find theyare made with just a hand full of ingredients, mainly wheat flour, water and salt.

Often a type of fat is also used, which can range from butter to oil – including vegetable oils and sometimes even palm oil, while some brands might also add flavourings.

Are Table Water Crackers Healthy?

I am often asked if Table Water Crackers are healthy. With just a small ingredient list, it can appear Table Water Crackers are healthy – but when we really look at the ingredients used and the nutritional profile of mass-produced Table Water Crackers, we can see they are high in energy, carbohydrates and sodium and seem to lack any health benefits.

Many commercial brands add preservatives and additives to their Table Water Crackers to help extend the shelf life. Plus, they are normally made from refined white flour, which has a tendency to cause our blood sugar levels to spike, which is not ideal when we are trying to maintain a steady energy level throughout our day… hello 3pm slump and sweet cravings! Not to mention, wheat flour contains gluten – which many people avoid based on sensitivities, allergies or other dietary factors.

More often than not, Table Water Crackers due to their ingredients lack fibre, vitamins and minerals. This can also be of concern for those of us trying to eat clean.

What is a healthier alternative to a Table Water Cracker?

For those of us seeking a more nutritious, healthier option as compared to a Table Water Cracker, it is worth exploring other cracker alternatives.

Still want a cracker that is crispy and crunchy? A cracker that is complimentary to hard and soft cheeses and delicious dips, cold meats and other accompaniments? I have to say it – Mette is Baking Nordic inspired crackers are the perfect alternative.

Our crackers are bite-sized portions that are highly nutritious – they are you feel-good, go-to snack. Made from natural ingredients, our crackers are rich in nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals and are packed full of dietary fibre. Plus, they are free from preservatives, additives and colours.

We are dedicated to making our small batch crackers, which are made to order using only quality ingredients, hand-mixed by our bakers and rolled and baked in our purpose-built artisan bakery ensuring a delicious, fresh and crisp cracker like no other.

What makes Mette is Baking crackers healthy?

Our traditional and gluten free crackers aren’t just bursting with flavour - we only use pure, uncomplicated and natural ingredients, including a wholesome mix of super seeds. At Mette is Baking we are all about seeds, not only for their delicious, crunchy taste and texture, but also for their rich nutrient profile.

If we take a closer look at our traditional and gluten free cracker ingredients you will find our crackers are predominately made with seeds including:

• Linseeds - also known as Flax Seeds. These are a good source of protein and fibre and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Linseeds contain a group of nutrients called lignans, which also have powerful antioxidant properties.

• Pumpkin Seeds - also known as Pepitas, are the edible seed of the pumpkin and are rich in nutrients with an especially high content of protein and dietary fibre. As well as being a powerful source of magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper, these might super seeds are also packed with antioxidants.

• Sunflower Seeds - are the fruit of the sunflower. When dehulled, the edible remainder of the sunflower kernel or heart is rich in vitamin E, vitamin B1 and B6, magnesium and selenium. Sunflower Seeds also contain niacin, riboflavin, folate, copper, manganese, phosphorus, iron, calcium and zinc.

• Sesame Seeds - are grown in pods from a flowering plant and have a high content of protein and dietary fibre, are rich in vitamin B, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

Our traditional crackers also include wheat flour, sunflower oil, rye flour, rolled oats, salt and baking powder (rice flour and raising agents 450,500). Whereas our gluten free crackers include a gluten free plain flour made from maize starch, rice flour, tapioca starch and rice bran and also include vegetable gum (guar gum), sunflower oil, quinoa flakes, salt and gluten free baking powder (raising agents 450,500).

You don’t have to compromise on taste or health and next time you’re trying to select the perfect cracker for your cheeseboard or grazing platter, I hope the decision is an easier one!

Visit our online store and purchase our Nordic inspired crackers or dip mixes delivered straight to your door.