Are Ritz Crackers Healthy? The Untold Truths About Ritz Crackers

By - Dr Umme Hurayra

Ritz crackers are the third leading crackers brand in the United States with sales of $485.6 million according to a statistics report. When it comes to snacks, Ritz crackers may be at the top of your list whether you are shopping at your local supermarket or in the grocery aisles of big box stores like Walmart or Target.

These versatile crackers are great to dip into hummus or guacamole, top with Chinese or deli meat or pop in your mouth just as they are. If you attend a party or a gathering, it’s easy to grab a box of Ritz crackers and a dip and you will be all set to contribute something delicious to the festivities. But the question arises, Are Ritz crackers healthy? Well, the article is all about the answer to this question.

Are Ritz Crackers Healthy for You?

Most of the crackers are notorious for having high sodium and fat content. That is the reason people are suspicious about Ritz crackers too. Is Ritz healthy? Are Ritz Original crackers healthy? Is Ritz good for you? These types of questions about Ritz crackers are very common.  So, let us have a debate on how healthy are Ritz crackers?

It is debatable whether Ritz crackers are a healthy snack but the reason some countries do not allow the sale of Ritz crackers has to do with the ingredients list and how they are made.  The major problematic ingredient is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. It is a type of trans fat that is not allowed in many European countries including Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Norway, and Switzerland. It is also prohibited in some regions of the United States.

Trans fats are created during the refinement process of vegetable oils that turn them into a colorless and odor-producing oil, according to the Environmental Working Group. They refine the oil to improve its sensory value and to make the oil more versatile and interchangeable. Hydrogenated oil increases the shelf life of a product and helps the ingredients mix well together.

According to the University of California Davis, trans fats are known to be very unhealthy. Trans fat increases low-density lipoproteins, a type of cholesterol, known to be bad for the body. Low-density lipoproteins can build up in the bloodstream and block the arteries. It can also increase the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. According to FDA, removing these partially hydrogenated vegetable oils from food can prevent heart attacks and deaths each year.

Another harmful ingredient in Ritz crackers is high fructose corn syrup. This is an artificial sweetener that plays havoc on human health by causing obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. The sodium content in Ritz crackers is also high. It can lead to hypertension and can cause bloating. So,  if we analyze the overall ingredient list of Ritz crackers they are not very healthy.

Are Ritz Whole Wheat Crackers Healthy?

Are wheat Ritz crackers healthy? Are whole wheat Ritz crackers healthy? Ritz crackers are not very good at providing nutrition. However, can whole wheat Ritz crackers be a slightly better choice than plain Ritz crackers? So, Are plain Ritz crackers healthy? The answer is that they are less nutritious than whole wheat Ritz crackers.

Although these crackers are made with whole wheat, they are still highly processed. They contain high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils that are not good for health as they raise bad cholesterol levels in the blood. They can clog the arteries supplying blood to the heart and hence can cause ischemia and shock.

Ritz whole wheat crackers are good in taste and texture. People think they are healthy because they are made with whole wheat. But the truth is that they contain refined ingredients which are not good for health. They contain 70 calories per 5 crackers out of which 25 calories come from fats.

Are Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers Healthy?

Ritz peanut butter crackers are very delicious. Peanut butter is sandwiched between two crackers. Nut butter-containing products are considered for health as they contain vitamin E and other essential nutrients.  Vitamin E prevents heart diseases, reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, and is good for the health of the eyes.

So, are peanut butter Ritz crackers a healthy snack? Yes, they are healthy as they contain a lot of proteins. Proteins are good for the health of muscles. Eating peanut butter crackers can make you feel full for longer as proteins in peanut butter give a satiating effect.  It has limited calories and it can help you lose weight.

Are Ritz Cheese Crackers Healthy?

Ritz cheese crackers are not good for health as cheese is high in fats and is packed with a lot of sodium. It is very high in calories. It contains a lot of sugar and fat that can cause obesity followed by diabetes.

Cheese does indeed offer some calcium too but the problem is that it can cost you so many calories. Eating a lot of cheese crackers can make you gain more weight. The sodium content in cheese can cause high blood pressure and other heart-related diseases.

Are Ritz Crackers Healthy for Dogs?

Ritz crackers are not healthy for dogs as they contain a lot of salts, sugar, carbohydrates, and gluten. They are also not good for dogs having gluten allergies. The following ingredients in the crackers are harmful to dogs.

Dogs who have gluten allergies may show the following signs and symptoms after eating Ritz crackers.

The partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are also not good for your dog’s health.

Are Ritz Crackers Good for Weight Loss?

Are Ritz crackers fattening? Yes, Ritz crackers are fattening as they are high in calories and contain a lot of sugar and fats. These are refined products that are highly processed and can cause obesity. They contain a lot of calories that are not good to eat if you want to lose weight.

You can not take a risk of eating crackers if you are on a diet. A moderate amount of peanut butter crackers can be healthy for weight loss as they are high in calories. But do not munch on too many crackers if you are trying to lose weight. Eating too many crackers means gulping an extra amount of calories that can be fattening.

However, the reduced-fat Ritz crackers are budget-friendly and are low in calories. If you want to enjoy crackers while losing weight, reduced-fat crackers can be a good choice but the amount of chemicals is the same as the original crackers. Also, the refining process is still used for reduced-fat crackers and the calories are empty.

Are Ritz Crackers Healthy for Diabetics?

Are Ritz crackers Ok for diabetics? Yes, diabetics can eat a moderate amount of Ritz crackers. Ritz crackers are not much high in sugar like other sugary crackers like pretzels. But keep in mind the amount of sugar per cracker and eat according to your needs. It is better to consult your physician before choosing anything to eat if you are suffering from any type of diabetes.

Are Ritz-baked Crackers Healthy?

Are baked Ritz crackers healthy to eat? Well, Ritz-baked Crackers are not very high in sodium but they are just empty calories as they do not contain many vitamins and minerals. Also, the fat in these crackers is trans fat that is very harmful. It can increase bad cholesterol levels in the blood and can also cause cardiovascular diseases.

The Bottom Line

Ritz crackers are perfect as a complement to meat and cheese or just a tasty snack on all its own but, are Ritz crackers healthy? The partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup listed in the ingredients list make these crackers harmful for health.

You can’t always rely on the nutritional label of your favorite product because there are loopholes that allow food manufacturers to state that their product has zero trans fats, even if it still contains it. So, moderation is the only key to staying fit while enjoying your favorite snacks.

FAQs

Can you eat Ritz crackers on a diet?

No, it is not advisable to eat crackers if you are on a diet. Crackers are very high in calories. They do not contain a good amount of nutrients, so you just eat empty calories which are not good for your health.

Is it OK to eat crackers on a diet?

If you are following a strict diet for weight loss, you should not eat crackers. But it depends on how much weight you want to lose. If you are already overweight and you are on a diet, it is not good to eat crackers.

Are Ritz crackers toxic?

Ritz crackers contain a chemical called glyphosate that is a cancer-causing chemical, that is the reason it may be toxic to some people.

Are Ritz crackers a carb?

Ritz crackers are not very high in carbs. It is more about fats. The partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is responsible for adding a high amount of trans fats to these crackers.