Cracker Choices for Kids: How to Pick the Best + My Top Picks from Aldi, Woolworths & Coles!
My Top 5 Crackers for Kids
Crackers are a popular go-to snack for many families. They’re convenient, tasty, and perfect for lunchboxes or a quick afternoon bite. But with so many options on the shelves, choosing the healthiest crackers for your child can feel overwhelming. While packaging might boast claims like "organic," "wholegrain," or "no added sugar," these labels can often be misleading.
The reality is that many crackers marketed as "healthy" are packed with refined carbohydrates, vegetable oils, excessive sodium, hidden sugars and even nasty additives. These ingredients offer little nutritional value and can contribute to poor eating habits, energy crashes, and long-term health risks. We expect to find these ingredients hiding in party food, lollies and other confectionary items. But it’s concerning when they’re lurking in our kid’s everyday staple foods such as crackers. That’s why understanding what to look for on the ingredients list can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing crackers for your child, from whole grains to additives. Plus, I’ll share my top 5 cracker picks from Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles to help you shop confidently.
What to Look for in Healthy Crackers for Children
Whole Grains: Look for crackers where whole grains like whole wheat, oats, brown rice, or quinoa are listed as the first ingredient. Whole grains provide essential nutrients, fibre, and slow-releasing energy to keep kids feeling fuller for longer.
High Fibre Content: Fibre is crucial for digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels. Aim for crackers with at least 2g of fibre per serving to support your child's gut health.
Low Sodium: Many crackers are surprisingly high in salt, which can strain young kidneys and contribute to a preference for salty foods later in life. Choose options with less than 400mg of sodium per 100g.
Minimal Added Sugars: Crackers with added sugars like glucose, fructose, or maltodextrin should be avoided. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends no added sugars for children under 2 and minimal added sugars for older kids.
No Artificial Additives: Avoid crackers with artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Additives like TBHQ (319), MSG, emulsifiers and other flavours can have potential links to behavioural issues, headaches, and stomach upsets, allergic reactions, and other health concerns.
Simple Ingredient List: A good rule of thumb: if you don't cook with the listed ingredients at home, it’s best to skip the product.
Top 5 Healthy Cracker Choices
Available at Aldi, Woolworths, and Coles:
Ceres Organic Brown Rice Crackers $3.80/ 115g
Why It's Great: Certified organic, gluten-free, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Great for fussy-eaters.
Orgran Qunioa Crispibread $4.00/ 125g
Why It's Great: Gluten-free and made from quinoa, offering a light, crunchy texture.
Mary's Gone Crackers Super Seed $10.95/ 156g
Why It's Great: Made with organic whole grains and seeds, gluten-free, and packed with fibre.
Ryvita Crunch Original Rye Crispbread $4.25/ 250g
Why It's Great: Made from wholegrain rye, high in fibre, and low in sodium. Only 3 ingredients and super crunchy!
Woolworths Thin Brown Rice Cakes $1.65/150g
Why It's Great: Gluten-free, made from brown rice, no vegetable oil and low in sodium.
ALDI Damora Quinoa/ Brown Rice Cakes $1.49/150g
Why It's Great: Gluten-free, made from brown rice or quinoa, no vegetable oil and low in sodium.
Tips for Serving Crackers to Children
Pair with Nutritious Toppings: Add protein and healthy fats by serving crackers with hummus, avocado, cheese, or nut butters.
Consider Allergies: For children with allergies, look for crackers labelled nut-free or gluten-free, if needed.
Encourage Mindful Eating: Help children learn to eat slowly and appreciate the flavours of real food, fostering lifelong healthy habits.
Make Your Own Healthy Crackers
While store-bought crackers can be convenient, making your own at home is easier than you might think and gives you complete control over the ingredients. Homemade crackers are not only more cost-effective but also offer a fun cooking activity to do with your kids. They'll love rolling out the dough and cutting it into shapes! Plus, you can customise the flavours and ingredients to suit your family's preferences. My popular Seeded Crackers Recipe uses a nutritious blend of seeds and wholegrains, making them perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks. They're crispy, delicious, and packed with healthy fats and protein from the seeds. Best of all, they can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them just as convenient as store-bought options. You can find my fool-proof recipe for these nutrient-rich crackers.
Final Thoughts
Crackers can be a healthy and delicious snack when you know what to look for. By choosing options with whole grains, minimal sodium and sugar, and no artificial additives, you can feel confident that you're giving your child a nourishing, balanced snack. Happy crunching!
Want more expert guidance on choosing better supermarket options for your family? Join my upcoming Smart Shopping Webinar, where I’ll take you through label reading, decoding marketing claims, and selecting real food options your kids will love. Every small step toward better choices counts!