Is greenwize gluten free sesame rice crackers a Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack is truly vegan, the devil is often in the details. However, the Greenwize Gluten Free Sesame Rice Crackers offer a surprisingly clean slate. The base of the cracker is brown rice flour, which is simply ground whole grain rice and is naturally vegan. This is combined with sesame seeds and amaranth seeds, both of which are plant-based powerhouses that provide a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Many vegans worry about hidden dairy or eggs in savory snacks, but this product uses potato starch as a binder and thickener instead. It is a plant-derived ingredient that helps hold the cracker together without animal products. The oil used is safflower oil, a vegetable oil that is perfectly acceptable for a vegan lifestyle.

The most scrutinized ingredient in this recipe is likely the tamari soy sauce powder. Traditional soy sauce is fermented using soybeans and wheat, but some cheaper soy sauces use flavor enhancers derived from animal sources. However, tamari is traditionally a gluten-free byproduct of miso paste and is vegan. The ingredient list specifies it is made from soybeans, salt, and maltodextrin (a plant-derived carbohydrate), confirming it is free from animal additives.

Finally, the inclusion of quinoa adds a complete protein profile to the snack. While rice bran is sometimes used as a release agent, it is simply the hard outer layer of the rice grain. Overall, the formulation is strictly plant-based.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crackers are a moderate energy source. They are primarily composed of complex carbohydrates derived from brown rice flour and quinoa. Unlike many refined white flour crackers, these offer a slightly higher fiber content due to the whole grains and seeds, which aids in digestion and satiety.

In terms of fats, the crackers contain safflower oil and sesame seeds. These provide unsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. However, because they are oil-based, the calorie count can add up quickly if you are strictly counting calories for weight loss. The sodium content comes from sea salt and the tamari soy sauce powder; while they are not excessively salty compared to potato chips, portion control is recommended for those monitoring blood pressure.

There are no added sugars in this specific variety, which is a significant plus for anyone avoiding glycemic spikes. The amaranth seeds contribute micronutrients like iron and magnesium. These crackers fit well into a balanced diet as a crunchy alternative to bread, provided you stick to the serving size.