Is MULTI-GRAIN SEA SALT Crunchy Baked Rice Crackers Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. The base of BROWN RICE FLOUR and WHOLE GRAIN YELLOW CORNMEAL is excellent. These are whole grains that provide texture and complex carbohydrates without any animal products. Similarly, POTATO STARCH acts as a binder and crisping agent, which is entirely plant-derived.

The fats and seeds are also safe bets for vegans. OLIVE OIL is a heart-healthy fat, while SESAME SEEDS and FLAX SEEDS add crunch and omega-3s. The inclusion of OAT FIBER boosts the dietary fiber content, making these crackers more filling. However, there is one ingredient that stops this product from being strictly vegan: CANE SUGAR.

The issue with CANE SUGAR in the vegan community stems from the refining process. In many regions, raw sugar is bleached and filtered using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve a pure white color. While the sugar itself contains no bone particles, the processing method renders it non-vegan to strict adherents. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states they use unrefined sugar or organic sugar (which prohibits bone char), this ingredient creates ambiguity.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these crackers are a solid choice for those seeking a savory snack. The combination of brown rice flour and cornmeal offers a decent profile of complex carbohydrates, which digest slower than refined white flour, keeping blood sugar levels more stable. The addition of flax seeds and sesame seeds contributes healthy fats and a small amount of protein.

Regarding the flagged ingredient, cane sugar, the amount is likely minimal given its position on the ingredient list (after salt). However, for those monitoring sugar intake, it is worth noting that even small amounts of added sugar contribute to daily limits. These crackers fit well into a balanced diet as a crunchy alternative to potato chips, offering more fiber and less saturated fat.