Is Original Crackers Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is strictly vegan, we have to look beyond the main ingredients and inspect the flavorings and binders. For Original Crackers, the formula is surprisingly clean and straightforward. The base is built on brown rice and quinoa, both of which are whole grains and entirely plant-derived.

The fat and texture come from flax seeds and sesame seeds. These are excellent sources of Omega-3s and provide a natural crunch without the need for palm oil or butter. The savory flavor profile is achieved using tamari, which is a high-quality soy sauce variant. While some soy sauces use trace amounts of fish in the fermentation process, this tamari is specified as water, soybeans, salt, and vinegar, making it safe for vegans. Finally, sea salt is the only seasoning used, eliminating any risk of hidden animal-based flavor enhancers.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Original Crackers function as a dense carbohydrate source. Because the base ingredients are whole grains like quinoa and brown rice, they offer more fiber and protein than standard white flour crackers. The inclusion of flax seeds adds a healthy dose of plant-based fats, which is beneficial for heart health. However, because they are dry and savory, it is easy to overeat them. They fit well into a balanced diet as a vehicle for dips or as a crunchy snack, but portion control is key if you are strictly monitoring your caloric intake.