Is Savoritz original: Thin Wheat Crackers Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a snack is halal, we look for hidden animal derivatives, alcohol, or controversial additives. Starting with the base of these crackers, we find whole wheat flour and corn starch. These are plant-based grains and are perfectly acceptable. The fat source is high oleic canola and/or soybean oil. Unlike some crackers that use butter or lard, these vegetable oils are vegan and halal.

Next, we examine the sweeteners and flavor enhancers. The product uses sugar and invert sugar. In the modern food industry, sugar is rarely processed with bone char, and even if it were, the chemical purification renders it permissible for most halal standards. The leavening agents—calcium phosphate and baking soda—are inorganic salts and pose no issue.

A specific ingredient to note is barley malt extract. Barley is a grain, not an animal product. While barley contains gluten (which is a concern for Celiacs, not halal observers), it is entirely halal. Finally, sodium sulfite is used as a preservative. This is a synthetic chemical additive, not derived from animals or fermentation, so it does not violate halal dietary laws. There are no flags for gelatin, rennet, or alcohol in this recipe.

Nutritional Value

While these crackers are halal, it is also worth understanding their nutritional profile. A standard serving contains approximately 130 calories, derived mostly from the whole wheat flour and canola oil. The fat content is relatively low (around 4g per serving) and comes from heart-healthier unsaturated oils rather than saturated fats.

Regarding carbohydrates, the crackers provide about 19g per serving, with 1g of dietary fiber and less than 2g of sugar. The low sugar content is a significant plus, as many savory biscuits sneak in high amounts of sweeteners. However, the presence of sodium sulfite means those with sulfite sensitivities should be cautious. Overall, for a processed snack, these crackers fit reasonably well into a balanced diet, especially when compared to fried potato chips.