Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers received a FoodScore of 31/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **ultra-processed nature** and **high sodium content**.
FoodScore: 31/100 (Poor).
Contains 833.33mg sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
Provides 23% DV of calcium per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
A serving of 30 crackers (30g) provides 250mg of sodium.
Scores -10 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
833.33mg
36% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5g)-4
Sodium (833.3mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 31
Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers received a FoodScore of 31 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of 10 points. The product's high sodium content, at 833.33mg per 100g, also contributes a substantial penalty of 4 points. Additionally, the 5g of saturated fat per 100g resulted in a 4-point penalty. The presence of organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil as a primary ingredient, along with other refined starches like rice flour and corn starch, contributes to its concentrated ultra-processed fat penalty of 3 points. While Annie's crackers do offer a modest bonus of 2 points for calcium (23% DV per 100g), this is insufficient to offset the numerous penalties. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this product contains a higher density of calories and sodium with minimal fiber or micronutrient diversity.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in annie's gluten free cheddar bunny tails baked crackers actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Calcium
These crackers provide 300mg of calcium per 100g, which is 23% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral known for its role in maintaining bone density and strength. Including foods that contribute to calcium intake can be part of a balanced diet, especially for individuals who may not consume enough dairy or other calcium-rich foods regularly. This product can help supplement calcium intake when consumed as part of a varied diet.
Gluten-Free Option
As a gluten-free product, Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers are suitable for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The formulation uses rice flour, corn starch, and tapioca starch instead of wheat, making it an accessible snack for those avoiding gluten. This allows individuals with dietary restrictions to enjoy a cracker snack that aligns with their needs, provided other nutritional aspects are considered.
Convenient Snack Choice
This product offers a convenient and ready-to-eat snack option. Its shelf-stable nature and individual serving size make it easy to incorporate into packed lunches or for on-the-go consumption. For busy individuals, having accessible snack options can help manage hunger between meals. However, it's important to balance convenience with the overall nutritional profile of the snack.
Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers received a FoodScore of 31/100 (Poor), primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
How to eat it
Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers are typically consumed as a standalone snack or paired with other foods. A common portion is 30 crackers (30g). They are often included in children's lunchboxes or eaten as a quick bite during the day. A potential pitfall is consuming multiple servings, which can quickly increase sodium and calorie intake.
Pair these crackers with fresh vegetables like cucumber slices or carrot sticks to add fiber and micronutrients to your snack.
Combine with a source of protein, such as a small portion of plain Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg, to enhance satiety and balance the meal.
Measure out a single serving of 30 crackers to manage sodium and calorie intake effectively.
Consider these crackers as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple, due to their ultra-processed nature and sodium content.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with allergies to milk should be aware that this product contains organic cheddar cheese, organic whey, and nonfat dry milk. The ingredient list also includes organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil, which is a common allergen for some individuals. While the product is gluten-free, it is still an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4), meaning it has undergone significant industrial processing. The high sodium content (833.33mg per 100g) should be noted by individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or kidney concerns. The product contains xanthan gum and silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), which are common food additives generally recognized as safe, but some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of such ingredients.
Is Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails healthy?
Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails received a FoodScore of 31/100, categorized as 'Poor.' While they are gluten-free and provide some calcium, their ultra-processed nature and high sodium content mean they do not contribute significantly to a nutrient-dense diet. They are best considered an occasional snack rather than a regular part of a healthy eating pattern.
How does Annie's compare to other cracker brands?
Compared to other common cracker brands like Ritz Crackers, Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails share a similar ultra-processed classification and often comparable sodium levels. However, Annie's offers a gluten-free alternative, which is a key differentiator for those with specific dietary needs. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons on sodium, fat, and fiber content.
What is 'organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil' and is it good for me?
Organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil is a type of vegetable oil extracted without chemical solvents, often seen as a less refined option. While it is a source of fat, it contributes to the concentrated ultra-processed fat penalty in this product's FoodScore. It's important to consider the overall fat content and type in your diet, as this product contains 30g total fat per 100g.
What is a reasonable portion size for these crackers?
A reasonable portion size is 30 crackers (30g), which provides 160 calories and 250mg of sodium. Sticking to this serving size helps manage intake of sodium and calories. Consuming multiple servings can quickly lead to excessive sodium intake, which is a concern for many Americans.
Are these crackers suitable for children?
These crackers can be a convenient snack for children, especially if they require a gluten-free option. However, due to their high sodium content and ultra-processed nature, moderation is key. Pairing them with whole foods like fruit or vegetables can help balance the snack's nutritional profile for children.
Do these crackers contain any added sugar?
No, the ingredient list for Annie's Gluten Free Cheddar Bunny Tails Baked Crackers indicates 0g of added sugar per 100g. This is a positive aspect, as many processed snacks contain significant amounts of added sugars. The flavor comes from ingredients like organic cheddar cheese and organic annatto for color.