CRACKER JACK THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL COATED POPCORN & PEANUTS, THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL
CRACKER JACK THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL COATED POPCORN & PEANUTS scores 23/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 23/100 (Avoid) indicates this product offers minimal nutritional benefit.
Contains 37.5g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
Provides 7.14g of protein and 3.61g of fiber per 100g, offering some macronutrient contribution.
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), contrasting with the minimal processing of air-popped popcorn.
Best consumed as an occasional treat in very small portions to manage sugar intake.
Scores -18 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
37.5g
75% of Daily Value
Sodium
250mg
11% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (37.5g)-25
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 23
CRACKER JACK THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL COATED POPCORN & PEANUTS receives a FoodScore of 23 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its significant amount of added sugar, which is 37.5g per 100g. This high sugar content incurs a substantial penalty in the scoring system. Additionally, the product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which further reduces its score. While CRACKER JACK does offer some positive nutritional aspects, such as 7.14g of protein and 3.61g of fiber per 100g, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties. The presence of soy lecithin as an emulsifier is typical for processed snacks. In contrast, a reference baseline like air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus would contain little to no added sugar and would not be ultra-processed, highlighting the nutritional difference.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cracker jack the original caramel coated popcorn & peanuts, the original caramel actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Iron
CRACKER JACK provides 2.57mg of iron per 100g, contributing 14% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and supporting energy metabolism. While not a primary source, this product can contribute a small amount of iron to the diet, which is important for individuals who may not meet their daily iron requirements through other foods.
Contains Dietary Fiber
With 3.61g of fiber per 100g, CRACKER JACK offers a modest amount of this important nutrient. Dietary fiber is known to support digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While not a high-fiber food, the presence of fiber from the popcorn and peanuts is a positive aspect, especially when compared to snacks completely devoid of fiber.
Provides Some Protein
CRACKER JACK contains 7.14g of protein per 100g, primarily from the peanuts. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in satiety. While this product is not a primary protein source, the protein content can contribute to overall daily intake, particularly when consumed as part of a varied diet.
CRACKER JACK THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL COATED POPCORN & PEANUTS scores 23/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
CRACKER JACK is typically consumed as a sweet snack, often at events or as an occasional treat. Its small serving size of 0.5 cup (approximately 25g) helps manage intake, but it's easy to overconsume due to its palatability and high sugar content.
To manage added sugar intake, consider pairing a small portion of CRACKER JACK with unsweetened plain Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts to add protein and fiber.
Use CRACKER JACK as an occasional topping for fruit salads or oatmeal to add a touch of sweetness and crunch, rather than eating it as a standalone snack.
Be mindful of portion sizes; the stated serving of 0.5 cup is a good guideline to avoid excessive sugar and calorie consumption.
Consider making homemade caramel popcorn with less added sugar and more whole grain popcorn as a nutritionally superior alternative.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with peanut allergies must avoid CRACKER JACK due to the explicit presence of peanuts in the ingredient list. The product's high added sugar content (37.5g per 100g) means it should be consumed with caution by individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. The use of corn syrup and sugar as primary sweeteners contributes significantly to this. As an ultra-processed food, it contains ingredients like soy lecithin which are generally recognized as safe but contribute to its NOVA 4 classification. There are no specific interactions or other significant cautions beyond managing sugar intake and allergen awareness.
CRACKER JACK THE ORIGINAL CARAMEL COATED POPCORN & PEANUTS has a FoodScore of 23/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This is largely due to its high added sugar content and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While it offers some iron, fiber, and protein, these benefits are outweighed by the less desirable nutritional aspects.
How does CRACKER JACK compare to other snacks?
Compared to a whole food snack like plain air-popped popcorn, CRACKER JACK contains significantly more added sugar and is ultra-processed. When compared to other packaged sweet snacks, such as a typical candy bar like a Snickers, CRACKER JACK's nutritional profile may vary, but both are generally high in added sugars and calories. For a healthier alternative, consider a snack like a KIND Bar, which often provides more fiber and protein with less added sugar.
What is 'soy lecithin' in CRACKER JACK?
Soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans, used in many processed foods to help blend ingredients that don't naturally mix, like oil and water. In CRACKER JACK, it helps create a smooth texture and prevents ingredients from separating. It is generally considered safe for consumption, but individuals with soy allergies should be aware of its presence.
What is a reasonable portion size for CRACKER JACK?
The suggested serving size for CRACKER JACK is 0.5 cup. Adhering to this portion helps manage the intake of added sugars and calories. Due to its low FoodScore, it is best consumed infrequently and in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Can children eat CRACKER JACK?
Children can consume CRACKER JACK in moderation. However, due to its high added sugar content, it's important to limit portion sizes and frequency to prevent excessive sugar intake, which can contribute to dental issues and impact overall diet quality. Always consider a child's overall dietary pattern when including treats like this.