SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE scores 52/100 (Decent) due to its highly processed nature and significant sodium content, despite providing some fiber and iron.
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE has a FoodScore of 52/100.
This product provides 6.67g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily intake.
A serving contains 1066.67mg of sodium per 100g, which is a notable concern.
As a NOVA class 3 processed snack, it offers less nutritional density than whole-food alternatives.
Portion control is key, as 5 crackers is a small serving size.
Scores +11 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
6.67g
24% of Daily Value
Protein
6.67g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1066.67mg
46% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (6.7g)+8
Protein (6.7g)+2
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
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What holds it back
Sodium (1066.7mg)-5
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 52
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE receives a FoodScore of 52 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of some positive nutritional contributions against significant processing and high sodium. The product gains 8 points for its fiber content of 6.67g per 100g and an additional 2 points for its protein content of 6.67g per 100g. It also receives 2 bonus points for its iron content, providing 40% DV per 100g. However, these benefits are offset by penalties. A substantial penalty of 5 points is applied due to its high sodium content, at 1066.67mg per 100g. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 food, it incurs another 5-point penalty for being processed, indicating a formulation with multiple ingredients and industrial processes. The ingredient list includes enriched flour and various vegetable oils like canola oil and palm oil, which are common in processed snack foods. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, SMART SENSE crackers offer less micronutrient diversity and a higher degree of processing.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in smart sense crackers, original saltine actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE provides 6.67g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake. While this product is not a primary fiber source, it can be a minor contributor.
Contains Iron
This product contains 7.2mg of iron per 100g, which is 40% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for many bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen in the blood and energy production. Adequate iron intake is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. While not a primary source, SMART SENSE crackers can contribute to meeting daily iron needs, especially for individuals who may struggle to get enough from other sources.
Convenient Snack Option
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE can serve as a convenient and accessible snack for quick energy or as a base for other foods. Its shelf-stable nature makes it easy to store and transport, fitting into various routines. When paired with nutrient-dense toppings, these crackers can be part of a more balanced snack, offering a practical solution for hunger between meals or as a light accompaniment to soups and salads.
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE scores 52/100 (Decent) due to its highly processed nature and significant sodium content, despite providing some fiber and iron.
How to eat it
Saltine crackers are commonly eaten as a light snack, often paired with cheese, soup, or spreads. A typical serving size is 5 crackers, which is a small portion. They are frequently consumed to settle an upset stomach or as a simple carbohydrate source.
Pair with protein-rich toppings like hummus, a slice of lean cheese, or a hard-boiled egg to increase satiety and nutritional value.
Use as a base for vegetable-based spreads or finely chopped vegetables to add vitamins and minerals.
Be mindful of the 5-cracker serving size to manage sodium intake, as the product is high in sodium per 100g.
Consider these crackers as an occasional component of a meal rather than a primary snack due to their processed nature.
Things to keep in mind
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE contains wheat gluten and is made with enriched flour, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The product also lists various vegetable oils, including palm oil, which is a source of saturated fat, though the label states 0g saturated fat per 100g, indicating a low amount per serving. The high sodium content (1066.67mg per 100g) is a significant consideration, particularly for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet. While the product does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg, cross-contamination is always a possibility in shared manufacturing facilities.
Is SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE healthy?
SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE scores 52/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it provides some fiber and iron, it is a processed food with a high sodium content. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and paired with more nutrient-dense foods.
How does SMART SENSE CRACKERS compare to other saltine brands?
Compared to other saltine brands like Nabisco Premium Saltine Crackers, SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE has a similar nutritional profile, often featuring enriched flour and comparable sodium levels. Minor differences may exist in specific oil blends or leavening agents, but the overall nutritional impact tends to be similar across the category.
What does 'enriched flour' mean in the ingredient list?
Enriched flour means that certain nutrients lost during the processing of wheat flour, such as niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, have been added back to the flour. This process aims to restore some of the nutritional value that is removed when the bran and germ are separated from the wheat kernel.
How many crackers are in a typical serving?
A typical serving size for SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE is 5 crackers. It's important to be aware of this portion size, especially when considering the sodium content, to manage your overall daily intake effectively. Exceeding the serving size will increase your intake of calories and sodium.
Can these crackers be part of a low-sodium diet?
Given that SMART SENSE CRACKERS, ORIGINAL SALTINE contains 1066.67mg of sodium per 100g, it is not considered a low-sodium food. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should consume this product sparingly or opt for crackers specifically marketed as low-sodium alternatives to help manage their intake.