Are Soda Crackers Bad For You?
Also Known As: Saltines
Short answer
Although Saltine crackers do contain some vitamins and minerals, other detrimental ingredients make this snack choice a bad option.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The main ingredients which you will find in Saltine crackers are flour, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil and vegetable monoglycerides. You will also find vitamins B1, B2 and B12 and minerals calcium, iron and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals do come with benefits, however, the fact that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and hydrogenated oils are present in this snack will potentially outweigh any of them.
At the very least HFCS has been linked to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. It is added to many refined products as it is cheap to manufacture. Studies have even found that around 50% of HFCS contains high levels of mercury, a metal that can cause adverse reactions to your body’s organs, brain, and immune system when consumed regularly.
Partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil is a very inexpensive oil commonly added to processed foods. It is full of saturated fat and has been linked to inflammation, increased levels of bad cholesterol and cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly. Cottonseed oil has almost three times the fat level of, say, canola oil.
Vegetable monoglycerides are commonly added to foods to help certain ingredients blend together that would otherwise not. It is also used to extend shelf life. Unfortunately much like cottonseed oil, vegetable monoglycerides are responsible for increasing the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and has even been linked to the formation of certain kinds of cancer.
Saltine crackers should be avoided where possible or consumed in absolute moderation.
Possible long-term side effects
- cardiovascular disease
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high cholesterol levels
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inflammation
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diabetes
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- may help to relieve nausea when sick
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Rovira Export Sodas
- Classic soda crackers
- Individually packed
- Convenient foil fresh
- 8 oz box size
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-12-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 01-12-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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