Are Ritz crackers ultraprocessed? A Deep Dive into Your Favorite Cracker

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Original Ritz Crackers are classified as an unhealthy ultra-processed food, flagged due to ingredients linked to health problems. We'll explore why in detail, answering the question: are Ritz crackers ultraprocessed?

Quick Summary

An analysis of ingredients and manufacturing places Ritz crackers firmly in the ultra-processed food category. Key factors include refined flours, added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, and a variety of industrial additives.

Key Points

Categorically Ultra-Processed: Ritz crackers are classified as ultra-processed due to extensive industrial formulation, not simply because they are processed.
Ingredient Red Flags: Key ingredients like unbleached enriched flour, high fructose corn syrup, palm oil, and soy lecithin are indicative of ultra-processing.
NOVA Classification: The NOVA system groups Ritz crackers in the highest processing category (Group 4) based on the type and number of ingredients and the industrial methods used.
Health Concerns: Diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with increased risks of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Healthy Swaps: Healthier alternatives include whole-grain crackers with minimal ingredients, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Palatability vs. Nutrition: The combination of refined carbs, industrial fats, and added sugars in Ritz crackers makes them highly palatable and easy to overconsume, but they offer little nutritional value.

The Definitive Answer: Yes, Ritz Crackers Are Ultra-Processed

Based on their ingredients and the level of industrial processing, Ritz crackers are classified as ultra-processed foods. They contain a blend of refined ingredients and additives, fitting into the highest processing category of the NOVA food classification system. This categorization is determined by the extent and purpose of industrial processing.

The Ingredients of an Ultra-Processed Snack

The ingredients list for Original Ritz crackers reveals why they are considered ultra-processed.

Refining the Flour

The primary ingredient is unbleached enriched flour, where the nutritious bran and germ are removed, and only some vitamins are added back. This refining process removes fiber and most natural nutrients, but it improves texture and shelf life, which is typical of ultra-processed products.

Added Sugars and Fats

Ritz crackers contain added sugars, including sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which enhance taste. The buttery flavor comes from industrial oils such as soybean, canola, and palm oil, a saturated fat. The presence of these added sugars and fats is common in ultra-processed foods and linked to health issues with high consumption.

Industrial Additives

Additives like soy lecithin (an emulsifier), calcium phosphate, and baking soda (leavening agents) are also present. The use of "Natural Flavor" is another characteristic of ultra-processed foods.

The NOVA System: A Food Processing Framework

The NOVA system categorizes foods based on processing, helping to understand why foods like Ritz are ultra-processed.

The Four NOVA Groups

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods (e.g., fresh produce, eggs).
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, salt).
Group 3: Processed Foods (e.g., canned vegetables with salt, cheese).
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products. These are industrial products made with substances derived from food and additives for convenience, palatability, and shelf life. Ritz crackers are in this group.

Ultra-Processed vs. Processed: A Comparison

Here's a comparison to illustrate the difference between ultra-processed and minimally processed crackers:


Feature	Ritz Crackers (Ultra-Processed)	Minimally Processed Cracker (e.g., Simple Whole-Wheat)
Primary Ingredients	Unbleached enriched flour, soybean oil, palm oil, sugar, high fructose corn syrup	Whole grain wheat flour, water, olive oil, salt
Processing Level	Extensively processed, formulated with industrial ingredients and additives	Milled flour, mixed, and baked. No complex industrial formulations
Added Sugars	Contains sugar and high fructose corn syrup	None, or a very small amount of natural sweetener like honey if flavored
Additives	Emulsifiers (soy lecithin), chemical leavening agents, natural flavors	Few to no additives; all ingredients are typically recognizable
Nutrient Density	Low in fiber and micronutrients; high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium	Generally higher in fiber and maintains more of the natural micronutrients from the grain
Shelf Life	Extended shelf life due to preservatives and processing methods	Shorter shelf life; depends on lack of preservatives and industrial additives

Potential Health Implications

Consuming many ultra-processed foods is linked to increased risks of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. These foods combine refined ingredients, added sugars, and industrial fats, making them very appealing but low in nutrients like fiber.

Healthier Alternatives to Ritz Crackers

To reduce ultra-processed food intake, consider these healthier snack options:

Simple whole-grain crackers with minimal ingredients.
Fruits and vegetables.
Nuts and seeds.
Homemade crackers.
Cheese paired with fruits.

Conclusion: Making Informed Snack Choices

In conclusion, Ritz crackers are classified as ultra-processed due to their ingredients and manufacturing. They are made with refined grains, industrial oils, and additives for palatability and shelf life. While occasional consumption may not be harmful, understanding the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods allows for more informed dietary choices, favoring less-processed options more often. For further reading on food processing classification, explore the NOVA system of food classification. Prioritizing whole foods supports better nutrition and long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ritz crackers are considered ultra-processed because they are made with an industrial formulation that includes refined flour, multiple forms of added sugars, industrial oils like palm oil, and various additives, rather than being prepared using simple culinary ingredients.

No. Enriched flour is a key sign of an ultra-processed food. It is refined flour that has had most of its fiber removed, with only a few synthetic vitamins added back in afterwards, but it does not restore the full nutritional value of a whole grain.

The NOVA system is a food classification system that groups foods into four categories based on the extent and purpose of industrial processing, not their nutritional content. Ritz crackers fall into the highest category, Group 4 (Ultra-Processed).

No. Processing exists on a spectrum. While ultra-processed foods are often linked to negative health outcomes, minimally processed foods (like washed spinach or canned beans) or simply processed foods (like plain cheese) can be part of a healthy diet.

Yes, some brands offer alternative crackers made with whole grains and a shorter, simpler ingredient list. You can also find whole-wheat versions of Ritz, which are a slightly better option, but they are still ultra-processed.

Regular, high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, having a moderate amount occasionally is unlikely to cause harm, especially if you have an otherwise balanced diet.

Ritz crackers are engineered to be hyper-palatable through the strategic combination of refined carbohydrates, industrial oils, and added sugars. This blend creates a taste and texture that is very satisfying and encourages overconsumption.