Do RITZ crackers contain salt? A deep dive into ingredients and nutrition

November 25, 2025 •

2 min read

A single serving of original RITZ crackers contains 130 mg of sodium. This fact confirms that do RITZ crackers contain salt, and it is a key component contributing to their signature, buttery flavor and satisfying crispiness.

Quick Summary

RITZ crackers, in their original and other standard varieties, do contain salt as a standard ingredient. The sodium content varies by product, with a specific "Hint of Salt" version offering a lower-sodium option for health-conscious consumers.

Key Points

Yes, they contain salt: Salt is a primary ingredient in all standard RITZ cracker varieties, contributing to their flavor profile.
Sodium content varies: A serving of original RITZ contains approximately 130mg of sodium, while the "Hint of Salt" version has significantly less, around 25-30mg per serving.
Salt serves multiple purposes: Besides flavor, salt acts as a preservative and contributes to the dough's texture.
Check the ingredients: Always read the nutrition label for the most accurate information on sodium content and ingredients for the specific RITZ variety.
Different varieties, different profiles: Versions like Whole Wheat RITZ have slightly different nutritional profiles, including a variation in sodium levels.
Low-sodium alternatives exist: For those watching their sodium intake, options like RITZ "Hint of Salt" or other whole-grain crackers are available.

Is there salt in RITZ crackers?

Yes, salt is a standard and essential ingredient in RITZ crackers. It is intentionally added to enhance flavor, act as a preservative, and improve the texture of the finished product. Salt is incorporated into the dough and also sprinkled on the surface before baking, contributing to the distinct salty-buttery taste.

The importance of salt in food production

Salt plays a crucial role in baking and food manufacturing beyond taste. In RITZ crackers, its functions include:

Flavor enhancement: It balances the sweetness from sugar and high fructose corn syrup, creating the signature sweet and savory profile.
Preservation: Salt inhibits microbial growth, extending shelf life.
Dough structure: Salt strengthens gluten, leading to a consistent texture and the characteristic flaky layers.

RITZ crackers nutrition facts: Sodium breakdown

Monitoring sodium intake means checking the nutrition information for specific RITZ varieties, as levels differ. Mondelēz International provides details on their SmartLabel platform.

Sodium content by variety

Here is a breakdown of typical sodium content per serving (usually 5 crackers) for popular varieties:

Original RITZ Crackers: 130 mg of sodium per serving, about 6% of the daily value.
RITZ "Hint of Salt" Crackers: 25-30 mg of sodium per serving, a low-sodium alternative.
RITZ Whole Wheat Crackers: 120 mg of sodium per serving, similar to the original.

Ingredient list for original RITZ crackers

Unbleached Enriched Flour
Soybean and/or Canola Oil
Palm Oil
Sugar
Salt
Leavening
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Soy Lecithin
Natural Flavor

Comparison table: Original vs. "Hint of Salt"


Feature	Original RITZ Crackers	RITZ "Hint of Salt" Crackers
Sodium per 5 crackers	130 mg (6% DV)	25-30 mg (1% DV)
Flavor Profile	Classic buttery, with a noticeably savory saltiness	Buttery, with only a very mild hint of salt
Best For	Pairing with strong cheeses, dips, and savory toppings	Health-conscious snacking, pairing with sweet toppings like fruit spreads
Availability	Widely available in all major stores	Available in many stores, but may not be as common as the original

Exploring healthier alternatives

For healthier, lower-sodium options, many brands offer crackers with whole grains and more fiber than RITZ.

Crackers with more whole grains and fiber

Triscuits Original Crackers: Made with whole wheat, offering a hearty texture.
Simple Mills Rosemary & Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers: A gluten-free, whole-food choice.
Wasa Crispbread Crackers: Low in calories and filling.

These alternatives offer different nutritional profiles for various dietary goals. For specific health information, consult resources like Eat This, Not That!.

Conclusion: Navigating salt in your favorite snacks

RITZ crackers do contain salt, which is key to their flavor and texture. Sodium content varies, with original RITZ having 130 mg and "Hint of Salt" having 25-30 mg per serving. Moderate consumption is generally fine, but those on sodium-restricted diets should choose "Hint of Salt" or other alternatives. Always check nutrition labels for accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A serving of five original RITZ crackers contains approximately 130mg of sodium, which is about 6% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Yes, RITZ offers a "Hint of Salt" variety, which contains a significantly lower amount of sodium, around 25-30mg per serving.

Key ingredients for original RITZ crackers include unbleached enriched flour, soybean and/or canola oil, palm oil, sugar, salt, and leavening agents like baking soda and calcium phosphate.

The combination of salt and sugar, along with the buttery flavor, is what creates the classic sweet and savory taste profile of RITZ crackers.

Yes, salt plays a role in controlling the dough's fermentation and strengthening the gluten, which contributes to the cracker's final texture and crispiness.

Yes, varieties such as Whole Wheat RITZ contain salt, though the sodium content might differ slightly from the original recipe.

The main difference is the sodium level. Original RITZ has 130mg of sodium per serving, while the "Hint of Salt" version is a low-sodium choice with about 25-30mg.

While not a health food due to refined flour, high fat, and sodium content, RITZ crackers can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.