How much sugar is in Shapes?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, many popular savory Arnott's Shapes flavors contain less than 1.5 grams of sugar per 25g serving, making them a low-sugar snack option compared to many sweet alternatives. However, the specific amount of sugar in Shapes varies slightly by flavor, so it's important to check the nutrition information for your preferred variety.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in Shapes biscuits is relatively low across most savory flavors, with popular varieties like Barbecue and Savoury having 1.0g or less per 100g. Nutritional facts show the amount can vary by flavor, and other nutritional aspects like sodium and fat should be considered.

Key Points

Low Sugar Content: Most savory Arnott's Shapes flavors contain very little sugar, typically less than 1.5g per standard serving.
Flavor Variations: The exact amount of sugar varies by flavor; for example, Original Savoury is often lower in sugar than Original Pizza.
Moderate Sodium: While low in sugar, Shapes are a savory snack and therefore can be high in sodium, a factor to consider for overall health.
Consider the Full Nutritional Profile: When choosing snacks, evaluate the entire nutritional label, including saturated fat and overall calories, not just the sugar content.
Practice Portion Control: Due to their calorie density, consuming Shapes in moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
Check Labels for Accuracy: Nutritional formulations can change, so it's best to always refer to the latest information on the product's packaging.

Understanding Sugar Content in Your Favorite Savory Snack

For many, Arnott's Shapes are a go-to savory snack, but like with any processed food, it's wise to consider the nutritional content, including sugar. While Shapes are not considered a sweet treat, they do contain a small amount of sugar, primarily for flavor enhancement. The amount of sugar can differ between the many varieties available, and it's essential to understand the nutrition label to make an informed choice.

Breaking Down Sugar in Common Shapes Flavors

Let's take a closer look at the sugar content for some of the most popular Arnott's Shapes flavors. While formulations can change over time and vary by region, this provides a useful snapshot based on recent data available from food nutrition databases.

Original Barbecue: This iconic flavor typically has a very low sugar content. For example, some nutritional information reports show less than 1 gram of sugar per 100g.
Original Savoury: Often boasting the lowest sugar content of the Original range, the Savoury flavor may contain less than 0.1 grams of sugar per serving, or around 1.0g per 100g.
Original Pizza: This flavor may contain slightly more sugar due to its tomato-based seasoning. Data suggests a sugar content in the low single-digit grams per 100g.
Original Cheddar: The cheese-flavored variety also contains minimal sugar, with nutritional information listing sugar content around 1.2g per 100g in some versions.

The Role of Sugar in Savory Snacks

When we think of snacks high in sugar, sweet treats like cakes and cookies typically come to mind. However, processed foods, even savory ones, often contain small amounts of sugar to balance the flavor profile. In Shapes, sugar is one of several ingredients that work together with salt, spices, and other flavorings to create the signature taste. It's used in moderation and is generally not the primary nutrient of concern for this type of cracker.

Shapes Sugar Content Comparison Table

To put the sugar content of Shapes into perspective, let's compare a few popular flavors against other common snacks. Note: All values are approximate and per 100g for easy comparison. Specific values may vary by product and region.


Snack Type	Total Sugar (per 100g)	Notes
Shapes Original Barbecue	~0.9g	Very low sugar content.
Shapes Original Savoury	~1.0g	One of the lowest sugar Shapes flavors.
Potato Chips (standard)*	< 1.0g	Typically very low or zero sugar, high in fat and salt.
Crackers (Water)	< 2.0g	Plain crackers are often low in sugar.
Sweet Biscuits (e.g., Chocolate)	> 20g	Contain significantly higher sugar due to added sweeteners and chocolate.
Flavored Rice Crackers	~4.0g - 8.0g+	Can vary widely; some savory varieties may contain more sugar.

*Values for comparison only; specific products will vary.

What to Consider Beyond Sugar

While the sugar content in Shapes is relatively low, it's crucial to look at the complete nutritional profile when evaluating them as a snack. Other key factors to consider include:

Sodium Content: Savory snacks are typically high in sodium. For example, some Shapes varieties contain high levels of salt, which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure with excessive consumption.
Saturated Fat: Like many processed crackers, Shapes can contain saturated fat from the vegetable oil used during production. High saturated fat intake is linked to increased cholesterol levels.
Caloric Density: These types of baked crackers are energy-dense, meaning they contain a relatively high number of calories for their weight. Mindful portion control is important to avoid excessive calorie intake.

Making Healthier Snacking Choices

Shapes can be part of a balanced diet, but like any processed snack, moderation is key. Here are a few tips for healthier snacking habits:

Practice portion control: Instead of eating directly from the box, serve a small portion into a bowl to prevent overeating. For example, a single 25g serving is recommended.
Read the nutrition label: Always check the back of the packet for the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information. Compare the figures for different varieties to find the best option for your needs.
Balance your snacks: Don't rely solely on processed foods for snacking. Pair Shapes with more nutritious options like fresh vegetables or nuts to add fiber and other essential nutrients.

Conclusion

In summary, the amount of sugar in Shapes is generally quite low, especially for the savory varieties like Barbecue and Savoury, which often contain less than one gram per 100g. They are not a significant source of sugar compared to sweet snacks. However, this snack still contains high levels of sodium and is calorie-dense, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet. Always check the nutrition information on the packaging for the most current details regarding your specific flavor choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Arnott's Shapes are not considered high in sugar. Most savory flavors contain less than 1.5 grams of sugar per 25-gram serving.

The sugar content of Original Barbecue Shapes is very low, often around 0.9 grams per 100 grams, according to recent nutritional information.

The sugar content in Shapes is comparable to or lower than many plain crackers. Some flavored rice crackers, for instance, may contain more sugar.

Sugar is often included in small amounts in savory processed foods like Shapes to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile, complementing the salt and spices.

Savory snacks like Shapes are generally lower in sugar than sweet snacks like cookies or candy. However, it's important to consider other factors like sodium and saturated fat for a complete nutritional evaluation.

The most accurate method is to check the nutrition information panel printed on the back of the Shapes packaging, as formulations can sometimes be updated.

Pay attention to the sodium and saturated fat content. Shapes can be high in sodium, and like many crackers, contain fats that should be consumed in moderation.