Exploring Your Sesame Cracker Options
For many, the nutty, rich flavor of sesame seeds is a welcome addition to a simple cracker. Whether you are building a cheeseboard, looking for a healthy snack, or just enjoy the taste, numerous brands offer crackers that feature this popular ingredient. However, product ingredients and manufacturing processes can vary widely. Below is a breakdown of different types of sesame crackers and brands to look for, covering options from everyday favorites to specialty dietary products.
Mainstream and Whole Grain Crackers
Many conventional cracker brands include sesame seeds as a primary ingredient or as part of a multi-seed blend. These are often readily available in most grocery stores and come in both refined and whole-grain versions.
- Breton Crackers: Certain Breton multigrain varieties contain sesame seeds, offering a crunchy texture and wholesome flavor. Checking the label is essential, as not all versions include sesame.
- Ryvita Crispbread: The Wholegrain Rye Crispbread, Sesame Rye flavor, provides a fiber-rich, robustly textured cracker topped with sesame seeds.
- Sesmark: Known for their savory thins, Sesmark offers Sesame Thins made with a wheat base, flax, and sesame seeds.
- Akmak: Akmak 100% Whole Wheat Sesame Crackers are a specific option for those prioritizing whole-grain content.
- Private Selection: This line often includes a Toasted Sesame Water Crisp Cracker, an excellent option for pairing with cheeses and dips.
Rice-Based and Gluten-Free Crackers
For individuals with gluten sensitivities or those who prefer a rice-based snack, several brands offer sesame rice crackers. These often have a distinctly light and crispy texture compared to wheat-based versions.
- GOOD THINS: Christie's Good Thins brand offers a gluten-free rice cracker in a sesame flavor, catering to a wider audience with dietary restrictions.
- 365 By Whole Foods Market: This line carries both Sesame Rice Crackers and Black Sesame Rice Crackers, providing both classic and black sesame options.
- Ka'Me: Known for their authentic Asian snacks, Ka'Me offers Rice Crunch Crackers with black sesame and soy sauce.
- Mary's Gone Crackers: While many of their products are multi-seed, the 'Everything' flavor often contains both black and white sesame seeds, and the brand is well-regarded for its organic and gluten-free offerings.
Artisan and Specialty Crackers
For a more gourmet experience, artisan brands often craft high-quality flatbreads and cracker bites featuring sesame. These are excellent for charcuterie boards or sophisticated snacking.
- Rustic Bakery: Offers organic black and white sesame sourdough flatbread cracker bites.
- La Panzanella: This brand produces toasted sesame artisan crackers, known for their thin and crispy profile.
- ELLA'S FLATS: A newer brand focusing on seed-based crackers, their sesame offerings are often light and crispy.
Allergies and Hidden Sesame
It is critical for individuals with sesame allergies to be aware of the federal labeling requirements in the US, which went into effect in 2023, making sesame the ninth major food allergen. However, cross-contamination can still occur during processing. Always read labels carefully, as some products manufactured before this date may still contain unlabeled sesame. Be mindful of hidden sources like tahini, gingelly oil, or gomasio (sesame salt). When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to confirm manufacturing processes and allergen protocols.
Homemade Sesame Crackers
For those who prefer total control over their ingredients or enjoy baking, making sesame crackers from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. Many recipes online require just a few pantry staples.
- Ingredients typically include: Flour (whole wheat or gluten-free blends), sesame seeds, olive oil, salt, and water.
- Preparation: Combine ingredients, knead a simple dough, roll it thinly between parchment paper, and cut into your desired shape. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
- Customization: Homemade versions allow you to add other seeds (like flax or chia) or spices (such as garlic powder or herbs) to your taste preferences.
Comparison of Sesame Cracker Types
| Feature | Whole Grain Wheat Crackers | Rice-Based Crackers (Gluten-Free) | Artisan Flatbread Crackers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Whole wheat flour, often mixed with other grains, sesame seeds | Rice flour, often with soy sauce, sesame seeds | Flour (sourdough or other), high-quality oil, sesame seeds |
| Texture | Denser, heartier crunch | Lighter, crisper, more delicate | Thin, often flaky and very crispy |
| Flavor Profile | Nutty, wholesome, and robust | Subtle, salty, with a hint of sweetness (depending on seasoning) | Savory, with a deep nutty flavor from toasted seeds |
| Dietary Benefits | High in fiber, whole grains, and minerals from sesame | Suitable for gluten-free diets, often lower in saturated fat | Often made with high-quality, simple ingredients |
| Common Brands | Akmak, Ryvita, Breton (Multigrain) | GOOD THINS, Ka'Me, 365 by Whole Foods | Rustic Bakery, La Panzanella, ELLA'S FLATS |
| Best For... | Hearty dips, cheese platters, robust spreads | Light dips, Asian-inspired platters, simple snacking | Charcuterie boards, gourmet cheese pairings |
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a store-bought brand or a homemade recipe, plenty of cracker choices include sesame seeds to enhance their flavor and nutritional profile. Consumers can find options tailored to various dietary needs, including whole grain and gluten-free versions. Remember, individuals with sesame allergies must read labels diligently and be cautious about cross-contamination, especially with new products. For the health-conscious snacker, these crackers can provide a boost of minerals, protein, and healthy fats from the inclusion of sesame seeds.
For more detailed information on sesame allergies and proper labeling, visit the Food Allergy Research & Education website at https://www.foodallergy.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular store-bought crackers with sesame seeds?
Brands like Akmak, Ryvita (Sesame Rye), Breton (Multigrain), and Good Thins (Sesame Rice) are popular store-bought options that include sesame seeds. Specialty brands like Sesmark and Ka'Me also feature sesame crackers.
Are sesame crackers a healthy snack?
Sesame crackers can be part of a healthy snack, particularly when made with whole grains or seeds. The nutritional value depends heavily on the base ingredients (e.g., rice flour vs. whole wheat) and added ingredients like salt and oils. Sesame seeds themselves offer healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
What crackers contain whole grain and sesame?
Several brands offer whole grain sesame crackers, including Akmak 100% Whole Wheat Sesame Crackers and Ryvita Wholegrain Rye Crispbread, Sesame Rye. Always check the packaging for Whole Grain Council certification or similar indicators.
Are there gluten-free crackers that have sesame in them?
Yes, many brands offer gluten-free sesame crackers. Options include Good Thins Sesame Rice Crackers, certain multi-seed varieties from Mary's Gone Crackers, and rice crackers from brands like Ka'Me or Whole Foods Market (365 brand).
What should someone with a sesame allergy know about crackers?
As of January 2023, sesame is a major food allergen in the US and must be labeled on packaged foods. However, cross-contamination is a risk. Always read labels carefully, and if a manufacturer changes ingredients or processing, a previously safe product may no longer be allergen-free. Some pre-2023 products may still be on shelves.
What is 'everything bagel seasoning' and does it have sesame?
Everything bagel seasoning is a popular blend of toppings that typically includes white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion. Therefore, any cracker featuring this seasoning will contain sesame.
What other names should I look for to identify sesame on a food label?
Besides 'sesame seeds,' be aware of alternative names and products derived from sesame. These include tahini (sesame paste), gingelly oil (sesame oil), gomasio (sesame salt), benne/benniseed, and sesamol. Reading ingredient lists is crucial for a sesame allergy.
