What are the ingredients in Sakatas rice crackers?

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Originating from the Japanese village of Sakata, the classic 'usuyaki' rice cracker is renowned for its crispy texture and simple ingredients. So, what are the ingredients in Sakatas, and how do they differ across the brand's popular flavor lineup?

Quick Summary

Sakata rice cracker ingredients vary significantly by flavor, though most are based on rice, oil, and salt. Plain varieties are minimally processed, while flavored options incorporate specific spices, powders, and seasonings. Consumers should check labels for allergens like soy and milk.

Key Points

Base Ingredients: Most Sakata crackers use a simple base of rice, oil, and salt, rooted in traditional Japanese 'usuyaki' methods.
Plain Variety: Plain Sakata crackers contain only three core ingredients: rice, rice bran oil, and salt.
Flavored Additives: Flavored varieties incorporate additional ingredients like spices, powders (e.g., cheese, vegetable), natural flavors, and food acids.
Allergen Content: Varieties like Cheddar Cheese and Classic Barbecue contain common allergens such as milk and soy, so always check the label.
Dietary Status: Most Sakata products are gluten-free and free from artificial colors, flavors, and MSG.
Wholegrain Options: The Wholegrain Original provides additional fiber with ingredients like linseed and chia seeds, offering a distinct nutritional profile.
Brand Heritage: The brand has a history rooted in the Japanese village of Sakata, focusing on simple and high-quality production.

The Core Base Ingredients of Sakata Crackers

At the heart of every Sakata rice cracker is a simple foundation of rice, oil, and salt. The original 'usuyaki' cracker, developed in Japan, is celebrated for its delicate, crispy texture, which is achieved through a meticulous oven-baking process. While the base remains consistent, the choice of oil and the addition of specific seasonings are what define the final flavor profile.

The Simple Ingredients of Plain Sakata Crackers

The Plain variety uses a minimal list of ingredients, making it a simple option. It includes:

Rice (approximately 97%)
Rice Bran Oil
Salt

This variety is baked without artificial colors, flavors, or MSG and is gluten-free.

Breaking Down Popular Sakata Flavors

Sakata offers various flavors beyond the plain cracker, each with a specific mix of spices and seasonings. These contain more ingredients than the plain version, and checking for allergens is important.

Cheddar Cheese Ingredients

The Cheddar Cheese flavor adds several ingredients to the basic rice cracker base to achieve its savory taste. Key ingredients include rice (85%), vegetable oil, and various milk-based powders and natural flavors. It also contains salt, yeast extract, sugar, and various vegetable powders. Due to the inclusion of milk and soy, this flavor is not suitable for those with these allergies.

Classic Barbecue Ingredients

The Classic Barbecue flavor uses a blend of spices and powders for a smoky and tangy profile. Its ingredients feature rice (87%), vegetable oil, sugar, and a mix of spices (like paprika and chilli). It also contains various powders such as vinegar, tomato, soy sauce, onion, and garlic, along with natural flavors (including soy). This variety contains soy.

Wholegrain Original Ingredients

The Wholegrain Original provides a different texture and nutritional profile by incorporating wholegrain rice (69%), corn flour, linseed, inulin, chia seeds, vegetable oil, and salt.

Ingredient Comparison: Sakata Plain vs. Flavored

This table highlights the differences in ingredient categories between three popular Sakata varieties.


Ingredient Category	Sakata Plain	Sakata Cheddar Cheese	Sakata Classic Barbecue
Base	Rice	Rice (85%)	Rice (87%)
Oil	Rice Bran Oil	Vegetable Oil, Vegetable Fat Powder	Vegetable Oil
Salt	Present	Present	Present
Sweeteners	Absent	Sugar	Sugar, Dextrose
Flavorings	Absent	Whey, Cream, Cheese, Flavors	Spices, Tomato/Onion/Garlic Powder, Soy Sauce Powder
Allergens	None listed	Milk, Soy	Soy

Dietary Considerations and Allergen Information

Sakata products are often made in facilities that also handle common allergens. While many varieties are certified gluten-free, those with celiac disease should verify the certification on the packaging. Flavored crackers explicitly list allergens like milk and soy. Sakata emphasizes that many of their crackers are free from added MSG, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

The Japanese Roots of Simplicity

Sakata's origins are in the Japanese village of Sakata, with Sakata Beika Co., Ltd. founded there in 1951. The company maintains a simple and quality-focused approach to snack production, building on the tradition of the 'usuyaki' cracker. More information about their history is available from sources like the Sakata Beika Co. website.

Conclusion: Understanding What's in Your Snack

Examining what are the ingredients in Sakatas reveals variations based on flavor. Plain options are simple, while flavored ones add complexity and potential allergens. Checking product packaging ensures you select crackers that align with your dietary requirements and taste preferences.

Sakata Beika Co., Ltd. information

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many Sakata rice crackers are gluten-free. For example, the Plain and Wholegrain varieties are certified gluten-free, but it is always best to check the packaging to confirm for the specific flavor you are purchasing.

No, Sakata's official advertising states that their rice crackers do not contain any added MSG across their core range. They rely on natural flavors and yeast extract for taste.

Plain and certain flavored varieties are dairy-free. However, flavors like Cheddar Cheese explicitly contain milk-based ingredients (whey, cream, cheese powder) and are not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Yes, several flavored Sakata crackers contain soy. For example, both the Cheddar Cheese and Classic Barbecue flavors list soy or soy-based ingredients, so consumers with soy allergies should check the label.

The primary difference lies in the ingredients. Plain Sakatas contain only rice, oil, and salt, while Wholegrain varieties add ingredients like corn flour, linseed, and chia seeds to the wholegrain rice base for added fiber and texture.

Sakata rice crackers trace their origins back to the village of Sakata in Japan. The company, Sakata Beika Co., Ltd., was founded there in 1951, where the crispy 'usuyaki' cracker was first created.

Sakata crackers, particularly the plain varieties, are oven-baked and have simple, minimal ingredients with no artificial flavors or preservatives. However, they are high in carbohydrates and can be low in fiber and protein, making them a better snack when paired with other nutritious foods like cheese or avocado.