Which Crackers Don't Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, Americans should limit added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is unfortunately found in many processed foods, including many common crackers. Finding which crackers don't have high fructose corn syrup requires careful label reading, but many excellent brands prioritize cleaner ingredients for a healthier snack choice.

Quick Summary

This guide lists specific brands and types of crackers that do not contain high fructose corn syrup. It explains why this ingredient is used and provides tips for identifying healthier cracker alternatives by inspecting product labels.

Key Points

Check Labels Explicitly: Always check the ingredients list for "high fructose corn syrup," as it is a common hidden additive in many processed crackers.
Recognize Clean Brands: Brands like Triscuit, Simple Mills, Mary's Gone Crackers, and Late July are reliable choices that offer HFCS-free options.
Be Mindful of Other Sugars: Don't be fooled by the absence of HFCS; some products use other forms of corn syrup or added sugar, so review the full ingredient list.
Embrace Gluten-Free Options: Many gluten-free crackers, such as those from Simple Mills and Mary's Gone Crackers, are naturally HFCS-free due to their focus on whole ingredients.
Consider Making Your Own: For complete control and the ultimate clean-eating cracker, homemade recipes are a great alternative to store-bought options.
Why HFCS is Used: Manufacturers add HFCS to crackers for cost-effectiveness, enhanced browning, and texture, but it contributes to health risks when consumed excessively.

Understanding High Fructose Corn Syrup in Crackers

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a budget-friendly sweetener derived from corn starch that food manufacturers often use in processed foods to improve texture, enhance browning, and extend shelf life. While crackers are often savory, many mainstream brands add HFCS to their recipes. The consumption of excessive added sugar, including HFCS, is linked to numerous health concerns, such as an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. When you choose crackers without high fructose corn syrup, you are taking a simple but important step toward reducing your overall sugar intake.

Crackers Without High Fructose Corn Syrup: Top Brands

Many health-conscious brands have emerged to offer delicious cracker options made with simpler, whole-food ingredients. When shopping, always double-check the ingredient list, as formulations can sometimes change.

Triscuit: The Original Whole Grain Wheat crackers are a popular choice known for their straightforward, whole-grain recipe of just whole grain wheat, canola oil, and sea salt.
Simple Mills: These crackers are made with a blend of almond, sunflower seed, and flaxseed flour, providing a gluten-free and HFCS-free alternative.
Mary's Gone Crackers: This brand offers a variety of gluten-free, organic, and HFCS-free crackers, often made with whole grains, seeds, and herbs.
Late July: Known for their organic and Non-GMO products, many of their cracker varieties are free from high fructose corn syrup.
Back to Nature: Several of this brand's cracker offerings, including their Classic Rounds, are confirmed to be HFCS-free, though verifying the specific variety is recommended.
Annie's Homegrown: Look for their Organic Cheddar Bunnies or other snack mixes, as many are made without high fructose corn syrup.
Blue Diamond Nut-Thins: These gluten-free, rice-and-nut-based crackers are another reliable option for avoiding HFCS.
Wasa Crispbreads: These are simple, crisp rye or wheat crackers with minimal ingredients, making them an excellent HFCS-free choice.

How to Read Ingredient Labels for HFCS

Food manufacturers are required to list all ingredients on the packaging. To ensure your crackers are HFCS-free, follow these tips:

Check the Ingredients List: HFCS will be listed explicitly as "high fructose corn syrup." Avoid any product where this is present.
Look for Other Added Sugars: Even without HFCS, a cracker might contain other added sugars. Be mindful of terms like "corn syrup solids," "malt syrup," "sugar," or "refiner's syrup".
Prioritize Whole-Food Ingredients: Crackers with simple, whole-food ingredients like whole grains, seeds, and healthy oils are less likely to contain hidden sugars or additives.

Comparison of HFCS-Free Cracker Options


Feature	Triscuit Original	Simple Mills Almond Flour	Mary's Gone Super Seed	Back to Nature Classic Round
Key Ingredients	Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sea Salt	Almond Flour, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds	Brown Rice, Quinoa, Flax Seeds, Sesame Seeds	Whole Wheat Flour, Canola Oil, Salt
Gluten-Free	No	Yes	Yes	No
HFCS-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Texture	Hearty, woven, crunchy	Light, crisp	Dense, seedy, very crunchy	Flaky, buttery
Flavor Profile	Nutty, toasted whole wheat	Mild, nutty, savory	Earthy, rich, seeded	Classic, slightly salty

Making Your Own Crackers

For complete control over ingredients, making homemade crackers is an excellent option. Recipes are available online, often requiring simple ingredients like gluten-free flour, seeds, salt, and olive oil. This allows you to avoid all forms of processed sugars and preservatives completely.

Conclusion

Finding crackers without high fructose corn syrup is straightforward once you know which brands to trust and how to read an ingredient list effectively. Brands like Triscuit, Simple Mills, Mary's Gone Crackers, and Late July offer excellent HFCS-free options, catering to a variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free choices. By choosing a snack with simpler, cleaner ingredients, you can make a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. Always remember that the most reliable method is to check the ingredient label for the explicit term "high fructose corn syrup" and other similar added sugars. Your careful selection ensures that your simple cracker snack remains just that—simple and healthy.

Are Goldfish crackers made with high fructose corn syrup?

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Triscuit Original Whole Grain Wheat crackers are known for their simple ingredients and do not contain high fructose corn syrup. However, it is always a good practice to check the label of any specific Triscuit flavor, as some newer varieties may differ.

Many Goldfish varieties are produced without high fructose corn syrup. For example, the Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers are often free of HFCS. Checking the ingredient list on the specific flavor you purchase is the most accurate way to verify.

Since Ritz crackers typically contain high fructose corn syrup, good alternatives include Back to Nature Classic Rounds or the Golden Rounds crackers from Trader Joe's, which Reddit users note taste similar but are HFCS-free.

Excellent gluten-free and HFCS-free options include Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Mary's Gone Crackers, and Blue Diamond Nut-Thins.

Excessive consumption of HFCS is linked to various negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Avoiding it helps reduce your overall added sugar intake.

No, while some whole grain brands like Triscuit are HFCS-free, the presence of "whole grain" does not guarantee the absence of high fructose corn syrup or other added sugars. Always read the ingredient list carefully.

Yes, many standard grocery stores and major retailers like Target carry a variety of crackers that are free from high fructose corn syrup. Checking the natural foods or organic section often yields more options.