The Best Crackers for Toddlers {6 Healthy Options!}

Finding the best crackers for toddlers and preschoolers can be hard. Many traditional crackers on the market are full of artificial ingredients and preservatives that you may wish to avoid for your growing toddler. However, crackers can be a fun addition to any toddler snack or toddler lunch.

We’ve done all of the research (comparing labels and taste), so you don’t have to! Our cracker for toddlers guide will walk you through some of our favorite crackers on the market so that you can pick out something delicious and healthy for your little one.

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What to Look for in the Best Crackers for Toddlers

There are several different factors to look for when you are choosing a healthy cracker for your toddler. Here are some key points to consider:

• Whole Grains or Whole Food Ingredients – Choose a cracker made with whole grains, whether whole wheat or another grain. Alternatively, many crackers are made with nuts or even cauliflower which are both whole food-based.
• No Added Sugar – Avoid crackers that are sweetened with sugar or honey. For example, even Ritz crackers which are not considered sweet crackers by nature, are sweetened with sugar. Avoid sweet crackers like graham crackers.
• Healthy Fats & Oils – Look for crackers made with healthy fats like avocado oil, flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Try to buy crackers with no trans fats.
• Minimal Ingredients – Aim to find a cracker with minimal ingredients or at least no extra additives and avoid artificial colors when possible.
• Organic or Non-GMO – If your budget allows, choose an organic product if possible and/or does not contain any GMO ingredients.
• Texture – Some of the crackers on this list are harder than others and therefore are better for older toddlers/preschoolers to avoid choking hazards.

Choosing a Healthy Cracker for Your Toddler

Once you’ve evaluated what you want in a cracker and your priorities, you’re ready to find the best one for your toddler! Here are some of our favorite healthy crackers for kids – both older kids and preschoolers/toddlers.

6 Healthiest Crackers for Toddlers & Preschoolers

1. Triscuit Crackers

Triscuit crackers make a great basic cracker choice for kids with just three ingredients. They now have a few original options available.

Organic vs Original Triscuits for Kids

You can purchase organic which is made with expeller-pressed sunflower oil instead of the canola oil in the conventional. I prefer this option when it’s available. However, even the conventional box is a better choice than most traditional crackers and one I serve my family.

Thin Crisps vs Standard Original (Squares)

The thin crisps are preferred by my toddlers and do lend themselves better to young children since they are thinner.

• 100% whole grain cracker with a simple 3 ingredient list.
• They are very thick and crunchy crackers so may not work for very young toddlers, although both of my kids were eating them by age 1. However, they do have the thin option available as well which my kids do prefer.
• Organic whole grain wheat variety makes these crackers healthier than conventional varieties with trans fat, preservatives, and other additives.
• Easy to find at ANY grocery or even convenience store.
• Kids enjoy the crunchy texture of whole grains making it a great choice for toddlers’ snacks both at home and on the go.

Serving Tips: Pair Triscuits with cheese, meat, or even veggies to make a well-balanced snack or meal for your little one.

2. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers

Simple Mills is my favorite cracker as far as the ingredient list. They are not as budget-friendly as Triscuits, but the ingredient list can’t be beaten. They are not a soft cracker so I have found they are best for older toddlers/preschool aged children.

• Simple and basic ingredient list. – Features a nut and seed flour blend (almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds); cassava flour; and tapioca starch.
• Contain healthy fats. – Almonds and flax seeds provide healthy fats for toddlers.
• Many grocery stores are now carrying this cracker.
• Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Corn Free, and Plant-Based

Serving Tips: Try serving your toddler with their favorite nut/seed butter, cheese, or other toppings.

3. Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Crackers

Bitsy’s brainfood smart crackers are a fun whole grain cracker that is great for young toddlers.

• These whole-grain crackers feature quality ingredients: whole wheat flour, chia seeds, and dehydrated carrots.
• Bitsy’s come in various flavors: Cheddar Chia, Cinnamon Graham, and Sweet Maple Crackers.
• A fun puzzle-shaped cracker.
• Nut-Free (made in a Peanut Free and Tree Nut Free facility), Non-GMO, made in the USA
• My local stores do not carry them. You can purchase online at Amazon or through their website.

Serving Tips: These crackers come in individual bags making them the perfect on-the-go snack or side item in a preschool lunchbox. These are great crackers to use for dipping into hummus, cheese spreads, or guacamole.

Note: I only recommend the Cheddar Chia flavor for kids under 2 as the Cinnamon Graham and Sweet Maple flavors contain cane sugar. (Read why we shouldn’t give sugar to children under 2 here.) However, they are low sugar so I do feel comfortable giving them to 2+ occasionally.

4. Late July Organic Crackers

If you are looking for a healthier cracker alternative that tastes like Ritz crackers, then this is it. While it’s not whole grain, it is made with higher quality ingredients than Ritz and something I feel comfortable giving my kids when we do want to enjoy a cracker reminiscent of Ritz crackers.

• An enjoyable buttery cracker that is similar to Ritz in taste and texture.
• Higher quality ingredients than a traditional cracker.
• Softer texture than many of the crackers on this list which may make them more optimal for younger toddlers.
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. No high fructose corn syrup.
• Non-GMO, Vegan
• Cons: Not made with whole grains

Serving Tips: Serve with a slice of cheese, deli meat, guacamole, or alongside a bowl of soup.

If you are looking for an alternative to Ritz crackers, then look no further, Late July Organic Crackers can make a great healthier cracker alternative for your toddler or kid of any age.

5. From the Ground Up (Cauliflower or Butternut Squash) Crackers

These unique veggie-based crackers are a fun option for those looking to avoid wheat products. Cauliflower and butternut squash give these unique crackers a unique flavor, while cassava, potato starch, and rice flour provide the perfect texture.

• These crackers have a good texture. My 1 year old really enjoyed them. I personally didn’t prefer the flavor; however, my daughter loved them and therefore they are a big win (especially the butternut squash flavor) in my book!
• The Sea Salt and Cheddar Cauliflower flavors do contain a very small amount of added sugar (0.5g per serving.) However, the butternut squash variety does not contain any added sugar.
• Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Verified

Serving Tips: These make a great fun addition to your toddler’s lunchbox or if you are packing a snack for preschool. These crackers are smaller and therefore not the type of cracker you would top with cheese or veggies. However, you could dip them in hummus or serve them alongside another meal or snack.

Note: I do recommend only buying the butternut squash for toddlers under the age of 2 due to the recommendations to avoid added sugar before age 2. However, it is a very small amount of sugar.

6. Mary’s Gone Crackers

Another favorite of mine as far as high quality and nourishing ingredients. They are pretty crunchy but are an option for your preschooler or older child (just try them out yourself before passing them along, of course.) Due to their harder texture, they are best for ages 4+ similar to pretzel recommendations.

• Wholesome Ingredients – Organic sprouted whole wheat, organic sesame seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic flax seeds.
• Many flavor options! – Mary’s Gone Crackers come in a wide variety of flavors .
• Very crunchy and somewhat hard crackers. My toddlers definitely prefer the other brands above.

Serving Tip: These crackers better lend themselves to older preschoolers due to their hard/crunchy nature. Add any of your favorite toppings or dip into a fun hummus or guacamole.

Ways to Serve Crackers to Toddlers

Crackers can be a vehicle for trying new foods including veggies, dips like hummus, cheeses, and even meats. Serving crackers alongside (or beneath!) healthy fats, proteins, and produce can turn them into a balanced meal or snack for your toddler.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve crackers:

• Serve with a healthy dip such as hummus, yogurt, or even a veggie puree. – A dip can be a fun and healthy way to get in some extra veggies or healthy proteins or fats and help your toddler adjust to whole foods.
• Add your toddler’s favorite protein toppings. – Top with cheese slices, deli meat, nut or seed butter to add healthy fats and proteins.
• Add thin-sliced veggies on top. – You can even experiment with adding thin-sliced veggies on top of some crackers like Triscuits. Try things like tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado.
• Serve alongside soups. – If your toddler is a fan of soup and crackers, try serving the soup in a bowl and the crackers on a plate or napkin so they can “dip” their own.
• Cracker sandwiches. – If you want to introduce a new or unfamiliar food to your toddler try making it into a cracker sandwich. The idea is not to hide the food they are unsure about, but to make it more familiar and fun with crackers.

Finding the Best Cracker for Your Toddler

With so many different varieties out there, it can be difficult to know which ones will work best for your child and their needs.

The 6 options we’ve listed above offer not only healthy ingredients but also variety in flavor or texture. If you’re looking for a high-quality ingredient cracker with many flavor options, your family may enjoy Simple Mills Crackers or a younger toddler may like Bitsy’s organic cheese crackers. However, if you’re more interested in trying something that resembles a Ritz cracker, then Late July Organic Crackers may be perfect for you.

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