Are you wondering what ingredients go in your sweet and humble graham cracker?
The recipe varies from brand to brand, yet few core ingredients remain the same. Today’s blog post will introduce you to the most commonly used ingredients in graham crackers and their healthiness.
So, keep on reading this article.
Few Words on the History of Graham Cracker
The story of the graham cracker starts with Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century health nut with some, well, interesting ideas. He believed spicy foods and white flour fueled sinful urges, so he championed bland, whole-wheat crackers as a path to moral purity. (Imagine bland celery sticks as the ultimate vice!)
His crackers weren’t exactly party food, but they caught on with health-conscious folks. Over time, bakers tweaked the recipe, adding things like sugar and fat, and voila!
Thegraham cracker we know and love was born. Today, it’s a versatile snack, enjoyed plain, with melty cheese, or even crushed into a pie crust.
Ingredients that Make Graham Cracker
Here’s a low down on the main ingredients:
| Name | Amount | Unit | % DV |
| Energy | 130 | kcal | |
| Protein | 2 | g | |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.5 | g | 5% |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 24 | g | 8% |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.992 | g | 4% |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 8 | g | |
| Calcium, Ca | 0 | mg | |
| Iron, Fe | 1.44 | mg | 8% |
| Potassium, K | 54.9 | mg | 2% |
| Sodium, Na | 115 | mg | 5% |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.499 | g | 3% |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.499 | g | |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.5 | g | |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0 | g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
Graham Flour (in Original Graham Cracker) and Enriched Flour
The backbone of the cracker, the graham flour, provides structure and chew. The graham flour gives the crackers a nutty flavor and a lighter texture.
However, to mimic the nutrition of the original, coarsely ground graham flour, bakers today use unbleached, enriched wheat flour, either alone or blended with other flours.
Overall, it’s the wheat flour’s purity that gives the Cracker their most recognized nutritional efficiency.
Sweetener
Sugar adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together, besides giving the crackers a molasses depth of flavor. Commercially available graham crackers may have white sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup as common choices. But healthier options may have honey.
Fat (Like Butter, Shortening, Soybean Oil or Canola Oil)
A bit of fat is key for making the cracker tender and crumbly. Shortening or unsalted butter is often used in homemade recipes. Yet, most of the commercially made graham crackers have soybean or canola oil.
Leavening (Baking Soda and Calcium Phosphate)
Baking soda gives the cracker a light, airy texture. Just a little bit helps them rise slightly in the oven. Calcium phosphate enhances the leavening activity of baking soda.
Salt
A touch of salt (sodium chloride) enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Flavorings
Some graham crackers might have additional ingredients like spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) or vanilla extract for a touch of extra flavor.
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is a healthy ingredient. Ingraham Cracker, it works as an emulsifier (binder) between fat and moist ingredients, besides adding richness to the flavor. Thus, it ensures a smooth dough and consistent texture in the final cracker.
Sodium Sulfate
Sodium sulfate acts as a dough conditioner in graham crackers, strengthening the gluten network and preventing excessive crumbliness.
So there you have it!
Those simple ingredients come together to create the classic graham cracker we all know and love.
Comparing the Healthiness of Graham Cracker Ingredients
| Ingredient | Healthiness Status | Notes |
| Whole Wheat Flour | Good | Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Provides sustained energy. |
| Enriched Wheat Flour | Neutral | Less fiber and nutrients than whole wheat flour, but fortified with vitamins and minerals. |
| Sugar | Not good | Contributes to calorie intake and can be addictive. Choose brands with less added sugar or opt for homemade versions with natural sweeteners. |
| Honey or Molasses (optional) | Good | Natural sweeteners with some antioxidants and minerals. Use in moderation. |
| Shortening or Vegetable Oil | Not good | Source of unhealthy fats that can increase cholesterol and inflammation. Look for brands with healthier fats like avocado or olive oil. |
| Leavening Agents (baking soda or baking powder) | Neutral | Help the Cracker rise, but have minimal impact on overall health. |
| Salt | Not good in excess | Controls flavor but can contribute to high blood pressure. Choose brands with reduced sodium or use less when making homemade. |
| Soy lecithin | Neutral | Good for brain health, and may help lower bad cholesterol. Yet, it could disrupt hormones. |
| Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) | Good | Add flavor and antioxidants. |
Nutrition Information of Graham Cracker
Nutritional Information of graham Cracker (Per Serving of 31 Grams)
Simply put:
- Graham crackers are a relatively low-calorie snack, providing about 130 calories per serving.
- They’re also low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Graham crackers provide some essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium, and niacin.
- However, they’re also a source of sugar, so you should enjoy them in moderation only.
Note:
This table is based on the USDA FoodData Central nutrient values for a standard serving of graham crackers (1 oz or about 2 rectangular pieces). Values may vary depending on the brand and specific type of graham cracker.
What are the Different Types of Graham Crackers?
The graham cracker has come a long way from its bland beginnings! Today, you’ll find shelves bursting with varieties beyond the classic.
Here are a few to tempt your taste buds:
- Honey Graham: These golden beauties get their sweetness from honey, adding a subtle floral note. Perfect for snacking solo or dunking in milk.
- Cinnamon Graham: Warm and spicy, these grahams are infused with cinnamon’s cozy embrace. Think s’mores with built-in flavor!
- Chocolate Graham: Craving something decadent? These grahams come dipped in or studded with chocolate chips, making them the ultimate sweet treat.
- Whole Wheat Graham: For the health-conscious, whole wheat grahams offer extra fiber and a nutty depth of flavor. Pair them with cheese for a satisfying crunch.
- Reduced Sugar: Cutting back on sugar? These grahams use natural sweeteners or have less sugar overall, without sacrificing that classic graham goodness.
So ditch the boring and grab a box of adventure! You might just discover your new favorite type of graham cracker.
FAQs
Do Graham Crackers Have More Sugar and Carbs?
Compared to other crackers, graham crackers tend to have a higher sugar and carbs content, about 7 grams per serving, though it depends on the brand, too.
Is it bad for you?
Not necessarily!
A little sugar here and there is okay, especially if you pair the Cracker with something healthy like peanut butter or fruit. But if you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation.
Think of them as an occasional treat, not a daily snack. And suppose you’re looking for a lower-sugar option. In that case, plenty of other crackers out there, like whole-wheat or rice crackers, can satisfy your craving without the extra sweetness.
Are Graham Crackers a Good Source of Fiber?
Graham crackers might sound healthy with “whole wheat” in the name, but they’re not exactly fiber powerhouses. They have some fiber (around 1 gram per serving), but it’s not enough to earn them a “good source” badge.
Think of them more like a treat than a fiber superstar.
For a real fiber fiesta, reach for fruits, veggies, or even whole-wheat bread instead!
Are Graham Crackers Good for High Cholesterol?
Graham crackers themselves don’t have any cholesterol, so they won’t raise your levels directly. But, they can be high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can indirectly contribute to cholesterol issues.
So, enjoy them in moderation, and pair them with healthy choices like fruit or nut butter for a more balanced snack.
Remember, it’s always best to talk to your doctor about managing your cholesterol!
