Cheese and crackers are always a welcome snack, but when you’re on the go, a handful of cheese crackers does the trick, especially the tiny ones that go from box to mouth without crumbs.
Our last Taste-Off was all about cheesy party crackers. This time, we munched our way through the kid-friendly cheese cracker section, dipping into everything from Goldfish, Bunnies and Cheddar Whales to mini cracker sandwiches.
Note that these styles have distinctly different flavor profiles. Cheese sandwich crackers typically have a delicate crunch and sweet, buttery notes. Animal shapes tend to be crunchy and tangy.
The best kid-friendly crackers are delicious bites with just enough cheese to please. They can be crispy and tart or buttery and delicate, but they need to scream “cheese!” The bad ones taste like the box.
Here’s the scoop on the tastiest kid-friendly crackers that all but guarantee happy snackers, and the crackers that aren’t worth the bother. Nutrition info refers to 30 g or just under 1 ounce.
Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Baked Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar
Crispy, cheesy, salty — what more do you need? These iconic crackers earn their spot at the top of the food chain by getting everything dangerously right. Good thing they come in a small bag. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 260 mg sodium, no sugar, 4 g protein. $2.77 for 6.6 ounces at Walmart. (4 stars)
Trader Joe’s Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers
Sharp cheddar filling sandwiched between buttery round crackers make for a savory-sweet bite that’s entirely nosh-alicious. 150 calories, 2.5 g fat, 270 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 3 g protein. $3.29 for 7.5 ounces. (4 stars)
Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers
Those looking for a buttery mouthful with a hint of cheese may enjoy these tender sandwiches. The cheese inside is both ample and tasty. 150 calories, 9 g fat, 125 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 2 g protein. $3.89 for 8.8 ounces at Target. (3½ stars)
Annie’s Organic Extra Cheddar Bunnies
These crispy bunnies deliver a tasty smack of cheddar with a touch of toasty flavor that’s reminiscent of smoked cheese. 150 calories, 8 g fat, 190 mg sodium, no sugar, 3 g protein. $5.49 for 7.5 ounces at Whole Foods. (3 stars)
Good & Gather Organic Mini Sandwich Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Fans of spray cheese may like these plain, soft sandwiches. They’re OK, but the cheese inside needs an upgrade. 150 calories, 7.5 g fat, 279 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 3 g protein. $5.99 for eight 1-ounce bags at Target. (2½ stars)
Lance Captain’s Wafers Cream Cheese & Chives
Savory cream cheese and chive filling tucked inside light, buttery crackers makes for a pleasant but very salty bite. 146 calories, 8 g fat, 208 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 2 g protein. $5.99 for 10 1.37-ounce packs at Safeway. (2½ stars)
365 Organic Mini Sandwich Cheese Crackers
There’s nothing off-putting about these buttery little sandwich crackers, but they seem a bit under-baked and under-stuffed, which may explain their soft blandness. 150 calories, 2.5 g fat, 270 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 3 g protein. $3.49 for 7.5 ounces at Whole Foods. (2 stars)
Stouffer’s Cheddar Cheese Whales
If you like your cheese to taste like it’s almost burned, you might enjoy these extra-toasty, super-crunchy little whales. Save these to throw into a bowl of soup. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 190 mg sodium, no sugar, 3 g protein. $3.54 for 16 ounces at Walmart. (2 stars)
Keebler Cheese & Cheddar Sandwich Crackers
These crumbly crackers are unappetizingly dry and salty and have only a hint of cheddar flavor. 154 calories, 8 g fat, 238 mg sodium, 4 g sugar, 2 g protein. $4.49 for eight 1.38-ounce packs at Safeway. (1 star)
Good & Gather Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Adorable? Yes. But these chick-shaped crackers are basically tasteless. 150 calories, 7 g fat, 270 mg sodium, no sugar, 3 g protein. $3.59 for 7 ounces at Target. (½ a star)
Made Good Star Puffed Cheddar Flavor Crackers
These look so cute and puffy but goodness —did anyone at Made Good actually taste them? They smell like old socks and taste just as rank. 140 calories, 6 g fat, 270 mg sodium, no sugar, 1 g protein. $3.69 for 4.26 ounces at Whole Foods. (No stars)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.