For more than ninety years Ryvita has been a pantry favourite in Britain, starting with simple rye crispbreads and expanding into Crackerbreads, Thins and other varieties. They’re known for healthier options, and having tried their crackers myself, I appreciate that focus. But with so many different products, how healthy are Ryvita crackers really? Let’s look at what’s inside.
Key takeaways:
– Most Ryvita crackers use rye, which is nutritious and good for digestion.
– Crispbreads are very simple—usually just rye, water and a little salt—with seed varieties adding healthy extras.
– Crackerbreads are more wheat-based and some contain added sugar.
– Thins are mostly wheat with some rye; Multiseed Thins are the best choice in that range.
– Whole-grain and high-fibre options are the healthiest picks.
– Toppings can quickly increase calories, so choose them carefully.
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Most Ryvita crackers are made from rye, which is nutrient-rich and supports digestion. The classic Crispbread (formerly called Crunchy Rye Bread) is very basic—rye, water and a pinch of salt. The other Crispbread flavours keep things simple too, adding things like sesame or pumpkin seeds and no added sugar.
The Crackerbread range is different: it’s mainly wheat-based, and some types include added sugar, such as Original and Wholegrain Crackerbread.
Ryvita Thins are thin and great for dips. They’re mostly made with wheat flour but include some rye. Multi Seed Thins are the healthiest Thins option since they have no added sugar and are high in fibre.
A quick look at some Ryvita products shows what’s inside:
Nutrition varies by type and flavour. Whole-grain options generally offer more fibre and nutrients than crackers made with processed wheat flour. For more processed items (like Original Crackerbread), Ryvita adds sugar beet fibre to help boost their nutritional profile.
Carbohydrates in Ryvita crackers vary a lot. Original Crispbread has 69 g carbs per 100 g, while Pumpkin Seed & Oat Crispbread is lower at 55.8 g per 100 g.
Most Ryvita products don’t have added sugar, but a few, like Original Crackerbread, do.
If you want the healthier choice, pick whole-grain products without added sugars—so Crispbreads are often a better option than Crackerbreads.
Fibre content
Crispbreads are high in fibre, ranging from about 14 g to 18.5 g per 100 g depending on flavour, which helps digestion.
Crackerbreads are lower in fibre—under 10 g per 100 g. Original Crackerbread has the least at 2.5 g, while Wholegrain Crackerbread is higher at 8.4 g per 100 g.
Among Thins, Multi Seed Thins have the most fibre at 10.6 g per 100 g.
Protein and fat
Protein ranges from roughly 10 g to 15 g per 100 g. Dark Rye Crispbread has about 10.6 g, and Pumpkin Seed & Oat Crispbread has around 15 g per 100 g.
Plain varieties (Original & Dark Rye Crispbreads) are very low in fat—about 1 g per 100 g. Seeded versions, like Sesame Crispbread, are higher in fat—about 6.9 g per 100 g—thanks to healthy fats in the seeds.
Calories and toppings
Original Crackerbread is a low-calorie pick: about 20 calories per slice, or 80 calories for four slices. Original Crispbread is higher at 37 calories per slice, or 148 calories for four.
Adding 10 g of butter to a slice of Original Crispbread adds roughly 72 calories, making that slice about 109 calories total. A slice of cheese adds around 70–100 calories depending on type. So toppings can quickly raise the calorie count of these light snacks.
Health benefits and tips
Ryvita crackers—especially Original Crispbread—offer several health benefits and make a good choice for a healthy diet. They’re great with nutritious toppings like avocado, hummus or smoked salmon, which boost both flavour and nutrients.
Diabetes and carbs
Ryvita can fit into a diabetic meal plan if portion sizes are watched. Higher-fibre options like Pumpkin Seed & Oat Crispbread and Multigrain Crispbread have fewer carbs than some other Ryvita crackers, which can help control blood sugar. Still, diabetics should balance meals and track total carbs, and consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Weight Watchers (Syns)
Syn values differ by product: an Original Crackerbread is 1 Syn, an Original Crispbread is 1.5 Syns, and a 30 g bag of Ryvita Minis is 5.5 Syns.
Ryvita vs. bread
Ryvita rye crackers are healthier than white bread because they have more fibre and nutrients. For a filling snack, top Ryvita with healthy choices like hummus or avocado. If you’d rather eat bread, choose wholemeal or multigrain varieties for more nutrients than white bread.
Digestive effects
Eaten sensibly, Ryvita shouldn’t cause bloating or discomfort for most people. If you have IBS, you may find refined cereals easier to tolerate during flare-ups.
Overall verdict
As part of a balanced diet, Ryvita makes a tasty, healthy snack or light lunch. Most varieties are low in calories, high in fibre and suitable for vegetarians. They can become less healthy if topped with full-fat cream cheese or chocolate spread, but with smart toppings—fruit, hummus or smoked salmon—they’re both nutritious and delicious.