Crackers are a snacking staple! They are the perfect blend of crispy and salty, and they’re extremely versatile.
Triscuits are a popular brand of crackers that has been in production for more than a century, known for their crunchy texture and delicious taste.
Triscuits come in a range of flavors and are all about whole grain, simple ingredients, making them a slightly healthier, yet still tasty snack.
The great news for vegans is that many flavors of Triscuits are vegan-friendly! Unfortunately, not all Triscuit flavors are suitable for vegans, so let’s look at exactly which flavors are free of any animal products.
What Are Triscuits
Most grocery stores have multiple shelves stocked with different flavors and brands of crackers. So, before we dive into which Triscuit flavors are vegan-friendly, let’s take a closer look at what Triscuits are.
Triscuits are often confused with Wheat Thins, another popular wheat cracker, but Triscuits have been around a lot longer.
If you’ve ever eaten a Triscuit cracker and thought about Shredded Wheat cereal, you’ve got sharp taste buds! Triscuits were invented by the same person who invented the infamous shredded wheat cereal.
Henry D. Perky, a famous inventor and attorney, created a machine in the late 1800s that could shred wheat and turn it into cereal. He later founded the Shredded Wheat Company, based in Niagara Falls, New York. In 1901, the company created the prototype of Triscuits, called Shredded Wheat Biscuits.
In 1902, the company introduced a new version of the cracker, which had a square shape and a waffle-like texture. This new cracker became the Triscuit crackers we know and love today. The name, ‘Triscuits’ was a combination of “electricity” and “biscuit” was chosen because the crackers were made using an electric baking process, which was unheard of at the time.
A few years later, after seeing great success, the company was bought by the National Biscuit Company, also known as Nabisco. Over the last few decades, Triscuits have continued to evolve and there are now over 15 flavor variations!
Are Triscuits Healthy?
When it comes to snack foods and junk food, it’s no secret that the best snacks tend to be less healthy than we’d like them to be.
In the early 20s, Triscuits were marketed as a healthy snack. The wheat crackers were promoted for their health benefits as a high-fiber, low-fat snack that was good for digestion and overall health. But are they actually healthy?
Whole wheat or whole-grain snacks are generally considered healthier than most refined flour snacks, as whole grain is a great source of fiber.
Compared to most other crackers, Triscuits are a healthy snack option!
Most crackers tend to have a relatively high sugar content, while most Triscuit flavors have no added sugar. Overall, compared to other cracker options like Wheat Thins or Ritz Crackers, Triscuits are lower in calories and fat and have more nutrients.
However, Triscuits contain added sodium, which can be a concern for individuals who suffer from high blood pressure or need to limit their sodium intake.
When consumed in moderation, Triscuits can be a healthy vegan snack and are a good source of fiber!
Non-Vegan Ingredients in Triscuits
We all know the struggle of understanding the seemingly endless list of ingredients in some of our favorite vegan snacks.
That’s the best thing about Triscuits, their3 main ingredients are plant-based!
The original crackers are made from mostly whole-grain wheat flour, vegetable oil, and salt.
The ingredients in Triscuits are quite simple, with no animal products or by-products listed in most of the Triscuits flavors. The whole grain wheat used in the crackers is a plant-based ingredient, while the vegetable oil used is typically derived from plant oils such as soybean, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils are all vegan, as they are derived from plant-based sources.
However, some Triscuit flavors may contain non-vegan ingredients, such as dairy or animal-based flavorings. For example, the Smoked Gouda flavor of this whole-grain cracker contains buttermilk, cheddar cheese powder, cultured milk, and milk ingredients.
Besides the common animal-based ingredients, you may notice one or two other unknown ingredients listed on a Triscuit box that may leave you wondering whether they are safe for vegans.
These include Maltodextrin, Natural Flavors, and BHT. While they might not be the best ingredients you want to see in your food, these ingredients are generally free from any animal ingredients!
Which Triscuit Flavours are Vegan?
Triscuits are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed by virtually everyone! There are a variety of flavors, and the great news is that many of them are vegan!
Original Whole Grain
The original flavor is a classic favorite among Triscuit fans. It has a light and mild taste that goes well with almost any topping or dip.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sea Salt.
A Hint of Sea Salt (A Low Sodium Choice)
For those who prefer something simple, yet still full of flavor, the Hint of Sea Salt variety is the way to go. These are also a great option for anyone watching their sodium intake, and they have no added flavorings.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sea Salt.
Avocado, Cilantro, and Lime
This is a tasty and unique snack option packed full of flavor! Avocado, cilantro, and lime have always been a perfect pairing for a fresh, zesty taste, and this variety of Triscuits is no exception.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Sugar, Tomato Powder, Onion Powder, Distilled Vinegar Powder, Lime Juice Powder, Dried Parsley, Dried Jalapeno Peppers, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Natural Flavor (Contains Celery and Avocado).
Balsamic Vinegar and Basil
An Italian-inspired flavor, this Triscuit variety packs a rich savory taste in every bite!
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sugar, Sea Salt, Ground Dried Tomato, Dried Balsamic Vinegar (Red Wine Vinegar, Grape must Concentrate), Onion Powder, Natural Flavor (Contains Celery), Dried Distilled Vinegar, Spices (Includes Basil), Paprika Extract (for Flavor).
Roasted Garlic
The Roasted Garlic variety adds an extra punch of flavor with its combination of roasted garlic pieces and sea salt crystals baked into every bite-sized cracker.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Maltodextrin, Salt, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavor.
Garden Herb
For those who like a bit of herbiness in their snacks, the Garden Herb flavor is the perfect option. It contains a medley of herbs including thyme, oregano, and garlic for added flavor that perfectly blend with the whole grains of this cracker.
Ingredients:
Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Onion Powder, Rice Starch, Salt, Dried Carrot Granules, Spices, Dried Pea Protein, Garlic Powder, Natural Flavor (Contains Celery), Leek Powder.
Fire Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil
The Fire Roasted Tomato and Basil flavor combines roasted tomatoes with basil leaves for a delicious combination of sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Rice Starch, Salt, Ground Dried Tomatoes, Onion Powder, Spices, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Natural Flavor, Malted Barley Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Reduced Fat Original
The Reduced Fat option, which contains 50% less fat than the original Triscuits, is the perfect option for anyone wanting to lower their fat intake. These low-fat whole-grain crackers do not compromise on flavor at all and provide the same great taste as the other Triscuits!
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Sea Salt, and BHT (added to the packaging material to preserve freshness).
Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil
For an enhanced snacking experience, this Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil flavor is the perfect option! The Dill pairs well with the crispy-tasting olive oil and sea salt, and creates a fresh taste!
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Rice Starch, Sea Salt, Dill Weed, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Spices, Natural Flavor, Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil
These crackers offer an elevated snack option with hints of cracked pepper and olive oil flavors to enhance the whole-grain taste!
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Salt, Rice Starch, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Flavor (Contains Celery).
Rosemary and Olive Oil
Rosemary is a classic cracker flavor, and this variety of Triscuit crackers takes it a step further with a rich olive oil taste.
Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Canola Oil, Rice Starch, Salt, Spices (with Rosemary and Celery), Onion Powder, Dried Pea Protein, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Flavor, Sugar, and Leek Powder.
With these vegan-friendly varieties available from Triscuit, you can feel good about snacking on something delicious while sticking to your vegan diet!
Keep an eye out for non-vegan flavors that contain animal ingredients like milk products, milk powder, cheese, or cheese powder as part of the main ingredients.
How To Eat Vegan Triscuits
If you’re looking for an easy snack that is both tasty and vegan-friendly, look no further than Triscuits! With its wide range of delicious flavors to choose from and endless topping options, there’s something everyone can enjoy!
Here are a few of our favorite vegan-friendly ways to enjoy these whole-grain snacks:
- With hummus and veggies like carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and olives. This is a great option, as it will taste good with any of the vegan Triscuit flavors.
- Pair the Avocado, Cilantro, and Lime Triscuit crackers with some fresh guacamole or salsa for a twist on the classic guacamole and tortilla chips snack!
- Add peanut butter to the Original Triscuit Wheat Crackers for a classic snack combo. If you want to make this whole grain-based snack even healthier, add sliced bananas and a small drizzle of maple syrup.
- Vegan cheese or vegan cream cheese will pair well with any of the Triscuit flavors to make a great classic crackers and cheese snack
- For a sweet treat, why not add vegan chocolate spread or some melted dark chocolate to the Original Triscuits or Hint of Salt flavor with some fresh strawberries!
- If you’re looking to elevate your snacking experience, try the Original, Garden Herb, or Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil flavor Triscuits with vegan cashew cheese and figs, or some grape jelly and vegan cheese!
- For a fresh and zesty snack, pair the Fire Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegar and Basil Triscuits with freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes, a drizzle of lime, and some salt or cayenne pepper for a bite!
- Another great snack option using the Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil or Avocado, Cilantro, and Lime flavors, is to add fresh avocado and grilled corn! You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or Siracha to spice things up!
- Roasted red pepper hummus and sunflower seeds are another excellent, healthy dip and toppings option that pairs well with all the Triscuit flavors.
- You can also use Triscuit crackers in place of nacho chips to create a deconstructed nacho-inspired snack! Simply pair your favorite Triscuit with refried black beans, fresh tomato salsa, and some guacamole.
Can Vegans Eat Triscuits?
While Triscuits may not be a fully vegan cracker brand, there are still plenty of vegan options for those following a plant-based lifestyle to choose from.
The distinctive square shape, crispy texture, and range of flavors make them a perfect whole-grain vegan snack for dipping, topping, or enjoying on their own.
So, if you’re looking for a tasty snack that fits your dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor, then you can’t go wrong with Triscuit!
However, as with any processed food, it’s important to always read the ingredient list and check for any non-vegan ingredients that may be present, especially for new or limited edition Triscuit flavors.
