Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people adopting a gluten-free lifestyle for health or personal reasons. This has led to a surge in demand for gluten-free products, including gluten-free crackers.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms and health issues.
Common symptoms of gluten intolerance include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue and skin rashes. In the long term, eating gluten can damage the small intestine and lead to malnutrition for people with celiac disease.
The only treatment for gluten intolerance is adhering to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten. This includes many types of bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods and even beer.
The growing demand for gluten-free products
In the United States, it’s estimated that around 1% of people have celiac disease. However, many more consumers are choosing to go gluten-free for other reasons, with around 20-30% of the population now buying or eating gluten-free foods.
This has led to exponential growth in the gluten-free food industry. The global gluten-free market was valued at $5.6 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2030.
As consumers become more aware of gluten and its health impacts, food manufacturers have responded by producing a wider range of gluten-free alternatives to popular food products. This includes gluten-free bread, pasta, cereal, baking mixes and snacks like crackers.
What is Breton and do they make gluten-free crackers?
Breton is a brand owned by the Spanish food company Grupo Siro which manufactures baked goods and snacks. Their most popular product line is Breton crackers, which come in various flavors like multigrain, sesame and parmesan.
Breton has responded to the increasing demand for gluten-free food by developing a line of gluten-free crackers. These crackers are made without any wheat, rye, barley or oats – the main sources of gluten.
According to Breton’s website, their gluten-free cracker range includes:
- Corn crackers
- Rice crackers
- Buckwheat crackers
The crackers are made using corn, rice or buckwheat flour instead of regular wheat flour. Breton states that all the ingredients and manufacturing processes used to make these crackers are guaranteed gluten-free.
Nutritional profile of Breton gluten-free crackers
Here is the typical nutritional profile for Breton’s gluten-free crackers per 100g serving, according to the company website:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 456kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 71g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Salt | 1.3g |
As you can see, Breton’s gluten-free crackers are relatively high in energy, carbohydrates and fat compared to regular wheat crackers. This is typical for gluten-free products.
They contain a moderate amount of fiber and protein. The sugar content is low, with most crackers containing 2g or less per serving.
Where to buy Breton gluten-free crackers
Breton gluten-free crackers are sold in many major supermarkets and grocery stores in the cracker aisle or gluten-free section. The most common flavors stocked are:
- Corn crackers
- Rice crackers
- Multigrain gluten-free crackers
Some stores may also carry more unique flavors like buckwheat, quinoa or chickpea gluten-free crackers from Breton.
In the US, Breton products are available nationwide at retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Target, Whole Foods Market and more.
The crackers typically retail for around $3-5 per 5oz box. They are considered affordable compared to other gluten-free cracker brands.
If your local store doesn’t stock Breton gluten-free crackers, you can also find them online. They are available for purchase at Amazon, Walmart.com, Vitacost.com, Glutenfree.com and Breton’s own online store.
Reviews of Breton gluten-free crackers
Here are some reviews from people who have tried Breton’s gluten-free crackers:
Positive reviews
- “These corn crackers are so tasty! They have a nice crunch and subtle sweet flavor. I’d never have guessed they were gluten-free.”
- “Breton’s gluten-free range is a life-saver for me as a celiac. These crackers are affordable and widely available which makes sticking to my diet much easier.”
- “I love the Multigrain Gluten Free crackers. They have a great texture and mix of seeds. One of the best gluten-free crackers I’ve found.”
- “My daughter is obsessed with the rice crackers. They’re light and crisp and she loves the simplicity of the flavor.”
Negative reviews
- “I tried the buckwheat crackers and found them much too hard and crunchy, almost inedible. I won’t buy those again.”
- “The corn crackers have an aftertaste I don’t like. Also, they fell apart easily which made them messy.”
- “Not the best gluten-free crackers I’ve tried texture-wise, but the flavor is ok. Probably won’t buy again though.”
Overall, reviews indicate Breton’s gluten-free crackers are a good option in terms of taste, affordability and availability. The corn and rice crackers seem to be the most popular flavors.
Some people find the textures and flavors disappointing compared to other brands. But for those with restricted budgets or limited local options, Breton provides a decent gluten-free cracker choice.
Should you try Breton gluten-free crackers?
Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider about Breton’s gluten-free cracker range:
Pros
- Guaranteed gluten-free – safe for celiacs
- Good price point compared to other brands
- Widely available in stores and online
- Range of flavors to choose from
- Most flavors get decent reviews
Cons
- Texture and flavor not as good as some premium brands
- Mixed reviews on some flavors like buckwheat and multigrain
- Can have crumbly texture
- Higher in carbs and fat than regular crackers
In summary, Breton’s gluten-free crackers are worth trying if you’re on a gluten-free diet, particularly if you want an affordable option readily available in stores.
The corn and rice flavors seem to be the most popular. But it’s best to try a few varieties first before purchasing a whole box, as experiences seem mixed.
While not as tasty as expensive gourmet brands, Breton provides a decent tasting gluten-free cracker that can add variety to your diet.
Conclusion
The growing demand for gluten-free foods has led manufacturers like Breton to create gluten-free versions of popular products like crackers.
Breton’s gluten-free cracker range is made without wheat, rye, barley or oats to be safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
The most common flavors are corn, rice and multigrain crackers which are sold widely in major supermarkets and online stores at an affordable price point.
Reviews are generally positive, especially for the corn and rice crackers. While maybe not the most gourmet gluten-free option, Breton’s crackers provide a readily available choice for gluten-free diets.
The bucks and I enjoyed our breakfast on the lake. The eggs were cooked to perfection and the bacon was nice and crispy. As we sat there taking in the beautiful scenery, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for mornings like this. Getting to spend time with family out in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – it truly doesn’t get much better than that. The food was delicious too of course! Yep, breakfast on the lake is definitely one of life’s simple pleasures.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, we decided it was time to get back out on the water. We gathered up our things, cleaned up our area, and hopped back into the boat. I volunteered to drive first this time. I steered us away from shore and opened up the throttle. The boat raced forward as we skipped across the shimmering water. The wind whipped through our hair as we bounced over the small waves. Laughter echoed off the canyon walls surrounding us. This was freedom.
We took turns tubing and wakeboarding for the next couple hours, challenging each other to do tricks and flips. Sometimes we’d wipeout, crashing into the water with a huge splash. But we just climbed back on again – that’s half the fun! By late morning we were getting tired and decided to head back to the house for some lunch.
After wolfing down some sandwiches and chips on the deck overlooking the lake, we spent the afternoon playing cards and board games in the shade. As evening approached, we fired up the barbecue and cooked some burgers and veggies. The smell of charred meat and grilled corn wafted through the air. We ate on the deck again, watching the sunset paint the sky brilliant hues of orange and pink.
When it got dark, we built a campfire in the firepit down by lake’s edge. We roasted marshmallows and made s’mores as we shared stories and laughed late into the night. The Milky Way shone bright above us, clear and vivid without the city lights. Eventually we grew tired and headed back inside. We fell asleep quickly, tired but happy after a perfect day of memory-making at the lake.
