Quick Answer
Wheat Thins are a popular brand of cracker made by Nabisco. The number of calories in reduced fat Wheat Thins varies depending on the specific variety. On average, a serving of around 15-16 crackers (28g) contains approximately:
- 130 calories in reduced fat original Wheat Thins
- 120 calories in reduced fat honey Wheat Thins
- 110 calories in reduced fat garlic and parsley Wheat Thins
So in summary, a single serving of reduced fat Wheat Thins contains about 110-130 calories, depending on the flavor. The reduced fat varieties contain roughly 25-45% fewer calories than the regular full fat Wheat Thins.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Here is more detailed nutritional information for the main reduced fat Wheat Thins varieties:
Reduced Fat Original Wheat Thins
| Serving Size | 15 crackers (28g) |
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Reduced Fat Honey Wheat Thins
| Serving Size | 15 crackers (28g) |
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
Reduced Fat Garlic and Parsley Wheat Thins
| Serving Size | 16 crackers (28g) |
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 170mg |
As you can see, the reduced fat versions provide a significant reduction in calories, fat, and sodium compared to the regular full fat varieties. The honey wheat and garlic/parsley flavors have slightly fewer calories than the original at 110-120 per serving versus 130.
Serving Size Matters
It’s important to pay attention to the listed serving size when determining how many calories are in a particular food. The calorie counts provided above are based on the standard serving size of around 15-16 Wheat Thins crackers (28g by weight).
If you eat more or less than the listed serving, the number of calories you consume will go up or down accordingly. For example, eating 30 reduced fat original Wheat Thins would provide about 260 calories total, while eating just 8 crackers would be around 70 calories.
When snacking on Wheat Thins, measure out a proper single serving to determine calories most accurately. If the package contains multiple servings, be aware of how much you’re really consuming if you eat the whole package.
Calories in Full Fat vs Reduced Fat
For comparison, here are the calorie counts for regular full fat Wheat Thins versus the reduced fat varieties:
| Full Fat | Reduced Fat | |
| Original | 140 calories | 130 calories |
| Honey Wheat | 150 calories | 120 calories |
| Garlic and Parsley | 150 calories | 110 calories |
As shown, the reduced fat options provide a 10-40 calorie reduction compared to the regular full fat Wheat Thins. The percentage of calories cut ranges from about 15% fewer calories (original flavor) to a more significant 25-30% fewer calories (honey wheat and garlic/parsley).
So if you’re looking to cut back on calories from this popular snack cracker, the reduced fat line can be a better choice.
Low Fat Snack Options
In addition to reduced fat Wheat Thins, some other low calorie cracker and snack options include:
- Wasa Light Rye Crispbread (40-50 calories per cracker)
- Ryvita Multigrain Crispbread (25-40 calories per cracker)
- Mary’s Gone Crackers (120 calories per serving)
- Air popped popcorn (30 calories per cup)
- Pretzel thins (100-110 calories per serving)
- Celery sticks and other raw vegetables
Choosing versions marked as “light,” “low fat,” or “reduced fat” can help minimize calories. But be sure to compare nutrition labels, as calorie counts will vary between brands and products.
Tips for Healthy Snacking
Here are some tips to keep in mind for healthy snacking that reduces calories:
- Read nutrition labels closely and stick to recommended serving sizes
- Measure snacks into individual portions ahead of time instead of eating directly from a large package
- Choose low or reduced fat versions of snack foods whenever possible
- Eat crackers and pretzels with healthy toppings like hummus, avocado, or tomato instead of dips
- Combine crackers with protein sources like nuts, low-fat cheese, or hard-boiled eggs for more balanced snacks
- Select snacks with more nutritional value like whole grains, healthy fats, and protein
- Drink water alongside snacks to help fill you up
- Avoid mindless snacking by keeping healthier options easily accessible
Choosing nutritious snacks like reduced fat Wheat Thins in proper portions can satisfy cravings while still limiting calorie intake. Follow healthy snacking habits to reduce overeating and manage hunger between meals.
Health Benefits of Wheat Thins
Though reduced fat Wheat Thins are still a relatively high-carb processed food, they do provide some valuable nutrients:
- Whole grains – Wheat Thins get their name from containing whole grain wheat flour as the main ingredient. Whole grains provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains.
- Fiber – A serving of reduced fat Wheat Thins contains 1-2g of dietary fiber for gut health. The Whole Grain Stamp indicates each cracker contains at least 8g whole grain.
- Iron – 10-15% of the recommended daily intake of iron is found in Wheat Thins, which supports healthy blood and muscles.
- B vitamins – Wheat Thins are enriched with B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin to help convert food into energy.
While many crackers are made from refined flour and lack significant nutrition, Wheat Thins pack a more balanced nutritional profile with their whole grain base. The fiber, iron, and B vitamins make them more nutritious than typical salty snack foods.
However, they are still fairly high in carbs and sodium, so portion control is important. But when eaten in moderation, reduced fat Wheat Thins can be a better option than regular fat crackers or potato chips.
Ingredients in Reduced Fat Wheat Thins
Reduced fat Wheat Thins achieve their lower calorie amount through tweaks to the ingredients list:
- Whole grain wheat flour – The main ingredient provides fiber, vitamins, minerals and complex carbs.
- Canola and/or sunflower oil – Replaces some saturated fats with healthier unsaturated vegetable oils.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar adds sweetness.
- Salt – For flavor, but reduced fat Wheat Thins contain less sodium than regular versions.
- Yeast – Helps crackers bake up crispy.
- Whey – A protein ingredient.
- Flavors – Natural flavors like honey, garlic and parsley provide additional taste.
The combination of these ingredients produces the signature crispy, savory taste of Wheat Thins in a reduced fat option. Choosing reduced fat versions can cut a significant number of calories compared to the full fat alternatives.
Baking With Reduced Fat Wheat Thins
In addition to snacking on them straight from the box, reduced fat Wheat Thins can also be incorporated into recipes as an ingredient. Here are some tasty ways to use them in your cooking and baking:
Cracker Toffee
– Crush Wheat Thins and combine with brown sugar, butter, chocolate chips and nuts.
– Bake into a crispy, candied topping for ice cream.
Chicken or Tuna Salad
– Use crushed Wheat Thins instead of bread crumbs to coat and add crunch to chicken or tuna salad.
Pie Crust
– Finely grind Wheat Thins to make an easy crust for mini savory pot pies or quiches.
Breading for Baked Chicken
– Blend Wheat Thins with herbs and spices, then coat chicken breasts to bake crunchy baked chicken fingers.
Snack Mix
– Toss reduced fat Wheat Thins with pretzels, nuts, cereals and seasoning for a homemade trail mix.
Croutons for Salad
– Toss mini Wheat Thins cubes with olive oil and herbs, then bake into homemade seasoned croutons.
The whole grain and fiber content of Wheat Thins makes them a useful ingredient for boosting nutrition in all kinds of recipes beyond just snacking. Let reduced fat Wheat Thins add flavor and crunch to your baking creations.
Storing Wheat Thins
To maintain freshness and quality once the package is opened, proper storage is important for Wheat Thins and other crackers:
- Keep Wheat Thins in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store in a cool, dry pantry and avoid humidity.
- Discard any crackers that have gotten soggy or stale.
- For best freshness, use within 2-3 months after opening.
- Avoid storing Wheat Thins on the counter or in the refrigerator long-term where they can pickup odors.
- Check expiration or best-by date codes and don’t eat past that timeframe.
- Properly resealed, unopened Wheat Thins can stay fresh for up to 9 months in the pantry.
With proper storage and handling, reduced fat Wheat Thins can maintain their signature crispness and taste for enjoyment as part of a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.
Comparison to Other Popular Crackers
How do reduced fat Wheat Thins compare nutritionally to some other popular cracker brands? Here is a quick comparison:
| Cracker | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced Fat Wheat Thins (15 crackers) | 110-130 | 3-4.5 | 19-24 | 2-3 |
| Triscuit (6 crackers) | 80 | 1.5 | 15 | 2 |
| Ritz (5-6 crackers) | 60 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
| Cheez-It (27 crackers) | 140 | 7 | 17 | 3 |
As you can see, reduced fat Wheat Thins provide more protein and fiber than many other crackers. However, cookies like Ritz and Cheez-It tend to be lower in calories for an equivalent serving size volume of crackers.
No single cracker option is necessarily the “healthiest” – rather, pay attention to portion sizes and nutritional profiles to make the best selection for your diet goals.
Conclusion
When snacking in moderation alongside a balanced diet and active lifestyle, reduced fat Wheat Thins can be a tasty lower-calorie option compared to regular full fat crackers and chips. The reduced fat versions cut between 25-45% of the calories and fat per serving compared to regular Wheat Thins.
Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the calorie count will quickly scale up if you eat more than the recommended serving amount. Combined with other nutritious diet and exercise habits, enjoying reduced fat Wheat Thins in sensible amounts can absolutely be part of an effective approach to weight management and wellness.
