Quick Answer
The number of calories in peanut butter crackers varies depending on the brand and type. On average, two peanut butter sandwich crackers contain around 70-90 calories. Reduced fat peanut butter crackers tend to have slightly fewer calories, around 50-70 calories for two crackers.
Calories in Different Peanut Butter Cracker Brands
Here is a breakdown of the calorie content in some popular peanut butter cracker brands (for 2 crackers):
| Brand | Calories |
|---|---|
| Nabisco Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers | 70 |
| Keebler Club Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers | 90 |
| Keebler Simply Made Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers | 60 |
| Nabisco Wheat Thins Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers | 50 |
| Keebler Scooby-Doo! Baked Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers | 80 |
As you can see, traditional peanut butter sandwich crackers like Ritz and Club crackers contain around 70-90 calories per 2 crackers. Reduced fat or baked varieties tend to have fewer calories, in the 50-60 calorie range.
Serving Size Matters
It’s important to pay attention to serving sizes when looking at calorie content. The calories listed are usually for a set serving size, so the number of crackers you actually eat makes a difference.
For example, Nabisco Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers list 70 calories per 2 crackers. If you ate 4 crackers, you’d be consuming 140 calories. If you ate 10 crackers, you’d have 350 calories.
So be sure to take serving sizes into account when tracking your calorie intake from peanut butter crackers. Even if you’re just having a small snack, it can add up quickly if you eat multiple servings.
Ingredients in Peanut Butter Crackers
To understand where the calories in peanut butter crackers come from, let’s look at some of the main ingredients:
Refined Flour
Most peanut butter crackers are made with refined white flour, which is higher in calories and processed carbohydrates than whole wheat flour. Refined flour adds calories without a lot of nutrients.
Oil and Sugar
Peanut butter crackers get some extra calories from oil and sugar in the peanut butter filling. Standard peanut butter contains around 100 calories per tablespoon, depending on the brand.
Full-Fat Versus Reduced-Fat
Some reduced fat peanut butter crackers use powdered peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter. This removes some of the oil, resulting in fewer calories per cracker. But it also changes the taste and texture.
You’ll also see peanut butter crackers made with baked crackers instead of fried crackers. This reduces the amount of oil absorbed during cooking, lowering the calorie count.
Extra Calories from Toppings and Pairings
While the crackers themselves are relatively low in calories, what you put on top of or alongside them can really impact the totals. Here are some common high-calorie accompaniments for peanut butter crackers:
Spreads
Nutella, chocolate hazelnut spread: ~100 calories per tablespoon
Chocolate spread: ~55 calories per tablespoon
Dips
Chocolate dip: ~130 calories for 2 tablespoons
Marshmallow dip: ~50 calories for 2 tablespoons
Fruits and Nuts
Bananas: ~100 calories per medium banana
Grapes: ~90 calories per cup
Walnuts: ~180 calories per ounce
Candy and Chocolate
Reese’s peanut butter cups: ~100 calories each
M&Ms: ~130 calories per 1⁄4 cup
Chocolate chips: ~200 calories per 1⁄4 cup
So while the crackers themselves are relatively low calorie, the calories can add up fast once you start adding high-calorie spreads, toppings and pairings.
Healthiest Ways to Eat Peanut Butter Crackers
If you want to enjoy peanut butter crackers as part of a healthy diet, here are some tips:
– Stick to 1-2 servings at a time. It’s easy to overeat by mindlessly snacking on multiple packs.
– Choose reduced fat or baked varieties to cut some of the calories.
– Pair them with fruits and veggies instead of candy or chocolate. Apple slices and carrot sticks are tasty alternatives.
– Opt for natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils. You’ll get nutrients like protein, magnesium, and vitamin E.
– Avoid loading on high-calorie spreads or dips that pack on extra calories.
– Drink water instead of sugary beverages like juice or soda, which add excess sugar and calories.
– Be active after eating crackers to help burn some of the calories. A walk around the block can make a difference.
Healthy Homemade Peanut Butter Crackers
You can also make healthy homemade peanut butter crackers with simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, powdered peanut butter, and a touch of honey.
Here is a sample recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup powdered peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, powdered peanut butter, honey, melted butter, milk and salt until a dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into cracker shapes using a knife or cookie cutters.
- Arrange the crackers on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely.
- Spread melted peanut butter onto half of the crackers and top with the remaining crackers to make sandwich crackers.
Nutrition for 1 homemade peanut butter cracker:
~55 calories
2g protein
1g fiber
Making them at home lets you control the ingredients for a healthier treat. Plus they’ll be free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Healthiest Peanut Butter Crackers
If you want to purchase the healthiest peanut butter crackers, here are some smart choices:
- Simple Mills Sprouted Seed Crackers with Almond Butter
- Back to Nature Crispy Cheddar Baked Crackers
- Mary’s Gone Crackers Original Crackers
- Doctor in the Kitchen Flackers Vegan Peanut Butter Crackers
- Made Good Baked Crunchy Minis
Look for crackers made from whole foods like seeds, sprouted grains, nuts, and nut butters. They provide more nutrients and fiber. Avoid crackers with artificial ingredients, added sugars and partially hydrogenated oils.
Peanut Butter Crackers During Pregnancy
Peanut butter crackers can be a good option for pregnant women in moderation. Here are some tips for pregnant women enjoying these snacks:
– Choose unsalted crackers to limit sodium intake. Having too much sodium during pregnancy can contribute to swelling.
– Look for whole grain crackers with fiber to aid digestion and prevent constipation, which is common during pregnancy.
– Pair crackers with nutritious add-ons like sliced apples, carrots or celery for more vitamins and minerals.
– Drink water, milk or calcium-fortified juice to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a concern for pregnant women.
– Avoid eating moldy foods like crackers past their expiration date. Certain molds can be unsafe during pregnancy.
– Talk to your doctor about weight gain guidelines. While crackers can be part of a healthy diet, too many calories can contribute to excess pregnancy weight gain.
Overall peanut butter crackers make a good snack in pregnancy when eaten in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Focus on variety, nutrients and listening to your body.
Are Peanut Butter Crackers Good for Weight Loss?
Peanut butter crackers can be incorporated into a weight loss diet, but should be eaten in moderation. Here are some tips:
– Measure serving sizes instead of eating from the box to control portions. Two crackers per serving is reasonable.
– Choose reduced fat baked varieties over full-fat regular crackers to reduce calories.
– Pair them with low-calorie foods like raw veggies instead of chips, candy or chocolate.
– Avoid loading on high-calorie dips, spreads or toppings. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons maximum.
– Drink water instead of high-calorie beverages to cut calories.
– Be sure to account for the calories when tracking your daily intake. They can add up fast.
– Balance out the crackers by eating low-calorie whole foods for other meals and snacks.
– Increase physical activity to help burn extra calories from snacking.
While peanut butter crackers do contain calories and carbs, they can be worked into a reduced calorie diet in moderation when paired with healthy behaviors. Just be mindful of portions.
Conclusion
Peanut butter crackers can satisfy cravings and be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Look for varieties with around 50-90 calories per serving to keep calories in check. Avoid excess toppings and pair them with fruits, veggies or low-fat protein foods. Homemade whole grain crackers with natural peanut butter are a nourishing option. Balance peanut butter crackers with plenty of other wholesome foods and regular physical activity for the best results.
