We tested 18 gluten-free cracker brands with kids ages 4-12. These are the winners based on taste, texture, nutrition, and whether kids actually eat them.
After buying 18 different boxes of gluten-free crackers and conducting taste tests with 15 kids ages 4-12, we finally have the definitive answer: which gluten-free crackers actually taste good?
The results surprised us. The most expensive cracker didn't win. Some "healthy" options scored terribly with kids. And one budget-friendly brand beat crackers costing 3x more.
How We Tested
The Testing Panel: 15 kids ages 4-12 (8 with celiac disease, 7 gluten-sensitive), varied taste preferences (picky eaters to adventurous), mix of boys and girls.
What We Tested: 18 gluten-free cracker brands available at major retailers (Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Amazon), price range $3.49-$8.99 per box, all verified gluten-free certified or labeled.
Testing Criteria:
- Taste (40%): Do kids actually like the flavor?
- Texture (30%): Crunchy vs soggy? Breaks apart?
- Nutrition (20%): Protein, fiber, sugar, ingredient quality
- Value (10%): Price per ounce, availability
Testing Method: Blind taste test (kids didn't see packaging), rated each cracker 1-5 stars, asked "Would you eat these for snack?", noted specific likes/dislikes.
The Top 5 Winners
🥇 #1: Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Overall Score: 4.7/5 ★★★★★
Why Kids Loved It: "Tastes like a real cracker!" "Not weird or healthy-tasting" "I like the crunch"
Taste: Slightly nutty, savory, tastes similar to Wheat Thins (kids who remember regular crackers said this)
Texture: Perfect crunch without being too hard, doesn't crumble into dust, holds up to dipping in hummus/guacamole.
Nutrition (per 17 crackers):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- First ingredient: Almond flour
Pros:
- ✅ Best overall taste according to kids
- ✅ Clean ingredients (almond flour, sunflower oil, sea salt)
- ✅ Holds up to dipping without breaking
- ✅ Available at Target, Whole Foods, Amazon
- ✅ Multiple flavors (original, rosemary, fine ground sea salt)
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive ($6.99-7.99 per box)
- ❌ Not nut-free (contains almonds)
- ❌ Smaller box than some competitors
Best For: Kids who remember "regular" crackers and miss them, families who prioritize clean ingredients, serving with dips or cheese.
Price: $7.49/4.25 oz ($1.76/oz)
Parent Verdict: Worth the premium price. Kids eat the whole box without complaints.
Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon, Walmart
🥈 #2: Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers
Overall Score: 4.5/5 ★★★★★
Why Kids Loved It: "Super crunchy!" "Tastes good plain" "I like the seeds"
Taste: Mild, slightly toasty, hint of sesame, not bland like rice cakes.
Texture: VERY crunchy (some kids loved this, a few found it too hard), sturdy enough for dips, seeds add interesting texture.
Nutrition (per 15 crackers):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
- First ingredient: Brown rice flour
Pros:
- ✅ Budget-friendly ($3.99-4.99 per box)
- ✅ Widely available (even small grocery stores carry it)
- ✅ Nut-free (made with seeds instead)
- ✅ Kids like the "grown-up" look with visible seeds
- ✅ Multiple flavors (original, rosemary & olive oil, roasted garlic)
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too crunchy for younger kids (under 5)
- ❌ Some kids don't like visible seeds
- ❌ Made with rice flour (not as nutrient-dense as almond flour)
Best For: Budget-conscious families, nut-free households, kids who like VERY crunchy snacks, serving with cheese or hummus.
Price: $4.49/3.54 oz ($1.27/oz)
Parent Verdict: Best value for the price. Kids eat them willingly.
Where to Buy: Walmart, Target, Kroger, most major grocery stores
🥉 #3: Mary's Gone Crackers Original
Overall Score: 4.3/5 ★★★★☆
Why Kids Liked It: "Tastes really good" "Different from other crackers" "I'd eat these every day"
Taste: Nutty, slightly earthy, savory with hint of sweetness, unique flavor profile.
Texture: Thick and hearty, very crunchy, substantial bite, doesn't feel like "diet food."
Nutrition (per 13 crackers):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 3g ⭐ (highest fiber!)
- Sugar: 0g
- First ingredient: Brown rice
Pros:
- ✅ Highest fiber content (3g per serving)
- ✅ Whole grain (brown rice, quinoa, seeds)
- ✅ Organic ingredients
- ✅ Nut-free
- ✅ Kids find the flavor interesting vs boring
- ✅ Very filling—small serving satisfies
Cons:
- ❌ Slightly expensive ($6.49-7.49 per box)
- ❌ Texture is "different"—some picky eaters rejected it
- ❌ Smaller crackers (need more per serving)
- ❌ Not at Walmart (specialty stores only)
Best For: Health-conscious families, kids who need extra fiber, organic-only households, adventurous eaters.
Price: $6.99/5 oz ($1.40/oz)
Parent Verdict: Best nutrition profile. Not every kid's favorite taste, but healthy kids eat them.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Amazon
#4: Late July Organic Mini Crackers (Cheddar Cheese)
Overall Score: 4.2/5 ★★★★☆
Why Kids Loved It: "CHEESY!" "Like Cheez-Its!" "Can I have more?"
Taste: Strong cheddar cheese flavor, salty (kids love this), reminiscent of Cheez-Its or Goldfish.
Texture: Light and crispy, easy to chew, perfect size for small kids, fun to eat by the handful.
Nutrition (per 27 crackers):
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- First ingredient: Rice flour
Pros:
- ✅ Kids rate the taste highest for flavored crackers
- ✅ Organic ingredients
- ✅ Small size perfect for little hands
- ✅ Great alternative to Goldfish/Cheez-Its
- ✅ High serving size (27 crackers)
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive ($6.99 per box)
- ❌ Lower protein than some competitors
- ❌ Contains organic cheddar (dairy—not dairy-free)
- ❌ Harder to find (not at Walmart)
Best For: Kids who miss Goldfish/Cheez-Its, picky eaters who only want flavored crackers, younger kids (ages 3-7), lunch boxes.
Price: $6.99/5 oz ($1.40/oz)
Parent Verdict: Worth it for the happiness factor. Kids devour these.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Target, Amazon
#5: Schar Table Crackers
Overall Score: 4.0/5 ★★★★☆
Why Kids Liked It: "Normal tasting" "Good with cheese" "Not too weird"
Taste: Mild, slightly buttery, neutral flavor works with toppings, most similar to Ritz or club crackers.
Texture: Thin and crispy, not too crunchy, melts in mouth, delicate (breaks easily).
Nutrition (per 6 crackers):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- First ingredient: Corn starch
Pros:
- ✅ Tastes most like "regular" crackers (Ritz style)
- ✅ Mild flavor doesn't compete with toppings
- ✅ Good for picky eaters
- ✅ European brand with long GF history
- ✅ Works well for cheese and crackers
Cons:
- ❌ Lower protein and fiber
- ❌ More expensive ($5.99-6.99)
- ❌ Breaks easily (not good for dipping)
- ❌ Small serving size (only 6 crackers)
- ❌ Made with refined starches (corn, potato)
Best For: Very picky eaters, kids who want "normal" tasting crackers, serving with cheese/deli meat, making mini sandwiches.
Price: $6.49/4.9 oz ($1.32/oz)
Parent Verdict: Safe choice for picky eaters. Not the healthiest, but kids eat them.
Where to Buy: Target, Amazon, some Walmarts
The Middle Tier (Decent But Not Great)
#6: Glutino Original Crackers (Score: 3.8/5 ★★★★☆)
Verdict: Good taste, but texture gets soggy fast. Best eaten fresh from box.
#7: Blue Diamond Almond Nut-Thins (Score: 3.7/5 ★★★☆☆)
Verdict: Very thin, very crunchy. Adults like them more than kids. "Too plain."
#8: Lance Gluten-Free Crackers (Score: 3.5/5 ★★★☆☆)
Verdict: Okay taste, good price ($3.49), but kids found them "boring."
#9: Breton Gluten-Free Crackers (Score: 3.3/5 ★★★☆☆)
Verdict: Too thick, too hard. Several kids said "It hurts my teeth."
#10: Back to Nature Gluten-Free Crackers (Score: 3.2/5 ★★★☆☆)
Verdict: Strange aftertaste. Kids made faces. "Tastes like cardboard."
The Ones to Avoid
❌ #11-15: Low-Rated Options (Score: 2.5-2.9/5)
Milton's Gluten-Free Crackers: Texture like sawdust, kids refused second bite.
Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers: So bland kids asked if we forgot to add flavor.
Trader Joe's GF Crackers: Decent taste but fall apart instantly. Useless for dipping.
Enjoy Life Plentils: Technically a chip not cracker, weird bean taste kids hated.
Van's Gluten-Free Crackers: Tasted stale even though box was fresh. Chemical aftertaste.
Price Comparison Chart
| Brand | Price | Price/oz | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchmaster Multi-Seed | $4.49 | $1.27 | ★★★★★ Best Value |
| Schar Table Crackers | $6.49 | $1.32 | ★★★★☆ |
| Mary's Gone Crackers | $6.99 | $1.40 | ★★★★☆ |
| Late July Mini Cheddar | $6.99 | $1.40 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Simple Mills Almond | $7.49 | $1.76 | ★★★☆☆ |
Nutrition Comparison (Best to Worst)
Most Protein
- Simple Mills - 3g per serving
- Crunchmaster - 3g per serving
- Mary's Gone - 3g per serving
Most Fiber
- Mary's Gone - 3g per serving ⭐
- Crunchmaster - 2g per serving
- All others - 1g or less
Cleanest Ingredients
- Mary's Gone - Organic, whole grains, seeds
- Simple Mills - Almond flour, minimal ingredients
- Late July - Organic ingredients
Best for Blood Sugar
- Simple Mills - 0g sugar, almond flour base
- Crunchmaster - 0g sugar, whole grains
- Mary's Gone - 0g sugar, high fiber
Special Diet Needs
Nut-Free ✅
- Crunchmaster Multi-Seed (top choice)
- Mary's Gone Crackers
- Late July Mini Cheddar
- Schar Table Crackers
Dairy-Free ✅
- Simple Mills Almond (most flavors)
- Crunchmaster Multi-Seed
- Mary's Gone Crackers
Organic ✅
- Mary's Gone Crackers
- Late July Mini Cheddar
Lowest Price ✅
- Crunchmaster - $4.49 per box
- Lance GF - $3.49 per box
Best Uses for Each Type
Best for Dipping (Hummus, Guac)
Winner: Simple Mills Almond Runner-up: Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Why: Sturdy, won't break, good flavor doesn't compete with dip
Best for Cheese & Crackers
Winner: Schar Table Crackers Runner-up: Simple Mills Almond Why: Neutral flavor lets cheese shine, good size for topping
Best for Lunch Boxes
Winner: Late July Mini Cheddar Runner-up: Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Why: Pre-portioned, kid-favorite flavors, won't get crushed easily
Best for Picky Eaters
Winner: Schar Table Crackers Runner-up: Late July Mini Cheddar Why: Familiar taste, not "weird" or "healthy tasting"
Best Nutrition
Winner: Mary's Gone Crackers Runner-up: Simple Mills Almond Why: Whole grains, high fiber, clean ingredients, good protein
Best Value
Winner: Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Runner-up: Lance GF Why: Great taste-to-price ratio, widely available
What Makes a Good Gluten-Free Cracker?
Texture Matters Most
The #1 complaint about gluten-free crackers: weird texture. Winners had either perfect crunch (Simple Mills, Crunchmaster) or familiar feel (Schar, Late July).
Avoid These Red Flags:
- ❌ Soggy or soft texture
- ❌ Falls apart when touched
- ❌ Too hard (hurts teeth)
- ❌ Tastes like cardboard or has chemical aftertaste
- ❌ Weird mouth feel (gummy, sticky)
Look for These Green Flags:
- ✅ Crisp, satisfying crunch
- ✅ Holds together for dipping
- ✅ Flavor that tastes like "real" crackers
- ✅ Not too bland, not too strong
- ✅ Ingredient list you can pronounce
FAQ
Why do gluten-free crackers cost so much?
Gluten-free flours (almond, rice, cassava) cost more than wheat flour. Production facilities must be certified gluten-free. Smaller batch sizes increase cost. Expect to pay $5-8 per box for quality crackers vs $2-3 for wheat crackers.
Can I make my own gluten-free crackers?
Yes, but it's time-consuming and honestly not worth it unless you enjoy baking. Store-bought options like Simple Mills and Crunchmaster are so good that homemade doesn't offer significant advantage.
Do gluten-free crackers expire faster?
No. Shelf life is similar to regular crackers (6-12 months unopened). Once opened, store in airtight container and use within 2-3 weeks for best texture.
What if my kid won't eat any of these?
Start with Late July Mini Cheddar (most kid-friendly flavor) or Schar Table Crackers (most "normal" tasting). Serve with favorite dip or cheese. Don't force it—offer alternatives like rice cakes, gluten-free pretzels, or veggie chips.
Are gluten-free crackers healthy?
Depends on the brand. Mary's Gone and Simple Mills are nutritious with whole grains, fiber, and protein. Others (Schar, some Lance) are basically refined starches with minimal nutrition. Read labels.
Where can I find these crackers?
- Everywhere: Crunchmaster (Walmart, Target, Kroger, all major stores)
- Target/Whole Foods: Simple Mills, Late July, Mary's Gone
- Amazon: All brands available with Subscribe & Save options
- Walmart: Schar, Crunchmaster, Lance
What about other flavors?
Most brands offer multiple flavors. In general: Original/sea salt = safest bet for picky eaters, Herb flavors (rosemary, garlic) = more adventurous, Cheese flavors = kid favorites but not always healthiest.
Can I bring these crackers on an airplane?
Yes! All crackers are TSA-approved. Great for travel because they're shelf-stable, don't need refrigeration, and keep kids satisfied between meals.
Shopping Strategy
Try This First
Budget: Buy Crunchmaster Multi-Seed ($4.49) - great taste, good price, available everywhere.
Premium: Buy Simple Mills Almond ($7.49) - best overall taste, clean ingredients, worth the splurge.
Picky Eater: Buy Late July Mini Cheddar ($6.99) - cheese flavor wins over hesitant kids.
Build Your Rotation
Once you find 2-3 brands your kid likes, rotate them to prevent boredom. Keep one "special" flavor (like Late July Cheddar) for treats/lunchbox and one plain option (Simple Mills or Crunchmaster) for everyday snacking with dips.
Stock Up During Sales
Target and Whole Foods run cracker sales 4-6 times per year (typically 20-30% off). Stock up then. Unopened boxes last 6-12 months.
The Final Verdict
Best Overall: Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (★★★★★) If money is no object, this is the one. Kids love it, clean ingredients, great texture.
Best Value: Crunchmaster Multi-Seed (★★★★★) Almost as good as Simple Mills at half the price. Our recommendation for most families.
Best for Picky Eaters: Late July Mini Cheddar (★★★★☆) Cheese flavor converts hesitant kids. Worth the premium price for difficult eaters.
Avoid: Anything scoring below 3.0 in our testing. Life's too short for crackers kids won't eat.
Action Plan
✅ This week: Buy one box from our Top 5 list based on your priorities (budget, nut-free, picky eater, etc.)
✅ Let kids try: Serve with their favorite dip, cheese, or plain. See their honest reaction.
✅ Find your winner: Once you identify 1-2 favorites, add to regular shopping list.
✅ Rotate flavors: Keep snacking interesting with 2-3 different options in rotation.
✅ Stock up on sale: When your winners go on sale, buy 5-10 boxes (they last months).
Testing Date: February 2025. Prices reflect February 2025 retail pricing and may vary by location. All products were purchased by the No Gluten For Kids team—no sponsored content or free samples.
