Crackers, sandwich, cheese filled (Ritz)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Ritz Cheese Sandwich Crackers are a beloved American snack featuring two buttery, flaky, golden-brown crackers with a creamy, processed cheese filling. The texture is a satisfying contrast between the crisp, salty cracker and the smooth, savory cheese center. Nutritionally, they are an energy-dense food, providing nearly 480 calories per 100 grams, with a significant portion coming from fat and refined carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 6% protein · 47% carbs · 47% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their iconic, buttery flavor and the perfect salty-savory balance of the cheese filling. They are a nostalgic, go-to comfort food for quick hunger pangs and are incredibly versatile for packing in lunchboxes or serving at casual gatherings.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
They are high in sodium, refined carbs, and saturated fats, which can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and may not be ideal for those monitoring heart health or diabetes. To counteract, pair a small portion with a source of fiber and protein like an apple or a handful of nuts, and be mindful of overall daily sodium intake.
Key benefits
- Convenient, portable, and shelf-stable snack
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates and fats
- Offers a small amount of protein (7.66g per 100g)
- Consistent, familiar taste and texture
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original Ritz cracker was introduced during the Great Depression in 1934, marketed as an affordable luxury to lift spirits.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 9.2 g |
| Energy | 479 kcal |
| Protein | 7.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 25.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 56.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 27.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 103 mg |
| Potassium, K | 112 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 595 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.64 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.12 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 17.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.40 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.27 mg |
| Niacin | 4.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 98.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 76.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 23.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 151 ug |
| Choline, total | 12.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.01 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 3.0 ug |
| Retinol | 3.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 9.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.3 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 7.0 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 10.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 10.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 7.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 7.0 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Crackers, cheese, sandwich-type with cheese filling — USDA does not publish this profile for Crackers.
| Tryptophan | 0.11 g |
| Threonine | 0.33 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.36 g |
| Leucine | 0.64 g |
| Lysine | 0.39 g |
| Methionine | 0.15 g |
| Cystine | 0.15 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.35 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.25 g |
| Valine | 0.38 g |
| Arginine | 0.29 g |
| Histidine | 0.17 g |
| Alanine | 0.30 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.52 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.24 g |
| Proline | 0.77 g |
| Serine | 0.40 g |
FAQ
Are Ritz Cheese Sandwich Crackers a good source of protein?
They provide a modest amount of protein (7.66g per 100g), but they are not considered a primary protein source due to their high fat and carbohydrate content.
What is the cheese filling made of?
The filling is a processed cheese product, typically made from cheese, vegetable oil, and emulsifiers to create a smooth, shelf-stable texture.
Can they be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, when consumed in moderation as an occasional treat. Pairing them with nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, or lean protein can help create a more balanced snack.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.79 kcal/g · 6% calories from protein · 2.5 g fiber · 9.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 5.31 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.