Crunchy, practical to bring everywhere and perfect for a quick snack or an aperitif: i cracker They are a widespread food, present on the shelves in many variants and brands. But are we sure they are all more or less the same? To answer this question, the Swiss magazine K-Tipp has made one test out of 12 types of crackers based on cereals. The results? Some products have been promoted, others decidedly rejected.
The results
The test highlighted substantial differences between wholemeal crackers and those made with white flour. The former proved to be richer in fiber, less fat and without dangerous residues. The latter, however, often poor in nutrients, were fatter and in some cases contaminated by pesticides or potentially harmful substances such as acrylamide.
Only 4 of the 12 products analyzed have obtained a positive evaluation. The best? A typical product of the Swiss market, the “Bio Original Spelt” of Dar-Vida Naturaplan, which stands out for the high fiber content, the low quantity of fat and the absence of pesticides. An important result, considering that fibers help prevent pathologies such as diabetes, digestive problems and cardiovascular diseases.
According to experts, an adult should consume at least 30 grams of fiber per day. Crackers with a high content of whole grains contain on average about 10% of food fiber, comparable to the quantity present in the Ave. On the contrary, the white flour -based crackers contained only about a third of the fibers, a content comparable to that of white toasted bread.
In a well -known brand of crackers, the highest level of acrylamide test. It is a substance considered a probable carcinogenic and, according to some studies, could also have negative effects on the nervous system and reproduction.
And as for pesticides? In half of the products analyzed, residues were detected, although nobody has exceeded the legal limits. However, experts point out that foods intended for daily consumption, in particular by children, should ideally be without them.
The worst
To surprise are the brands at the bottom of the ranking, also well known in Italy. Last Absolutely i very famous tucpenalized hard for the very high content of fat (over 20 grams per 100 g) and for the significant presence of acrylamide.
In Switzerland, the law establishes that the crackers must not exceed the limit of 400 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) of acrylamide, a substance that is naturally formed during cooking at high temperatures of food rich in starch, such as crackers. While remaining within the legal limits, The TUCs were the worst of the test regarding the presence of acrylamidewith a value that exceeds half the allowed limit.
The results of the other products show that it is possible to significantly reduce the presence of acrylamide in the crackers, which is very important, especially considering that these products are often eaten even by children. In particular, the laboratory has detected a maximum content of 100 µg/kg in different products, while in some cases-such as the “Nature Vollkorn” of Dar-Vida, “Nature” of Country, Snack Fun’s “Cracker Nature” and “Salato Crackker” by Gran Pavesi-the levels were even 30 µg/kg. A result that highlights how more careful production choices can make a difference.
In the TUCs, Deltametrine was also found, suspected of interfering with hormonal balance, and piperonilbutoxido, a substance that can cause damage to kidneys and liver.
But how they went overall Gran Pavesi? Although they contain very little acrylamide, they still end penultimate. The laboratory has in fact found residues of pyrimifosmetilea potentially harmful pesticide for long -term organs. Just like the TUCs then, they also have a low fiber content, comparable to that of white bread.
In two other products, Trinexapac was also found, a growth regulator used in grain cultivation. According to the European Agency for chemicals, all 4 substances found in the crackers (pyrimifosmetile, deltametrine, piperonilbutoxido and trinexapac) are highly toxic to water organisms. The producers involved claim that the quantities detected are very low, but the data remains worrying.
How the test was conducted
To analyze the 12 products, K-Tipp He entrusted himself to the Dr. Wirts + partner of Kiel, Germany. These are the parameters examined:
