Chicken in a Biskit Crackers are high in calories, fats (including saturated fats), and sodium, with minimal fiber and protein. They also contain artificial flavors, additives, and potentially harmful preservatives like BHA/BHT. Consumed in moderation, they can fit into a balanced diet, but frequent or excessive intake could contribute to health issues such as increased blood pressure, heightened risk of heart disease, and weight gain due to their calorie-dense nature. Healthier snack alternatives are recommended for regular consumption.
Chicken in a Biskit Crackers are rated D due to their high content of unhealthy ingredients like saturated fats, sodium, and artificial flavors, including MSG. Long-term consumption is associated with several health risks including weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Although they may be enjoyable in taste, the potential health impacts make them something to be consumed with caution and in moderation at most.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an A+ are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an A+, overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a B+ may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a B may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldnt be overlooked.
The main difference between category A and category B is the harmful qualities typically present in B items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a C+ are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category C usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category D is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldnt hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating D items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category F is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of F items are usually very serious.
N stands for neutral. Things in this group are usually (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) don’t give you enough information to make a decision.
Chicken in a Biskit crackers have been around since the 1960s and are a nostalgic snack for many. With their cute chicken shape and savory flavor, they seem like an innocent treat. But are these crackers actually a healthy option? Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition facts and ingredients.
An Overview of Chicken in a Biskit Crackers
Nabisco makes small crackers in the shape of an oval called “Chicken in a Biskit.” They taste toasted and buttery, with a hint of savory chicken. Each cracker has a little chicken design on it. Rich flour, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and chicken flavoring are used to make the crackers. The package can be closed again and again and has about 12 one-inch crackers inside.
These crackers were created in the 1960s and became popular as a snack food and appetizer cracker. They are baked not fried so many people consider them a bit healthier than some other snack crackers. The chicken shape and flavoring are meant to be reminiscent of chicken and biscuits.
Nutrition Facts for Chicken in a Biskit
A serving of 12 Chicken in a Biskit crackers contains
- 160 calories
- 8g fat
- 0.5g saturated fat
- 230mg sodium
- 19g carbohydrates
- 2g protein
Crackers have a lot of simple carbs and not much protein. Each cracker has about 13 calories, which is a moderate amount. The saturated fat content is relatively low.
However, the sodium level is concerning at 230mg per serving, or 10% of the daily value. Most experts recommend limiting sodium to no more than 2,300mg per day.
Ingredients in Chicken in a Biskit
The main ingredients in Chicken in a Biskit crackers are:
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Enriched flour – Refined white flour with some vitamins and minerals added back in after processing. Low in nutrients compared to whole grains.
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Vegetable oil – The type of oil is not specified but it is likely soybean, canola, or cottonseed oil. Adds mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
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Buttermilk – Adds tangy flavor and moisture. Also contains some calcium.
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Chicken flavor – Usually contains MSG (monosodium glutamate) and other flavor enhancers like yeast extract.
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Sugar – Adds sweetness.
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Leavening – Helps crackers rise during baking.
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Salt – For flavor.
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Soy lecithin – An emulsifier made from soybeans. Helps bind ingredients.
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Corn syrup solids – Dried glucose syrup that adds sweetness.
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Monoglycerides – Another emulsifier that binds fats and water.
Why Chicken in a Biskit Crackers Are Not Healthy
When looking closely at the nutrition stats and ingredients list, it is clear Chicken in a Biskit are more of an indulgent snack than a healthy choice. Here are some of the reasons these crackers do not meet standards for a nutritious food:
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Made with refined flour – The enriched white flour has had the nutrient-rich bran and germ removed during processing. This leaves mostly starch behind with some added vitamins.
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High in sodium – The 230mg of sodium per serving is almost 10% of the daily recommended limit. Eating multiple servings can easily cause excess sodium intake.
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Added sugar—Sugar is added in the form of corn syrup solids instead of sugars that come from natural sources, like lactose in buttermilk. The sugar provides empty calories without nutrition.
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Tastes like chicken, but it’s not really chicken. The taste comes from MSG, yeast extract, and natural flavorings. MSG is controversial and some people experience adverse effects.
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Vegetable oil – The vegetable oil is highly processed and high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Oil is prone to oxidation and trans fat formation during high-heat cooking.
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Numerous preservatives – Preservatives like BHT are added to extend shelf life but provide no nutritional value. Some preservatives may cause mild reactions or sensitivity in certain individuals.
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Lack of protein – With only 2 grams of protein per serving, the crackers do not provide much satiety or nutrition. Most of the calories come from refined carbs and fat instead.
Healthier Alternatives to Chicken in a Biskit
Luckily, there are many ways to satisfy a craving for a savory snack cracker in a more nutritious way. Here are some healthy swaps for Chicken in a Biskit:
1. Mary’s Gone Crackers Original Crackers
Made from whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and flaxseeds, these gluten-free crackers have only 110mg sodium and 1g sugar per serving. They provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
2. Ak-Mak Stoneground Sesame Crackers
These crisp crackers are made with whole wheat flour, sesame seeds, and extra virgin olive oil. Each serving contains 3g of protein and just 140mg sodium.
3. Blue Diamond Nut-Thins
For a nutty crunch, try these crackers made with almonds, rice flour, and whole grain oats. They are free of artificial flavors and trans fats.
4. Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps
These thin, crunchy pretzel crackers are low in fat and calories. Opt for the original flavor to limit added sugar.
5. Wasa Crispbread
These Scandinavian-style crispbreads have a wholesome, rustic texture. Made from whole grain rye, they provide 5g fiber per serving.
6. Make Your Own Crackers
For the healthiest option, make crispy crackers at home with whole grain flour, seeds, herbs, and olive oil. Shape into fun chicken designs using cookie cutters.
The Bottom Line
Chicken in a Biskit offer nostalgic flavor and fun chicken shapes, but a close look shows they are far from a healthy choice. Made with refined flour, added sugars and oils, and few nutrients, these crackers rate low on nutrition scales. Smarter snacking options include high-fiber whole grain crackers, nut-based crackers, pretzel crisps, and homemade crackers using wholesome ingredients. Going DIY lets you control the flavors and keep sodium and preservatives low. But for an occasional indulgence, a small serving of Chicken in a Biskit crackers should be fine, especially if you balance them out with more nutritious foods for the rest of your meals. Moderation and variety are keys to healthy eating.
Possible short-term side effects
- increased hunger
- blood sugar spikes
- increased blood pressure
- potential sensitivity reactions to msg and artificial flavors
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
- elevated blood pressure
- increased risk of heart disease
- increased risk of stroke
- increased ldl cholesterol
- decreased hdl cholesterol
Irish People Try CHICKEN in a BISKIT For First Time @LeatherJacketGuy #Shorts
FAQ
Are chicken in a biskit good for you?
The fat content, often high in saturated and trans fats, contributes to raised cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Is there real chicken in chicken in a biskit crackers?
Made with chicken, these baked crackers have a light, crunchy texture, and they’re perfectly seasoned. These flavored crackers have 0 grams of trans fat per serving. You can eat these light crackers by themselves as a quick snack, or you can add them to soup or salad to make them taste better.
How many calories are in chicken in a biskit cracker?
Why was chicken in a biskit discontinued?
Manufacturing was moved to China. While Australian Kraft Chicken in a Biskit listed chicken meat among the ingredients, an independent chemistry assay detected “no protein from any meat species” in the product. Production of the ‘In a Biskit’ range was discontinued in March 2015.