Wheat Thins Original
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains canola oil, a seed oil that is highly processed and can promote inflammation, and refined sugar, which contributes to metabolic issues and weight gain. The crackers are processed and include additives like leavening agents, which further reduce their nutritional quality.
Contaminants 8
Source: Consumer Reports, Contaminants in Kids' Snacks (August 2026) — three samples from 2–3 lots bought at retail, ISO 17025-accredited lab
Acrylamide 65 ppb (2.03 mcg per 31 g serving) High
One serving carries about 10 times California's Prop 65 no-significant-risk level for acrylamide (0.2 mcg per day), the threshold Consumer Reports applied at a serving a day. Acrylamide forms whenever starchy food is fried, baked or roasted. At 65 ppb it sat in the lower half of the nine chips and crackers CR tested (Lay's Classic 263 ppb, Doritos 53 ppb).
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (acrylamide by LC-MS/MS, J. Agric. Food Chem. 54:7001 (2006)) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: 65 ppb, which is 2.03 mcg in the 31 g (16 pieces) serving. CR's reference values: OEHHA NSRL 0.2 mcg/day, MADL 140 mcg/day, EPA reference dose 2 mcg/kg body weight/day.
Glycidyl esters 14 ppb (0.43 mcg per 31 g serving) Moderate
Glycidyl esters form when vegetable oils are refined at high heat and turn into glycidol in the gut — a probable human carcinogen with no safe intake set by EFSA. One serving is about 80% of California's no-significant-risk level for glycidol (0.54 mcg per day), the reference CR applied. At 14 ppb it was one of the lowest detected glycidyl ester levels in the test (Takis Fuego 122 ppb).
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (glycidyl esters by GC-MS/MS, AOAC 2018.03) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: 14 ppb, which is 0.43 mcg per 31 g serving. CR's reference value: OEHHA NSRL for glycidol 0.54 mcg/day. The EU caps GE in retail vegetable oils at 1,000 µg/kg as glycidol; the U.S. has no limit.
3-MCPD Not detected Not detected
Not detected — below the laboratory's method detection limit in every sample. 3-MCPD is a by-product of refining vegetable oil at high heat.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (3-MCPD by GC-MS/MS, AOAC 2018.03) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: not detected in any sample.
Lead 3.23 ppb (0.10 mcg per 31 g serving) Low
Detected — one serving is about 20% of California's Prop 65 maximum allowable dose for lead (0.5 mcg per day). No level of lead is considered beneficial, and children are the most sensitive group.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (lead by ICP-QQQ-MS, AOAC 2015.01) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: 3.23 ppb, which is 0.10 mcg per 31 g serving, against the OEHHA MADL of 0.5 mcg/day.
Cadmium 46.1 ppb (1.43 mcg per 31 g serving) Low
One serving is about 35% of California's Prop 65 maximum allowable dose for cadmium (4.1 mcg per day). This was the second highest cadmium of the nine chips and crackers CR tested, after Lay's Classic. Wheat takes cadmium up from the soil it grows in.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (cadmium by ICP-QQQ-MS, AOAC 2015.01) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: 46.1 ppb, which is 1.43 mcg per 31 g serving, against the OEHHA MADL of 4.1 mcg/day.
Arsenic Not detected Not detected
Not detected — below the laboratory's method detection limit in every sample.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (total arsenic by ICP-QQQ-MS, AOAC 2015.01) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: not detected in any sample.
Mercury Not detected Not detected
Not detected — below the laboratory's method detection limit in every sample.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (mercury by ICP-QQQ-MS, AOAC 2015.01) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: not detected in any sample.
DEHP (phthalate) 14 ppb (434 ng per 31 g serving) Safe
DEHP is a plasticiser that migrates from processing equipment and packaging. One serving is about 0.1% of California's Prop 65 maximum allowable dose for DEHP (410 mcg per day) and well under EPA's reference dose. Total phthalates were 472 ng per serving.
Consumer Reports' August 2026 kids' snacks test (phthalates by GC-MS/MS, GB 5009.271-2016 mod.) on three Wheat Thins Original samples from two to three lots: DEHP 14 ppb, which is 434 ng per 31 g serving; total phthalates 472 ng. References: OEHHA MADL 410 mcg/day, NSRL 310 mcg/day, EPA reference dose 20 mcg/kg body weight/day.
Key ingredients 8
Canola oilVery Bad
Canola oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. It is often highly processed and refined, which can reduce its nutritional quality. The extraction process may involve chemical solvents.
Risks
High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and is associated with potential health concerns when consumed in large amounts.
SugarBad
Refined sugar contributes to increased calorie intake without providing essential nutrients. It is associated with various health issues such as obesity and dental cavities. Excessive consumption can lead to metabolic disorders.
Risks
Excessive intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Refiner's syrupBad
Refiner's syrup is a byproduct of sugar refining, contributing to sugar content without significant nutritional benefits. It is similar to molasses but more processed. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues related to high sugar intake.
Risks
Contributes to high sugar intake, which can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Whole grain wheat flourNeutral
Whole grain wheat flour is a source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients. It is less processed than refined flour, retaining more of its natural nutrients. However, it may not be suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Risks
May cause issues for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Benefits
Provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals.
CornstarchNeutral
Cornstarch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickening agent. It provides energy but lacks essential nutrients. It is highly processed and offers minimal nutritional value.
Risks
May contribute to blood sugar spikes if consumed in large quantities.
Benefits
Provides a source of energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.
Malt syrupNeutral
Malt syrup is a sweetener derived from barley and corn, providing a distinct flavor. It is less refined than white sugar but still contributes to sugar intake. It contains some vitamins and minerals but in negligible amounts.
Risks
May contribute to increased sugar intake and related health issues if consumed excessively.
Benefits
Provides a unique flavor and some trace nutrients compared to refined sugars.
SaltNeutral
Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation. It is a necessary nutrient but should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular issues.
Risks
High sodium intake is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Benefits
Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
LeaveningNeutral
Leavening agents like calcium phosphate and baking soda are used to help dough rise. They are generally recognized as safe when used in small amounts. They do not contribute significant nutritional value.
Benefits
Facilitates the texture and volume of baked goods.
Processing
Processed Foods
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