The Short Answer
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers are Acceptable, but not perfect. They are likely the best-tasting gluten-free cracker that doesn't use gums or trash oils. However, because the almonds are not organic, they carry a higher pesticide load, confirmed by tests showing detectable levels of glyphosate.
If you want the cleanest option from this brand, skip the Almond Flour box and grab the Organic Seed Flour Crackers instead. They solve the pesticide problem while keeping the clean ingredient list.
Why This Matters
Crackers are usually a wasteland of inflammatory seed oils and refined flour. Simple Mills rose to fame by rejecting both, using nutrient-dense nut flours and avoiding the "gum" trap (xanthan, guar) that most gluten-free brands fall into.
However, "Grain-Free" doesn't automatically mean "Toxin-Free." Almonds are one of the most chemically treated crops in California. By using conventional almonds, Simple Mills exposes consumers to pesticide residues that organic certification would prohibit.
What's Actually In Simple Mills
The ingredient list is refreshingly short and readable. Here is the breakdown for the popular Fine Ground Sea Salt flavor:
- Nut & Seed Flour Blend (Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds) ā This is the bulk of the cracker. The almonds are conventional (non-organic), while the seeds appear to be a mix. Healthiest Crackers
- Tapioca Starch & Cassava Flour ā Used for binding without gluten. Cassava is a root vegetable that can naturally absorb heavy metals like lead from the soil.
- Organic Sunflower Oil ā A huge win. They use high-oleic oil, which is mostly monounsaturated fat (like olive oil) and stable at high heat. This is distinct from the inflammatory, high-linoleic sunflower oil found in cheap chips. Oils In Crackers
- Sea Salt, Organic Onion, Organic Garlic, Rosemary Extract ā Clean flavorings and a natural preservative.
The Testing Data
You can't just read the label; you have to test the food. Here is where Simple Mills gets a mixed report card.
The Glyphosate Problem:
Independent testing by Mamavation found 49.28 ppb of glyphosate in the Almond Flour crackers. While this is lower than many wheat-based products (which can hit 1,000+ ppb), it is higher than competitors like Mary's Gone Crackers (which often test non-detect).
The Heavy Metal Concern:
In 2024, consumer advocate Lead Safe Mama tested Simple Mills' "Sweet Thins" (made with similar flour blends) and found concerning levels of Lead (18-28 ppb) and Cadmium (50-59 ppb). While not the crackers specifically, this points to potential soil contamination in their supply chain for seeds and cassava.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- No Gums: Zero xanthan gum, guar gum, or lecithin. This is rare for a cracker that actually holds together.
- High-Oleic Oil: They specifically use the "good" version of sunflower oil and buy it organic.
- Certified Gluten-Free: Strict testing standards for celiacs (GFCO certified).
Red Flags:
- "Natural" Almonds: The main ingredient is conventional almonds, which are sprayed with glyphosate and other pesticides.
- Cassava Sourcing: Root vegetables are prone to heavy metal uptake; without transparency on soil testing, lead is a risk.
The Best Options
If you love the brand, just switch boxes. The "Seed Flour" line is fully organic.
| Product Line | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Seed Flour | ā Recommended | USDA Organic means no synthetic pesticides on the main ingredients. |
| Almond Flour | ā ļø Acceptable | Good ingredients, but conventional alm residue. |
| Veggie Pita | ā ļø Acceptable | Contains conventional vegetable powders; similar pesticide concerns. |
| Sweet Thins | š« Caution | Recent tests showed elevated heavy metals (Lead/Cadmium). |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy the "Seed Flour" Box. It's the only way to ensure you aren't eating pesticide residues, as it's their only USDA Organic cracker line.
2. Treat Almond Flour Crackers as a "Bridge" Food. They are perfect for transitioning off Ritz or Wheat Thins, but shouldn't be your staple daily snack due to the glyphosate issues.
3. Watch the Sodium. With 230mg of sodium per serving, they are saltier than many "healthy" alternatives.
FAQ
Are Simple Mills crackers processed?
They are minimally processed. Unlike standard crackers made from refined white flour and bleached oils, Simple Mills uses whole food flours and expeller-pressed oil. They are baked, not fried.
Do Simple Mills crackers have seed oils?
Yes, but they use organic high-oleic sunflower oil. This is chemically similar to avocado oil or olive oil (high in omega-9s) and does not cause the same inflammatory response as generic, high-linoleic seed oils. Crackers No Seed Oils
Are they safe for celiacs?
Yes. They are Certified Gluten-Free by the GFCO, which requires testing to ensure gluten levels are below 10ppm (stricter than the FDA's 20ppm standard).
Why are the almonds not organic?
Cost and supply. Organic almonds are significantly more expensive and harder to source at the scale Simple Mills requires. This is the main trade-off of their lower price point compared to fully organic brands.
References (2)
- 1. daniellewalker.com
- 2. reddit.com