Skip to content

Parle Krackjack: Calories, Nutrition and Health Facts

India's iconic sweet-and-salty cracker biscuit with ajwain flavor, perfect for chai time with its unique taste that's neither too sweet nor too salty.

Parle Krackjack sweet and salty crackers on rustic wooden table - 489 calories per 100g

Quick Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (approximately 12-14 biscuits)

NutrientAmount
Calories489 kcal
Protein6.8g
Carbohydrates70.5g
Fiber2g
Sugars19.6g
Fat19.9g
Saturated Fat9.4g
Sodium371mg
Cholesterol0mg

Macronutrient Breakdown

NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT

Krackjack contains half the sugar of cream biscuits (19.6g vs 40g per 100g), making it a relatively better choice for those watching sugar intake. The ajwain adds digestive benefits, though the high refined carb content (70.5g) still impacts blood sugar significantly.

Myth Busters

MYTH #1: Krackjack Is Healthier Because It's a Cracker, Not a Cookie

TRUTH: Despite its cracker-like texture, Krackjack has 489 calories per 100g—similar to cookies. The refined flour base and added fats provide comparable caloric density. "Cracker" marketing doesn't mean fewer calories.

MYTH #2: The Ajwain in Krackjack Aids Digestion Significantly

TRUTH: While ajwain has traditional digestive benefits, the trace amount in biscuits (less than 0.5%) provides negligible effect. Eating whole ajwain seeds or ajwain water delivers actual digestive benefits; biscuit amounts are primarily for flavor.

MYTH #3: Sweet-and-Salty Means Balanced and Won't Cause Weight Gain

TRUTH: The sweet-salty combination actually triggers increased consumption by stimulating multiple taste receptors. This flavor profile makes it harder to stop eating. High palatability often leads to overconsumption, not balance.

MYTH #4: Krackjack Is a Good Protein Snack at 6.8g per 100g

TRUTH: While 6.8g protein per 100g sounds decent, you'd consume 489 calories to get it—a poor protein-to-calorie ratio. Quality protein sources provide 20-30g protein per 150-200 calories. Eggs, paneer, or dal are far more efficient.

NutriScore by Health Goals

Health GoalNutriScoreWhy This Score?
Weight LossNutriScore D489 kcal/100g with low satiety. Sweet-salty flavor promotes overeating. Limit to 3-4 biscuits as occasional treat.
Muscle GainNutriScore D6.8g protein is inefficient at 489 calories. Empty carbs don't support muscle synthesis. Choose protein-rich alternatives.
Diabetes ManagementNutriScore DLower sugar (19.6g) than cream biscuits but 70.5g refined carbs still spike blood glucose. Limit portions strictly.
PCOS ManagementNutriScore DRefined carbs worsen insulin resistance. Moderate occasionally; pair with protein to reduce glycemic impact.
Pregnancy NutritionNutriScore CNot harmful occasionally but provides no essential pregnancy nutrients like folate, iron, or calcium. Choose nutrient-dense snacks instead.
Viral/Flu RecoveryNutriScore CLight and easy to eat when sick. Provides quick energy but no immune-supporting nutrients. Adequate for appetite loss situations.

PERSONALIZED NUTRITION

Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!

Blood Sugar Response to Krackjack

Understanding how Krackjack affects blood glucose helps you make informed snacking decisions.

Typical Glucose Response Curve

*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*

How to Flatten the Spike

Pairing refined carbohydrate foods with protein or fat significantly reduces blood sugar impact:

  • 🥜 Peanut butter or almond spread - Healthy fats and protein slow absorption
  • 🧀 Cheese slice or paneer cube - Protein buffers the glucose spike
  • ☕ Unsweetened masala chai - Spices may aid glucose metabolism
  • 🥛 Glass of milk or buttermilk - Protein and fat combination

Limit to 3-4 biscuits and avoid eating on an empty stomach for better blood sugar control.

Cultural Significance

Krackjack holds a special place in Indian snacking culture as the original sweet-and-salty biscuit.

In India:

  • Launched by Parle in 1979, pioneering the sweet-salty category in India
  • Name combines "crack" (crispy sound) and "jack" (all-purpose, like a jack of all trades)
  • The ajwain flavor connects to traditional Indian digestive wisdom
  • Popular across all age groups as a chai-time companion
  • Inspired numerous imitators but remains the category leader

Market Position:

  • One of India's top 10 selling biscuit brands
  • Positioned as a versatile snack—morning tea, evening chai, travel companion
  • Available in multiple variants: Original, Butter, and Masala
  • Affordable pricing makes it accessible across economic segments

Compare & Substitute

Parle Krackjack vs Similar Snacks (Per 100g)

Nutrient🍘 Krackjack🍪 Monaco🍪 Marie🍪 Parle-G
Calories489 kcal480 kcal435 kcal462 kcal
Carbs70.5g68g75g76g
Fiber2g1.5g2.5g2g
Protein6.8g7g7g6.5g
Fat19.9g20g12g14g
Sugar19.6g8g22g26g
Sodium371mg850mg450mg380mg
Best ForSweet-salty cravingSavory snackingTea-time, lower fatBudget energy

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in one Parle Krackjack biscuit?

One Krackjack biscuit (approximately 7-8g) contains 35-40 calories with 1.4g sugar, 1.4g fat, and 0.5g protein. A typical serving of 4-5 biscuits provides 140-200 calories.

Is Parle Krackjack suitable for diabetics?

Better than cream biscuits due to lower sugar (19.6g vs 40g per 100g), but still contains 70.5g refined carbs that spike blood glucose. Limit to 2-3 biscuits; pair with protein; avoid on empty stomach; monitor post-meal glucose.

What makes Krackjack different from other biscuits?

Unique sweet-and-salty flavor profile with ajwain (carom seeds) distinguishes Krackjack. Lighter, crispier texture than regular cookies; positioned between cracker and biscuit; iconic rectangular shape with sugar crystals on top.

Does Parle Krackjack contain ajwain?

Yes, Krackjack contains ajwain (carom seeds) as a flavoring ingredient, contributing to its distinctive taste. The amount is minimal (under 0.5%) and primarily for flavor rather than therapeutic digestive benefits.

Can I eat Parle Krackjack during weight loss?

Occasionally, with strict portion control. Limit to 3-4 biscuits (105-140 calories) as a planned treat. The sweet-salty combination triggers overeating; pre-portion before consuming; avoid eating from the pack.

Is Parle Krackjack vegetarian?

Yes, Krackjack is vegetarian and egg-free, using vegetable-based fats and ingredients. Not certified vegan as manufacturing lines may process milk-containing products. Check packaging for allergen updates.

How does Krackjack compare to Monaco for health?

Similar calories (489 vs 480 kcal/100g) but different profiles: Krackjack has more sugar (19.6g vs 8g) while Monaco has much higher sodium (850mg vs 371mg). Choose Krackjack for sweet-salty cravings; Monaco for pure savory preference.

Is Krackjack better than cream-filled biscuits for health?

Relatively yes—Krackjack has half the sugar of bourbon/Oreo (19.6g vs 38-40g per 100g) and no cream filling. However, similar calories and refined carbs mean neither is a healthy choice; both should be occasional treats.

Science-based nutrition recommendations
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Which meal has the most calories? Play the Find Hidden Calories game

Similar Nutritious Foods

Explore More Nutrition Tools & Resources