The 9 Healthiest Cookies You Can Buy

I love carefully selecting organic cheeses, nutritious nuts and fresh fruit. But if there’s one element that always presents a little challenge, it’s cookies.

While there is a wide variety of cookies on supermarket shelves, most of them don’t quite meet my criteria as an MBG health editor.

I’m always looking for healthy cookies with ingredients that I can actually get. Fortunately, I’m here to report that they do exist. We consulted with experts about the healthiest cookies you can buy.

What to Look out for in Healthy Cookies

Let’s recap: first of all, what are “healthy cookies”? As registered dietitian Maggie Moon perfectly points out, “I love cookies that feel like real food.” I know it may sound vague, but you know it when you see it and taste it. They feel fulfilling. You know there’s goodies in there, and you can even imagine making some of them yourself.”

For ingredients, it’s advisable to look for nutritious options with whole grains (the main ingredients are whole wheat, whole oats, whole brown rice, etc.), nuts, fruits, and seeds.

What to Avoid in Cookies

Overly processed grains and excessive added sugars should be avoided. Cookies are a simple food, and the ingredient list should reflect that. There’s no reason why store-bought cookies contain artificial ingredients. In fact, there are many options available now, all made with simple ingredients found in well-stocked pantry.

After personally testing dozens of brands and listening to the advice of a dietitian, I screened out some of the proven, most loved, and truly compliant healthy cookies.

Simple Mills Original Organic Seed Flour Crackers

These delicious cookies hit the shelves earlier this year and immediately became one of my favorites. They impressively cater to most dietary needs and food sensitivities (e.g., gluten-free, grain-free, corn-free, and vegan). While many alternative cookies contain a range of processed additives, the ingredient list for these cookies is clear and simple, with a seed meal mix and tapioca flour as the main ingredients. The only thing I didn’t like was sunflower oil, but everything else was just right.

Hippie Snacks Almond Crisps

Another great gluten-free option, these delicious almond chips were recently discovered by Lagerman Ross – and I really like the simple, minimally processed ingredient list. In addition to almonds, they contain nutritious tapioca flour, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, rosemary, and psyllium husks – all of which stand out in my book. If you like light, ultra-crispy cookies or simple snacks on your charcuterie board, these are perfect options.

Mary’s Gone Super Seed Crackers

These simple seed cookies have been one of my go-to for years. The classic flavors are a staple in my pantry, but I also love the new rosemary, basil, and garlic, as well as all the cookie varieties. These are certainly one of the more earthy-tasting cookies on this list and aren’t for everyone, but I love the flavor and their excellent ingredients like whole-grain brown rice, whole-grain quinoa, brown flaxseed, and even seaweed.

Bob’s Red Mill Oat Crackers

I’m a big supporter of Bob’s Moulin Rouge’s many products, so I’m excited to learn about these brand new oatmeal biscuits. Largeman-Roth agrees: “I think the new Bob oatmeal cookies are really tasty, and the first ingredient I love about it is wholegrain oat flour,” she says, adding that they have a lovely crunchy texture similar to her childhood favourite cookies. “Plus, one serving contains 3 grams of plant-based protein, which is an added bonus.” Again, we can do without sunflower oil, but other than that, we’re excited about these healthy cookies.

Hu Kitchen Grain-Free Crackers

I love the deliciousness and simplicity of Hu Kitchen’s many foods, and these cookies are no exception. They are based on a mixture of almonds, cassava, and coconut flour with the addition of coconut aminos to add umami. These sturdy cookies go well with a variety of sauces, but for a fun “bagels” experience, I like to pair them with Monty’s vegetable-based cream cheese.

Ak-Mark Sesame Crackers

When it comes to simple, reliable healthy cookies, Moon says her favorite is the Ak-Mak cookie. It’s a traditional Armenian-style crepe, made from organic whole wheat flour, sesame seeds, and oil, with a dash of clover honey added for added sweetness. It’s worth noting that in addition to honey, they also contain some dairy butter, so they’re not suitable for vegans.

Annie’s Homegrown White Cheddar Squares

These white cheddar baking cubes are a healthier alternative to the cheese cookies I loved as a kid and are delicious on their own or as part of a snack tray. Again, these little cookies do contain sunflower oil, but we appreciate that it’s a press-pressed organic ingredient, just like all the other ingredients on the list.

Top Seedz Cumin Crackers

These crispy cookies are perfect as a delicious addition to any charcuterie board, with guacamole, or with hummus. They contain cumin seeds and a nutrient-rich seed blend for an extra delicious taste.

Wasa Multi-Grain Crispbread

These are probably one of the most classic “healthy cookies” and I absolutely love these simple crackers. They have a range of whole wheat flours and fairly neutral flavors, making them the perfect carrier for any delicious toppings.