Ritz ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Ritz

Ritz is one of the most iconic cracker brands in the world, produced by Mondelez International and sold at virtually every US grocery and mass retail store since 1934. The brand spans original butter crackers, reduced fat, whole wheat, and numerous flavored and snack pack varieties. Ritz crackers generate over $1 billion in US annual sales.

Common concerns with Ritz products

Some Ritz products — particularly Ritz Bits — have been flagged for containing partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil (a source of artificial trans fats), which is banned or heavily restricted in the EU, several Northern European countries, and Brazil. Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk. Some Ritz varieties have also used TBHQ. The main original Ritz formula has been updated to remove PHOs from standard products, but consumers should check specific product labels.