Triscuit facts for kids
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| Owner | Mondelez International |
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| Introduced | 1903 |
| Previous owners |
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Triscuit is a well-known brand of crackers. These crackers are shaped like squares and are made from whole wheat. They are baked, not fried, giving them a unique texture. Triscuit crackers were first invented in 1900 and became available to buy in 1903.
Triscuit's History
The company that first made Triscuits was called the Shredded Wheat Company. They started making these crackers in 1903 in Niagara Falls, New York. The location was chosen because it was close to a big power plant. This plant, which opened in 1895, used the power of Niagara Falls to make electricity.
How Triscuit Got Its Name
The name "Triscuit" might come from combining the words electricity and biscuit. This idea makes sense because early advertisements said Triscuits were "baked by electricity." They even claimed it was the only food made this way back in 1903!
Another idea is that "tri" in Triscuit refers to the three main ingredients: wheat, oil, and salt. However, this is not certain because old advertisements and records are not very clear.
Changes Over Time
When Triscuits first came out, each cracker was about 2.25 by 4 inches. They stayed this size for almost 21 years. Later, the ovens were changed, and the crackers became smaller, about 2-inch squares.
In 1928, a company called Nabisco bought the Shredded Wheat Company. This meant Nabisco started making Triscuits.
In 1935, Triscuits began to be sprayed with oil and salted, which made them even tastier. Then, in 1984, new flavors were added, and the crackers were made even crispier.
How Triscuits Are Made
| Nutritional value per around 6 crackers | |
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| Energy | 502 kJ (120 kcal) |
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29 g
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| Sugars | 0 g |
| Dietary fiber | 3 g |
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3.5 g
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| Saturated | 0 g |
| Trans | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated | 1 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 2 g |
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Protein
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3 g
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| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
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| Calcium |
1%
10 mg |
| Iron |
11%
1.4 mg |
| Potassium |
4%
116 mg |
| Sodium |
11%
160 mg |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. | |
Triscuits are made mainly from wheat. First, the wheat is cooked in water until it becomes soft and moist. Then, it rests for a while so the moisture spreads evenly through each grain.
Next, special rollers with slots turn the wheat into thin, shredded strands. These strands are then formed into flat sheets, like webs. Several of these sheets are stacked on top of each other. While still moist, the stack is pressed to create individual cracker shapes.
Finally, the crackers are baked in ovens. This baking process removes most of the moisture, making the crackers crispy. Today, each Triscuit cracker is about 1.75 inches square.
