In this corner, three classic Nabisco crackers -- Premium saltines ($2.39, 8 ounces), Wheat Thins ($3.57, 10 ounces) and Triscuits ($3.57, 8.5 ounces). Entering the ring, three contenders vying to make healthier versions.

At the bell, Premium comes out fighting. A 15-gram serving (about 15 crackers) has 60 calories, 1.5 fat grams, 190 milligrams sodium, no sugar or fiber and 1 protein gram. The champ has one weakness, though -- iffy ingredients including partly hydrogenated cottonseed oil.

That's where Suzie's salted organic crackers ($3.99, 8.8 ounces) score. Made with only wheat flour, olive oil, sea salt and water, they're toastier, prettier, with rich olive oil flavor. A 25-gram serving (about 10 crackers) has 100 calories, 3 fat grams, 210 milligrams sodium, no sugar, 1 fiber gram and 2 protein grams.

Like Suzie's, classic basket-weave Triscuits are gratifyingly simple. They're made with whole wheat, soybean or palm oil, salt. A 30-gram serving (about 13 crackers) contains 130 calories, 4.5 fat grams, 1 gram saturated fat, 180 milligrams sodium, 3 grams each fiber and protein and no sugar.

Taking on the titleholder are new Kashi Heart to Heart whole grain crackers ($3.19, 8 ounces). It has more than a dozen ingredients, but they include antioxidant-rich green tea and grape seed extracts. A 30-gram serving (about 7 crackers), is lower in calories (120) and fat (3.5), with no saturated fat, much less sodium (84) and more fiber (4). The referee's decision? Triscuits take a fall.

Wheat Thins look to be in fine fighting form. A 31-gram serving (about 9 crackers) has 140 calories, 6 fat grams, 1 of saturated fat, 260 milligrams sodium, 1 gram of fiber, 4 of sugar and 2 of protein.

Back to Nature crispy wheat crackers ($2.49, 8 ounces) are a lightweight version that are almost nutritionally identical. It's a close match, but bright-flavored Back to Nature saves you 10 calories per 30-gram serving (about 17 crackers) and contains none of Wheat Thins' artificial preservatives. It also lands a punch with packaging, made from recycled cardboard.

Look for all three cracker challengers at natural food stores and supermarkets. They're knockouts.

Ellen Kanner writes about vegetarian concerns. She blogs at www.edgyveggie1.blogspot.com.

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