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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Whether you like snacking on them straight out of the box, topped with cheese, or dunked into a bowl of hot soup, you can’t deny the appeal of a good cracker. These days, the cracker aisle is chock-full of options, with everything from classic buttery rounds to seeded crisps and crackers flavored with herbs, fruit, and nuts to complement a variety of cheese and spreads.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite crackers so you'll know which boxes to add to your shopping cart.
Best for Charcuterie Boards
Stonewall Kitchen Downeast Sea Salt Crackers
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Courtesy of Stonewall Kitchen
Rich, buttery flavor
Very crispy texture
Delicate flavor pairs well with charcuterie
Not for those who are dairy-free
Stonewall Kitchen is no stranger to creating pantry staples with a touch of sophistication. The company describes its Downeast Sea Salt Crackers as "a flavorful update of the tried-and-true water cracker," and we couldn’t agree more.
While traditional water crackers can be rather bland and cardboard-like, these are seasoned with a light dusting of sea salt and made with whole milk and butter for a hint of richness. They’re cut and baked thin for extra crisp texture and mild flavor that lets charcuterie shine. They’re also on the smaller side, so they can be used to fill in space on a cheese and charcuterie board (here are our favorite ones).
Price at time of publish: $8
Serving size: 9 crackers | Allergens: Contains milk and wheat
Best for Cheese
Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps Raisin Pecan
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Amazon
Herby
Made in small batches
Flavor pairs well with all kinds of cheeses
Gets stale easily
While eating a simple, salted cracker with cheese lets the flavor of said cheese shine, an elevated cracker changes the whole experience. Since nuts, fruits, herbs, and other foods pair well with both crackers and cheese, why not combine them all into one? This cracker does just that, creating a unique flavor of rosemary, raisin, and pecan—all of which are commonly found on a cheese board.
The box they come in makes it hard to keep them fresh, so we recommend storing them in an airtight container (here are a few of our favorites). The brand makes all its crackers in small batches and suggests pairing these with "creamy blue cheese & capicola salami & plum preserves" but any cheese—slightly sweet or even on the tangier side—is delicious with them, too. Other flavor options of Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps include Fig and Olive, Salty Date and Almond, Rosemary Raisin and Oat, Hazelnut Cranberry, and more.
Price at time of publish: $9
Serving size: 3 crackers | Allergens: Contains milk, wheat, and pecans
Best Gluten-Free
Mary's Gone Crackers Mary’s Gone Crackers
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Courtesy of Amazon
Hefty enough to hold dips and toppings
Delicious nutty flavor
Good source of Omega-3s
Seeds can be hard on teeth
Expensive
Crackers don’t have to be off-limits for those who avoid eating wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients. Mary’s Gone Crackers are made from a blend of brown rice, quinoa, flax seeds, and sesame seeds. The original is flavored with sea salt and gluten-free tamari for a touch of savory umami that stands up well to sharp cheese, hummus, and even nut butters. Tasters describe the flavor as nutty, seedy, and earthy. They’re also available in black pepper, herb, and jalapeno flavors.
These crackers are very crisp and crunchy, to the point that some reviewers say eating too many can be hard on the teeth and jaw. The crisp texture will hold up no matter what you top or dip these crackers into. These crackers are certified organic, contain no added sugars or oils, and the company claims they contain 450 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving.
Price at time of publish: $5
Serving size: 12 crackers | Allergens: Contains soy
"I love these gluten-free crackers because they're crunchy, seedy, and sturdy enough to hold a hefty slice of cheese." — Julia Warren, VP of Commerce
Best for Soft Cheeses
Ines Rosales Olive Oil Tortas
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Courtesy of Amazon
Delicate flavor pairs well with cheese
Crispy and flaky texture
Come in both sweet and savory flavors
Expensive
May crumble when shipped
These are the crackers you reach for to savor with gourmet cheese and a glass of wine. They’re the perfect special treat for an at-home date night. These tortas are handmade in Seville, Spain using a recipe dating back over 100 years. Tortas are individually wrapped in wax paper and resemble individual rounds of pita bread. But instead of being chewy like bread, the texture is delicate, crisp, and flaky like a cracker.
They’re available in both sweet and savory flavors, all of which are made with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Tasters say the slightly sweet flavors are subtle enough to enhance, but not overpower, a variety of cheese. The company website recommends pairing the tortas with creamy cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, mozzarella, fruit and ricotta, hummus, pate, coffee, and even ice cream. They also provide several recipes for making sweet and savory snacks and appetizers using the tortas as a base. We like adding them to a cheese plate and cracking them into uneven pieces to spread soft cheeses onto.
Price at time of publish: $8
Serving size: 1 piece | Allergens: Contains wheat and traces of tree nuts (almond)
Best for Snacking
Real Food From The Ground Up Cauliflower Snacking Crackers
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Amazon
Flavorful
Crunchy
Sturdy
Small amount in bag
Crackers are tasked with a lot—you can use them for dipping, you can spread or stack things on them, you can crush them up for toppings on a salad or other dish, and much more. But let's not forget one super easy way to enjoy crackers...simply snacking on them! These cauliflower crackers are everything a cracker needs to be.
They are crunchy and perfect for grabbing a handful when you are craving them. Covered with everything seasoning, they are also full of flavor so you don't feel like you have a mouth full of cardboard. They are thin, but you would never be able to guess that the first ingredient listed is cauliflower. They are strong enough to withstand being put into a backpack or being used to dip into something. We don't love that the bag is relatively small, but it is reasonably priced and resealable so leftover crackers won't get stale as quickly.
Price at time of publish: $4
Serving size: 12 crackers | Allergens: None
"My go-to mid-afternoon snack needs to be something substantial, and these crackers hit the spot every time! I love the everything seasoning flavor because I can add hummus or cheese if I want something larger than a snack." — Amanda McDonald, Commerce Updates Editor
Best Whole Grain
Triscuit Original Crackers
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Courtesy of Amazon
Non-GMO with minimal ingredients
Affordable
Flavorful and hearty
Some say it's a touch too salty
Triscuit crackers are classic woven, whole wheat crackers with a hearty, crunchy texture that provides plenty of sturdiness for toppings well beyond a standard cube of cheese. They’re affordable, widely available, and a crowd-pleaser. Triscuits can be used to craft individual, bite-sized appetizers. In fact, Triscuit has a selection of "recipes" on its packaging and website for topping and serving inspiration.
The original crackers contain just three simple ingredients: whole grain wheat, vegetable oil, and sea salt. Triscuits are evenly seasoned with salt, making them delicious when plain. For more adventurous palates and cheese pairings, Triscuit crackers are also available in a variety of flavors, like cracked pepper and olive oil, roasted garlic, balsamic vinegar and basil, and more. The company also makes a line of organic Triscuits and Triscuit Thins, a lighter and thinner version of the original.
We love these crackers for being non-GMO verified and containing more whole grain fiber and protein per serving compared to crackers made from refined flour.
Price at time of publish: $4
Serving size: 6 crackers | Allergens: Wheat
An added bonus to whole grain crackers? The higher fiber content can keep you fuller longer. They’re also sturdier so they’ll be less likely to crack or turn mushy when topped or dipped. To be sure a cracker is whole grain, check the ingredient list for the words "whole grain."
Best for Kids
Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers
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Courtesy of Amazon
Full of cheesy flavor
Great crunch
Also comes in snack packs
Not a lot come in a box
There are a lot of cheese-flavored crackers on the market geared toward children, but we think Simple Mills takes the cake for creating a cracker that not only tastes great but because they are made from a gluten-free nut and seed blend, they’re loved by snackers of all kinds. They’re also free from grains, corn, and soy, making them a good option for kids with related food allergies.
The flour blend is made from almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds, which provide 3 grams of protein per serving. These kid and grown-up-friendly crackers also contain hormone-free cheddar cheese, are verified non-GMO, and are naturally colored with paprika and annatto. We love that they come in little snack pack bags as well, making them perfect for school lunches or on the go.
Price at time of publish: $4
Serving size: 17 crackers | Allergens: Contains almonds and milk
Best for Dips
KA-ME Rice Crackers
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Courtesy of Amazon
Light and crunchy texture
Simple, slightly salty flavor works well with dips
Low-calorie and low-fat
Lose freshness quickly if not sealed
Ka-Me Rice Crackers are a Japanese-inspired snack made from jasmine rice, rice bran oil, and sea salt. The original flavor is simple, light, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of toasted rice. Since they’re made from rice, they’re naturally gluten-free and the crunchy/salty combination is addictive enough to munch on straight out of the package regardless of whether you consume gluten or not. Ka-Me’s rice crackers are also available in several Asian-inspired flavors, like wasabi, Korean barbecue, and spicy-sweet chili.
These crackers are light and airy but offer plenty of crunch. They’re sturdy enough to withstand a swipe through a bowl of hummus and substantial enough to dig through chunky queso or thick sour cream and onion dip.
Price at time of publish: $4
Serving size: 16 crackers | Allergens: Contains soy
Crackers can practically do it all, but if you're looking for some that go well with a variety of cheeses, try Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps in the Raisin Pecan flavor—the balanced taste pairs deliciously with a range of cheeses from blue to gouda. For an option you can send to school with the kids, go with Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers. But you also can't go wrong with Triscuit Original Crackers, which are made with just a few ingredients and can be dipped, used for spreads, or can be eaten by themselves.
What to Look for in Crackers
Taste
Match the taste of the crackers to the way you are eating them. For nibbles with a glass of wine or beer and no other food, crackers with a more pronounced flavor work best—cheese-flavored crackers, crackers with herbs, spices, garlic nuts, or dried fruit or vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes. For pairing, crackers with a delicate and more neutral flavor are usually better because they won’t overpower the cheese, charcuterie, dip, or whatever else you are serving them with.
Texture
A crisp, light, crunchy texture is what makes crackers so irresistible. For topping and dipping, however, pick crackers that are sturdy enough and not too thin so that they won’t break or crumble when you bite into them. Buttery crackers tend to be flakier.
Ingredients
With many different types of crackers available at every grocery store, you will likely find one that fits your dietary preferences and restrictions. There are crackers made of whole-grain, multigrain, or white refined flour as well as gluten-free, grain-free, or soy-free, and reduced-fat crackers. Compare the brands to find the one with the lowest sodium content or pick low-sodium crackers. Even when the label says, "a hint of salt," it’s still a good idea to verify the sodium content. Also check to see if the crackers are made with non-GMO ingredients and that they don’t contain any artificial ingredients, added sugars, or high-fructose corn syrup.
Price
The prices of crackers vary greatly, from affordable large brands for everyday nibbling to pricier artisanal or imported crackers for special occasions.
FAQs
What do you eat with plain crackers?
In addition to the most popular way to eat crackers—with cheese, which can be either soft cheese or hard cheese—crackers go with any kind of spread or dip, such as hummus or smoked salmon dip, as well as with charcuterie or any other savory or sweet topping, such as hot pepper jelly or peanut butter and jelly.
What cheese goes with crackers?
Many cheeses taste good with crackers, from sharp cheddar and aged hard cheeses such as manchego to soft cheeses such as ripe brie, fresh goat cheese, or flavored cream cheese. Generally, cheeses with a strong flavor are paired best with a mild-tasting cracker but that, of course, is a question of personal preference.
How many crackers are on a charcuterie board?
Depending on the size of the crackers, a charcuterie board should include three to four per person for an appetizer, and six to eight per person if there is no other food being served. Provide enough crackers so that every person gets to eat one of each cracker.
What do the British call crackers?
The British term for crackers is water biscuits. Today’s crackers started in the early 19th century as ship biscuits for long sea voyages. They were made with flour and water, hence the name.
How We Selected
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best crackers on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, flavor, and price—in addition to reviews from other editors, customers, and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Sharon Lehman, the author of this cracker roundup, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a big fan of cheese and charcuterie boards. When she doesn’t have time to make lunch, a go-to is a snack plate featuring crackers, cheese, and whatever fruit or vegetables she has on hand. Triscuit, Simple Mills, and rice crackers are always in her pantry, but she’s never met a cracker she wasn’t happy to sample—with a cube of cheese, of course.
Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She updated this article to include the most up-to-date information.
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