Top 10 Best Crackers

We know what you may be thinking: “What’s so special about a Saltine?” To which we’d counter, “There’s something to be said about longevity.” And versatility, too, because the humble yet tasty Saltine Cracker may never star in the show, but it’s always a welcomed supporting player. It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about a classic bowl of hot chili, a cup of clam chowder (Manhattan or New England), or on-the-go, right out of the sleeve: Premium Saltines do their job, and do it well. The perforations in the texture allow broths to become deliciously lodged within their nooks and crannies. Meanwhile, the Nabisco Saltine’s intentionally mild flavor assists in easing an upset stomach (along with some Ginger Ale) if you’re feeling under the weather.

The simple recipe behind the Water Cracker (or Water Biscuit) is designed to intentionally make these savory crackers resilient to sogginess, staleness, and any other structural degradation that comes to mind. To this end, Carr’s Table Water Crackers are similar to the Premium Saltine, although these imports from the U.K. possess a decidedly more nuanced flavor profile. Carr's recipe isn’t quite the “blank canvas” of a Saltine, but rather a saltier and crunchier alternative when you’re seeking that afternoon snack. At the end of the day, however, these water crackers are designed to be topped with cheese, meats, or olives, and preferably enjoyed with your favorite cold (wine) beverage. Wait, did somebody say “wine?” Don’t mind if we do…

Hey, are you looking for something even crunchier for that cocktail party or family get-together? Searching for a cracker that’ll hold up and stand out on even the fanciest charcuterie board? Then, get on board with Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps. These delightfully sturdy and hearty crackers are made with almond flour and possess a powerfully pungent mix of rosemary and raisins that pairs great with crisp, fresh fruit. Meanwhile, a strong cheese accompaniment will ensure that your guests never forget how Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps serve as the perfect vessel for good snacking perfection.

We’d be here all day if we were to list all of our favorite sub-flavors of the Cheez-It brand. Actually, we may do that someday, but for now, we’re going to celebrate the OG, almighty classic Cheez-It. Cheesy crackers aren’t for everybody, but for those who don’t mind getting their fingers coated with the orange stuff, these classic crisps are tough to beat. Original Cheez-It crackers are made with real cheese (really!) and taste as such, a potent bite that usually predicts a handful more for good measure. What can we say? If loving Cheez-It crackers is wrong, then we don’t want to be right.

North America isn’t the only continent with a market for delicious crackers. Exports from Asia have made their way around the world, tempting snackers one taste bud at a time. The Kameda Seika is another cracker style with tons of variations, from the classic rice and peanut mixture of Kaki no Tane, to sweeter varieties like the Age Ichiban. The texture of the Kameda Seika is near perfection, and the flavor profiles of their powdered toppings are so addictive that you’ll want to try every iteration on the market. And why not? Go for it. We won’t tell anyone.

Sticking with our international flair, the TUC Cracker (or Biscuit) possesses origins from Belgium, but its profile has slowly but surely become more visible on a worldwide level. Original flavored TUC Crackers possess the size and shape of a water or table cracker, but possess a flavor profile more comparable to a Ritz. There’s a buttery-ness to the TUC that is tasty, but never greasy, while the sturdiness of its presentation allows for stacking or sharing with ease. The brand is marketed by companies like Valeo Foods and Mondelez internationally, and has expanded its original flavor to include variations in Bacon, Paprika, Roasted Chicken, Samphire, and even Pizza!

It sort of says it all right there in the name, doesn’t it? The Crunchmaster brand dares to sit itself atop the crunch kingdom, and who are we to argue? We actually love the light texture and addictive nature of these little crisps. These are crackers that are just as good on their own, as they are topped with cheese, meat, or fruit. Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers are salty, crunchy goodness, and the flavoring on their Olive Oil and Roasted Garlic brands are off the charts. Don’t try and go sweet with these bad boys, but instead, pile on the savory toppings and let your tastebuds fly.

So, do you know how the Oreo Cookie brand has turned introducing wild flavor combinations into a semi-art form? It doesn’t seem unfair to also lay that accolade onto the Triscuit, as well. Just take a walk down the cracker aisle of your local grocery store, and gaze with wonder at the myriad of Triscuit options out there on the shelves. It honestly makes us dizzy just thinking about it, but the OG Triscuit is a classic that’s tough to beat. That salty, whole wheat crunch is just perfect, and the Triscuit’s structural integrity is MORE than sound, from first bite to last.

We’ve covered a lot of different crackers thus far on our list, but it’s perhaps Wheat Thins that are the best when it comes to casual snacking. It all comes down to the recipe of the original Wheat Thin. Light, airy but crunchy… yet original Wheat Thins also have that deceptive sweetness at the back end that keeps our collective hands diving back into that bag. Sure, there are a gazillion varieties of Wheat Thins out there on the market, and we’ve tried most of them if we’re being honest. However, something always draws us back to that classic Wheat Thins taste. We’ll never get sick of snacking on these.

Before we name our number one pick, here are some delicious honorable mentions!

A Dip’s Best Friend

A Deliciously Lighter Option

The Snack That Smiles Back!

For When You’re Feeling Fancy

The Party Snack of Choice

The Ritz Cracker just may be the perfect vessel for toppings. Not too salty, not too sweet. The flavor on the original Ritz Crackers is just buttery perfection and practically begs to serve as the bread for your favorite snack sandwich. They can also accompany sweet treats, as well, such as chocolate, without overpowering anything else on the plate. There’s a reason why the Original Ritz Cracker is so beloved, after all, and the product’s success is just another example of how a true classic never goes out of style.