The Best Saltine Cracker Substitutes for Every Need

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Originally a descendant of a hardtack biscuit, saltine crackers are known for their longevity and neutral taste. However, if you're out of stock, avoiding gluten, or simply seeking a healthier alternative, knowing what's a substitute for saltine crackers can be incredibly useful. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the best replacements for every purpose.

Quick Summary

Explore numerous alternatives to saltine crackers for different needs, including healthy swaps, gluten-free options, and perfect pairings for soup or chili.

Key Points

Variety for Every Occasion: The right saltine substitute depends on the application, from soup toppings to baking binders.
Bland is Best for Upset Stomachs: For nausea, opt for simple, easy-to-digest options like dry toast or plain rice cakes over other crackers.
Gluten-Free Options Abound: Specialized brands like Schar and Simple Mills offer excellent gluten-free alternatives that mimic the saltine experience.
Upgrade Your Snacking: Healthier swaps like seed or almond flour crackers provide more nutrients and complex flavors for everyday snacks and cheese boards.
Pantry Staples for Recipes: For binding or breading, use common items like breadcrumbs, oats, or crushed chips as easy, accessible substitutes.
Beyond Crackers: Consider non-cracker alternatives like cornbread or dry cereal, depending on the dish.
Personalize Your Palate: Experiment with different substitutes to discover new textures and flavor combinations that you might prefer over traditional saltines.

What is a Substitute for Saltine Crackers When You're Sick?

For an upset stomach, the key is to find a bland, easy-to-digest replacement. While saltines are a classic for settling nausea, several alternatives can offer similar comfort without irritating a sensitive digestive system.

Dry Toast: White toast is a simple, effective option, offering a familiar plain, dry base. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Plain Rice Cakes: These provide a simple, crunchy texture without strong flavors or added seasonings that could upset your stomach.
Bland, Dry Cereal: Unsweetened, dry cereals like Rice Chex can provide a gentle crunch and are often recommended for bland diets.
Plain Pretzels: The dry, salty nature of pretzels can sometimes help with nausea, similar to saltines, though the shape and crunch are different.

Best Cracker Replacements for Topping Soups and Chili

Crushed saltines are a time-honored addition to bowls of soup and chili. If you need a replacement that holds up to moisture and adds a satisfying crunch, consider these alternatives.

Oyster Crackers: As their name suggests, these are a classic for soups and chowders. They have a similar texture and taste profile to saltines but are smaller, making them perfect for floating on top.
Goldfish Crackers: For a nostalgic and flavorful twist, Goldfish crackers offer a satisfying crunch and a variety of flavors, which can be particularly fun for kids or when you want more than a neutral base.
Tortilla Chips: For chili, tortilla chips—especially Fritos or crunchy restaurant-style chips—provide a perfect salty, corn-flavored crunch that complements the rich, savory dish.
Cornbread: A popular and hearty alternative for chili, cornbread can be crumbled on top or served on the side for dipping.

Substitutions for Baking and Breading

In many recipes, crushed saltines are used as a binder for meatloaf or as a crunchy breading. Their mild flavor makes them an ideal candidate, but several common pantry items can easily take their place.

Breadcrumbs or Panko: The most direct substitute, breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) and the larger, flakier panko offer a similar binding and coating ability.
Crushed Pretzels or Chips: For a salty, crunchy coating on chicken or pork, crushed pretzels or potato chips can add a delicious, savory crust.
Rolled Oats: In meatloaf or meatballs, rolled oats can be used as a binder. For a finer texture, pulse them in a food processor.
Almond Meal: A great gluten-free option for breading, almond meal provides a nutty flavor and golden-brown crust.

Healthy and Specialty Cracker Alternatives

If you're looking for an upgrade or a healthier snack option, there are numerous artisan and specialty crackers available.

Whole Grain Crackers: Options like Triscuits or Wasa crispbreads provide a hearty, whole-grain crunch and are excellent for dipping or pairing with cheese.
Seed Crackers: Brands like Mary's Gone Crackers are made with a mix of seeds and are packed with nutrients, offering a dense, nutty flavor profile.
Almond Flour Crackers: For a gluten-free and low-carb option, almond flour crackers (such as Simple Mills) offer a light, crisp texture with a simple ingredient list.

What's a substitute for saltine crackers for a cheese board?

For entertaining, the delicate flavor of saltines can be a good base for cheese, but you can elevate your platter with more interesting choices.

Water Crackers: A classic for cheese boards, water crackers offer a neutral flavor that lets the cheese shine.
Matzah: This unleavened flatbread provides a large, sturdy surface area and a simple, bread-like flavor, perfect for a wide range of toppings.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers: These are a versatile choice that pairs well with many cheeses, offering a crisp texture and a hint of flavor.
Rosemary or Black Pepper Crackers: For an extra layer of flavor, flavored crackers can create an excellent pairing with specific cheeses.

Comparison of Common Saltine Substitutes


Substitute	Best For	Texture	Flavor Profile
Schar Table Crackers (GF)	Bland diet, soups	Crisp, slightly crumbly	Mild, similar to classic saltines
Oyster Crackers	Soups, chowders	Light, puffy, airy	Mild, bready, slightly salty
Triscuits (Original)	Spreads, dips, cheese	Hearty, shreddy, crunchy	Toasted wheat, slightly salty
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (GF)	Healthy snacks, cheese boards	Crisp, crunchy	Mild, nutty
Breadcrumbs/Panko	Binding, breading	Varies by grind, crunchy coating	Mild, can be flavored
Dry Toast	Upset stomach, bland diet	Dry, crunchy, crisp	Plain, neutral
Goldfish Crackers	Soups, snacks	Crisp, satisfying crunch	Salty, savory, cheesy
Tortilla Chips	Chili, dips	Crisp, corn-based crunch	Salty, corn flavor

Conclusion

While the ubiquitous saltine cracker holds a special place in the pantry, there are countless substitutes available for every scenario. Whether you need a bland, comforting replacement for an upset stomach, a crunchy companion for a bowl of chili, or a healthier, more flavorful option for a cheese board, a world of alternatives awaits. Consider your specific needs—texture, flavor, and dietary restrictions—to find the perfect replacement. Your meals will be just as satisfying, if not more, with a well-chosen substitute. For more specific ingredient swaps, resources like the military diet substitution guide can provide further ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

For an upset stomach, a good substitute is dry white toast, bland dry cereal like Rice Chex, or plain rice cakes. These options are easy to digest and have a mild flavor that won't exacerbate nausea.

For soups, great alternatives to saltines include oyster crackers, Goldfish crackers, or crushed tortilla chips. They all add a satisfying crunch and can enhance the soup's flavor.

Yes, several brands make great gluten-free alternatives. Schar Table Crackers are often cited as a close match, while Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers are another popular and healthy choice.

Crushed saltines can be replaced with breadcrumbs, panko, or rolled oats in recipes like meatloaf. These all act as binders to help hold the mixture together.

While similar in flavor, oyster crackers are not the same as saltines. Oyster crackers are smaller and puffier, with a slightly different texture, though they function similarly in soup.

Instead of crushed saltines, you can use crushed pretzels, breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed tortilla or potato chips for breading.

For a healthier option, consider whole grain crackers like Triscuits or Wasa crispbreads, or seed-based crackers such as Mary's Gone Crackers.