What Crackers Should I Buy? Your Ultimate Guide

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 survey, Ritz is America's best-selling cracker, but popularity doesn't guarantee it's the right choice for every situation. Whether you're planning a charcuterie board or seeking a healthy snack, knowing what crackers should I buy depends on your specific needs and pairings.

Quick Summary

This guide helps you choose the right crackers for various occasions, from pairing with cheese to serving with soup. It covers different types, textures, dietary needs, and flavor profiles to enhance your snacking experience.

Key Points

Pairing matters: Match delicate crackers like water biscuits with mild cheeses, and sturdy options like Triscuits with robust spreads.
Healthy choices: Opt for whole-grain, seed-rich crackers from brands like Mary's Gone Crackers or Simple Mills for higher fiber and nutritional value.
Consider texture for dips: Choose sturdy crackers like crostini or Pretzel Crisps that won't break when scooping heavy dips.
Soups and salads: The classic saltine is perfect for soup, while heartier multigrain or homemade seed crackers add a nice crunch to salads.
Gluten-free options are plentiful: Many excellent gluten-free brands, including Crunchmaster and Simple Mills, offer delicious alternatives made from nut or rice flour.

The world of crackers is vast, offering an array of textures, flavors, and ingredients to suit any palate and purpose. A thoughtful selection can elevate a simple snack or a full-blown charcuterie board, while a mismatched one can fall flat. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most popular cracker categories and offers advice on pairing them perfectly.

Crackers for Charcuterie and Cheese Boards

For an impressive cheese board, you need crackers that complement, not overpower, the star ingredients. The best options offer a neutral or subtly enhanced flavor and a sturdy structure that can handle spreads and toppings. Water crackers, for example, are a thin, neutral-flavored option that won't compete with strong cheeses. For more robust pairings, consider a whole-grain cracker like Triscuits, which provide a hearty texture that stands up well to thick dips and firm cheeses.

Specialty Crackers for Unique Pairings

To add complexity, try unique artisanal crackers. Rosemary and olive oil crackers, like those from Asturi, offer a Mediterranean flair that pairs beautifully with goat cheese. Fruit and nut crisps, featuring ingredients like figs and olives, add a sweet and savory dimension that complements many types of cheese, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar.

Crackers for Dips and Spreads

When dipping is the main event, cracker choice is all about texture and sturdiness. The cracker should be strong enough to scoop up a thick dip without breaking. Crostini, the Italian version of a toasted bread cracker, is an excellent choice for heartier dips and creamy spreads. Another popular option is the Pretzel Crisp, a flat, crunchy, and salty cracker that is excellent for scooping thicker, creamier dips like hummus or buffalo chicken dip.

What Crackers Should I Buy for Healthy Snacking?

For a guilt-free snack, prioritize crackers made with whole grains, seeds, and minimal additives. Look for options with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving to increase satiety. Popular brands in this category include:

Mary's Gone Crackers: Made from organic, whole-grain, and gluten-free ingredients like brown rice, quinoa, and flax seeds, these are an excellent diabetic-friendly option.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers: A paleo-friendly and vegan choice, these use almond flour and seeds for a satisfying crunch.
Wasa 7 Grains Crispbread: These large, flat crackers are high in fiber and perfect for topping with spreads or nut butter.

Crackers for Soups and Salads

Whether you're crumbling them into a bowl of tomato soup or adding a crunchy element to a salad, some crackers are simply made for the job. The classic saltine is the undisputed champion for soups, with its light, salty crunch providing the perfect foil to a warm broth. For salads, consider a heartier, multi-seed cracker or even crumbled crostini for a more textural garnish.

Comparison Table: Crackers by Occasion


Occasion	Best Crackers	Key Features	Recommended Brands
Cheese Board	Water Crackers, Fig & Olive Crisps	Neutral flavor, delicate or sturdy texture, pairs well with spreads	Carr's, Trader Joe's Fig & Olive Crisps
Dips & Spreads	Crostini, Pretzel Crisps, Wheat Thins	Strong, sturdy texture for scooping, often salted	Di Bruno Bros., Pretzel Crisps, Wheat Thins
Healthy Snacking	Whole Grain & Seed Crackers	High in fiber, low in sugar and unhealthy fats, made with natural ingredients	Mary's Gone Crackers, Simple Mills
Soups & Salads	Saltines, Multigrain Crisps	Light, salty crunch for soups; hearty texture for salads	Premium Saltine Crackers, Crunchmaster
Kids' Snacks	Classic Buttery & Cheese Crackers	Familiar, nostalgic flavors, bite-sized	Ritz, Goldfish, Cheez-It

Gluten-Free Cracker Options

For those with dietary restrictions, the market for gluten-free crackers has expanded significantly. Most major brands now offer gluten-free lines that mimic the taste and texture of their wheat-based counterparts. Look for ingredients like almond flour, rice flour, or a blend of gluten-free grains for delicious results. Some noteworthy gluten-free brands include Crunchmaster, Simple Mills, and Schar.

The Verdict: Your Perfect Cracker Match

Ultimately, the best crackers for you depend on your specific purpose and taste preferences. Start by defining your use case—is it for a cheese board, a dip, a healthy snack, or soup? From there, you can explore the different options available, from classic buttery and salty varieties to hearty whole-grain and gluten-free choices. By considering the pairing, ingredients, and texture, you'll always have the perfect cracker on hand for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this guide to the 15 Best Crackers for Snacking on Gopuff.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cracker goes beyond grabbing the first box you see. By understanding how different types of crackers complement specific foods and occasions, you can make a more informed decision that enhances your overall eating experience. From the delicate crunch of a water cracker on a cheese board to the hearty scoop of a pretzel crisp in a dip, there's a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored. So the next time you ask, "what crackers should I buy?", you'll know exactly what to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best crackers for a cheese board are typically neutral-flavored options that don't overpower the cheese. Good choices include Carr's Table Water Crackers, Back to Nature Classic Rounds, and artisanal fruit and nut crisps.

Healthy crackers are generally made from whole grains, seeds, or nut flours and are high in fiber. Excellent brands to consider are Mary's Gone Crackers, Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, and Wasa Crispbreads.

For dipping, choose sturdy crackers that won't break easily. Good examples include Crostini, Pretzel Crisps, and Triscuits, which can handle thick or heavy dips like hummus or cheese spreads.

Yes, there are many excellent gluten-free crackers available. Brands like Crunchmaster, Simple Mills, and Schar offer a variety of gluten-free options that are both flavorful and crunchy.

If you love the buttery flavor and flaky texture of Ritz, Back to Nature Classic Rounds and Club Original Crackers are similar alternatives. Ritz itself is a top seller for a reason, but it's worth trying other brands for comparison.

The most classic cracker to serve with soup is the Premium Saltine. Its salty, simple flavor and texture are the perfect complement to brothy or creamy soups.

To choose crackers with the best texture, consider your use case. For crunch, try Triscuits or Cheez-Its. For flakiness, go for Ritz or similar buttery options. For a light and crisp texture, select water crackers.