We Sampled Countless Cracker Brands—The Winner is Buttery, Crunchy, and Irresistibly “Delicious”!

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Crackers: A Comprehensive Taste Test

Crackers have long been a beloved snack for many, whether enjoyed with a warm bowl of tomato soup, served on a charcuterie board, or simply munched straight from the box. Their crispy and crunchy nature, created from a simple blend of flour, fat, and water, has made them a staple in households for centuries. While homemade crackers can be delightful, the convenience and variety of store-bought options are hard to beat. To determine the best crackers available, a taste test was conducted featuring twelve popular brands.

The Top Contender: Ritz Crackers

After a thorough tasting session, Ritz Crackers emerged as the standout favorite among our panel of testers. Known for their buttery flavor and satisfying crunch, Ritz has maintained its status as one of America’s best-selling crackers for nearly a century. The testers were immediately drawn to its nostalgic taste, which evoked fond memories of childhood snacks. The overall consensus was that Ritz Crackers were neither too dry nor bland, making them an ideal choice for a variety of pairings—whether with cheese, dips, or on their own.

Key Features:

• Buttery flavor
• Satisfying crunch
• Nostalgic appeal

Price: $3.99 for 12 ounces at Target

Runner-Up: 365 by Whole Foods Snack Crackers

In the second position, the 365 by Whole Foods Snack Crackers impressed with their lightly golden-brown appearance and delightful taste. Testers noted they were reminiscent of childhood snacks, yet better in quality. These crackers were described as “crispy and savory,” making them an excellent choice for pairing with sharp cheeses. They quickly became a favorite among the testers, with one declaring them perfect for a cheese board centerpiece.

Key Features:

• Nostalgic flavor
• Savory taste
• Great for cheese pairings

Price: $4.99 (on sale) for 16 ounces at Amazon

Honorable Mentions

Back to Nature Classic Rounds

The Back to Nature Classic Rounds garnered attention for their buttery and salty flavor. Some testers even mistook them for Ritz Crackers due to their similar appearance and taste. However, a few found them slightly dry, which kept them from ranking higher on the list.

Key Features:

• Buttery and salty
• Familiar taste

Price: $4.87 for 6.5 ounces at Instacart

Club Original Crackers

Club Original Crackers also made the list of honorees, praised for their crunchiness and light saltiness. While some testers found them a bit dry, they still received high marks for being snackable on their own or paired with toppings like jam or soup.

Key Features:

• Crunchy texture
• Versatile for various toppings

Price: $4.06 (on sale) for 13.7 ounces at Walmart

Wildcard: Chicken in a Biskit Original Baked Snack Crackers

Breaking the mold of traditional crackers, Chicken in a Biskit brought a unique flavor to the tasting. These crackers, seasoned with powdered chicken, received rave reviews for their bold taste. However, they were noted to be quite salty, which may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, they left a lasting impression on the testers, with one vowing to buy them after the tasting.

Key Features:

• Savory and flavorful
• Distinct chicken seasoning

Price: $3.99 for 7.5 ounces at Target

How We Conducted the Taste Test

The tasting involved six participants who sampled twelve different brands of crackers available in grocery stores. Each cracker was served in small cups with water provided to cleanse the palate. The brands were assigned letters from A to L to keep their identities concealed during testing. Testers were encouraged to taste the crackers in random order to ensure an unbiased evaluation. They recorded their ratings and notes on a scale from 1 to 5, with the final scores determining the winners.

Did your favorite cracker brand make the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!