Disclosure: Thank you for reading our reviews! Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Oyster crackers are a great way to enjoy the flavor of oysters and seafood dishes or soups with the added texture of a small and crunchy cracker, but it can be difficult to find the right ones for your needs.
Some are much saltier, some are plain and some are even coated in cheese or a spicy rub.
Whether you want some to serve with soup or chowder, or to eat on their own, we have written this article to find you the best oyster crackers on the market
and included a handy buyer's guide so you know what to look out for when searching for the tastiest oyster cracker. Let's jump right in.
OUR TOP PICK
The Westminster Bakers All Natural Oystcrackers are made from 100% stone ground wheat flour and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.
They also come in two different sizes: standard (3 1/2" x 4") and mini (1 3/4" x 2").
Westminster crackers have so many different and unique features and their recipe is more than 100 years old, they have a distinctive taste, and only contain all-natural ingredients that everyone can pronounce.
Tradition thrives at Westminster baker's company and they believe the unique flavor in their crackers is history in baking and the years of experience they have.
When we tried these oyster crackers, we found the flavor was very mild and they did tend to get soggy after a while if they are stored at room temperature.
Pros
- Wheat Flour- Made from 100% stone-ground whole wheat flour
- Natural Ingredients- Contains no preservatives, artificial flavoring, colors, or sweetener
- Versatile- Comes in two different sizes: Standard (3 1/2” x 4”) and Mini (1 3/4” x 2”)
Cons
- Goes Bad Quickly- Soggy after a few hours if stored at room temperature.
EDITORS CHOICE
These Whole Foods Market oyster crackers are made from 100% organic flour, including stone-ground white cornmeal, which helps give them a nice crunchy texture.
The crackers are also gluten-free and contain no added sugar or salt. These crackers are made by hand using traditional methods and baked in a wood-fired oven.
They are also kosher and vegan and promise to use only premium ingredients.
This means each ingredient will be of the highest quality to make the best crackers possible.
When we tried them, we went with their recommendation of serving with tomato soup which created a perfect crispy balance and complimented the soup well.
They are also great value for money and perfect if you are looking for high-quality, low-priced oyster crackers.
Pros
- 100% Organic- Made from Stone Ground White Cornmeal
- Gluten-Free- No Added Sugar or Salt
- Handmade- Baked in Wood Fired Oven
- Ethical- Kosher and Vegan
- Thick- They hold up well in soup.
Cons
- Texture- Can be thick and slightly chewy. They also use less salt than other brands.
BEST VALUE
These Olde Cape Cod oyster crackers are handmade and baked fresh daily by bakers.
They're made from 100% unbleached flour and contain no preservatives or additives. Each bag contains 12 crackers and comes in three different varieties: Original, Sweet & Sour, and Garlic Parmesan.
The fact they come in individual bags makes them stay fresh for longer and easy for you to take a pack when you are on the go.
They are shaped like an oyster shell and although they are mini, they are packed full of flavor. Small but mighty!
We liked the fact that they had a good amount of seasoning. They also held up well in our soups and salads but were great as a snack on their own.
The different flavors were all as tasty as each other and each flavor works well with a different salad or soup.
Pros
- Very Large Bags- Bag Contain 12 Crackers
- All Unbleached Flour- No Preservatives or Additives
- Good Amount of Seasoning- Comes in Three Varieties: Original, Sweet & sour, and Garlic Parmesan
- Individual Bags- They come in individual bags so they can stay fresh for as long as possible.
Cons
- Not as Crispy as some Other Brands- Not As Crispy as Other Crackers on The Market
- Not Gluten-Free- Unlike some other crackers, they are not gluten-free.
Check out more assortments of crackers at Soups Online!
RUNNER UP
The Skyline Chili brand is one of the most popular brands of oyster crackers in the country.
It has been around since 1894 and it still uses the same recipe today. The company claims that its crackers are "the original" and have been enjoyed by generations of Americans.
The crackers are small and thin, but they do taste delicious. They are very salty and spicy and are perfect to serve with chili con carne or even just plain old chili.
We loved how they melted into the chili and gave it a wonderful extra kick. We also loved how much salt was packed onto the small crackers.
They are made from natural ingredients and do not contain any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or MSG. It also promises that each bag contains 30 crackers and comes in four different varieties.
Pros
- High-Quality Ingredients-Made From All Natural Ingredients
- Different Varieties- Hot, Mild, and Barbecue Flavor
- Small Packages- Perfect For Traveling
- Great Alternatives- Great to order if there are no Skyline Chilli restaurants in your state.
Cons
- Can Be Thin- But Very Salty
- Price- They tend to be more expensive than other brands.
RUNNER UP
This product is made using only the finest quality ingredients and is guaranteed to deliver a great-tasting snack from Nabisco name you grew up with!
Made with 100% whole wheat flour, these crackers are free of all additives, preservatives, and fillers.
Premium Soup and Oyster Crackers add a great crunch to your soups. They are made with the lighter flavor people know and love,
and these crackers have a light but densely crunchy texture, which makes them the best complement to so many delicious dishes.
These soup crackers are Kosher and contain no cholesterol or saturated fat. They are perfect for a salty snack if you don't want to add them to your favorite soup, chowder, or chili con carne to intensify the flavor.
These crackers are bite-sized and come sealed in a 9-ounce package, this keeps them fresh until you're ready to eat them.
When we tried them, we found the crunch stood out, which made the flavor even stronger and made them a perfect addition to a flavorsome soup.
Pros
- Crunchy- Adds the perfect crunch to soup, chowder, salads, and chillis.
- Healthy- No cholesterol or saturated fat and free of all additives, preservatives, and fillers.
- Bite-Sized- Perfect for on the go and sealed in their package for freshness.
Cons
- Lack of Salt- They do not have as much salt as other varieties.
Other toasted cracker food products can be found at Target!
Buyer's Guide
When buying oyster crackers, there are a few things you should keep in mind so you find the right ones for you.
From texture to flavor, to size and packaging, there's more to consider than you might think and this is why we have written this handy buyer's guide.
Texture
Oysters have a delicate shell and meat that can easily break apart when cooked. This means that the texture of an oyster will vary depending on what kind of cooking method you use.
If you cook them at high heat, like grilling or baking, then the shells will likely melt away and the meat inside will become tender. However, if you boil or steam them, the shells will remain intact and the meat will retain its firm texture.
The same goes for oyster crackers. They can be either soft or hard, depending on how they were processed.
Soft crackers are usually steamed or boiled, whilst hard crackers are baked or fried. Hard crackers tend to be thicker and chewier than soft crackers.
Flavor
The flavor of an oyster depends on where it comes from. Wild oysters are generally milder than farmed oysters because they haven’t been bred for years and therefore have less of a taste.
Farmed oysters are bred to grow fast, so they have a strong taste. Both kinds of oysters have different textures, too. While wild oysters are often chewy, farmed oysters are usually very smooth.
As for oyster crackers, they also have a variety of tastes. Some are flavored with herbs and spices, some are seasoned with cheese, and others are just plain.
The type of seasoning used will depend on the brand. As long as you choose one that suits your palate, you'll enjoy eating them.
Size
Oysters are usually sold by weight, so you'll need to check the label before purchasing.
Most packages will say something like "1/2 pound" or "3/4 pound." For oyster crackers, the number of crackers per ounce varies. You may see numbers such as 1 oz (28g), 2 oz (57g), or 3 oz (85g).
Moreover, if you prefer smaller crackers, look for those that are about 2 inches by 1 inch. For larger crackers, choose ones that are between 3 inches by 2 inches and 4 inches by 3 inches.
Packaging
You'll notice that most oyster crackers come packaged individually. This is because they are meant to be eaten quickly. It also makes them great if you like to eat oyster crackers on the move, or you want to take them to school or work.
However, if you prefer to store them in bulk, you can buy them in large bags or boxes.
Just make sure that whatever container you choose has tight seals to prevent moisture and air from getting into the crackers.
Storage
If you plan to store your oyster crackers for a long time, make sure they are stored in a cool place. Ideally, they should stay between 50°F and 60°F. Don't put them in the fridge, though.
That will only cause them to lose moisture and dry out. Instead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer.
Ingredients
Depending on your dietary requirements, you should check the ingredients of your oyster crackers to ensure they match your needs.
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergic to certain foods, there are many options available.
For example, if you're looking for gluten-free crackers, you can try making your own using rice flour instead of wheat flour.
Or, if you don't like spicy food, you could use regular crackers but add a little cayenne pepper if you ever want to spice things up.
When buying oyster crackers, you might find that they contain additives such as salt and sugar. If this bothers you, then you should look for brands without these ingredients.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information found on packaging labels will tell you how much protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, iron, calcium, and other nutrients each package contains.
If this is something that will determine which brand you buy, ensure you check before purchasing.
Preservatives
Most oyster crackers contain preservatives. These help prevent mold growth and prolong shelf life.
Preservatives aren't necessarily bad, but they do add extra salt to the food. So look for products without preservatives.
Sodium
Oyster crackers are typically made with lots of salt. One serving of crackers usually contains about 200mg of sodium.
To reduce this, look for low-salt versions. Low-salt versions can taste just as great but we promise your heart will thank you in the future.
Calories
Oyster crackers are relatively calorie-dense foods. One serving usually contains around 100 calories.
Look for lower-calorie options instead. Always try to measure out portions if you eat them regularly but if it's a one-time treat, just enjoy and don’t think about the calories too much!
How You Plan To Eat Them
There are two ways to enjoy oyster crackers: raw and cooked. Raw oyster crackers are best when eaten right away.
They won't last long once opened, so you should consume them within 24 hours.Cooked oyster crackers are better suited for longer storage.
Once cooked, they can be kept in an airtight container for several weeks.
What Your Plan To Serve Them With
Choosing the flavor of your oyster crackers will often go side by side with what you plan on serving them with.
If you plan on serving them with soup, you might want to focus on saltiness and crunchiness, but if you are filling upon them as a tasty snack, it might be an idea to try the parmesan-coated crackers or even hot and spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Salt Should I Use On Oyster Crackers?
There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to how much salt you should eat on your oyster crackers.
But there are some guidelines you can follow. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily salt intake to less than 2,300 mg. They recommend not exceeding 6 g of salt per day.
So if you're eating two servings of oyster crackers every week, you would have to limit yourself to consuming about 600 mg of salt each week.
Is Oyster Crackers Healthy?
Oysters are quite nutritious. Oysters are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, copper, and selenium.
Plus, they are packed full of protein and fiber. However, often oyster crackers do not come with the same benefits, so ensure you eat them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
And don't replace your real oysters with salty crackers, instead, save them for a tasty treat.
What Is A Substitute For Oyster Crackers?
You can use any type of cracker you want to substitute oyster crackers. These can range from salted crackers, cheesy crackers, or wholewheat crackers. Just bear in mind, the flavor will be different.
Where Did Oyster Crackers Come From?
The first oyster crackers were created in 1885 by James B. Duke at his company, Wm. S. Orr & Son. He was inspired by the French culinary tradition of using oyster shells to bake bread.
Since then, many other companies have followed suit and developed their version of these delicious snacks.
How Are Oyster Crackers Made?
Oyster crackers are made by pressing dry ingredients into a flat shape. This is done by either rolling the dough between sheets of plastic wrap or placing it in a machine that flattens the dough.
Once the dough has been flattened, it is cut into desired shapes and baked. Some brands also add toppings such as cheese, bacon bits, or herbs before baking.
Can You Make Oyster Crackers Yourself?
Yes, you can make oyster crackers. All you need is a food processor and a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
1 cup flour (all-purpose)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons water
Process all ingredients together until the mixture forms a ball. Roll dough out onto a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
What Do You Eat Oyster Crackers With?
The crackers are very popular in the northeastern United States, and here they are served as a side to a soup, and in the Cincinnati area, they are often served with the city's famous chili.
In New England, oyster crackers are served in oyster chowders and stews.
