In North America, cracker refers to a dry, thin, and crisp savoury biscuit that developed from military hardtack and nautical ship biscuits.

Crackers are most often salted. Brands including Club, Town House, and Ritz are used spread with cheese, pâté, or mousse. Saltine and oyster crackers are often used in or served with soup. Graham crackers are eaten as a cookie, although they were invented for their supposed health benefits. Animal crackers are a hard cookie and not a real cracker. Crackers sometimes have cheese or spices as ingredients or even chicken stock. Mock apple pie is made from crackers and vinegar.

Crackers also exist in the United Kingdom, where they are called cheese biscuits or savoury biscuits. Cream crackers (like Jacobs) are also popular.

See also

• Food
• Matzo
• Cheez-it