pkg. saltines

Saltines are thin, crisp unleavened crackers made from a simple dough of wheat flour, water, salt, and fat, typically baked until hard and golden. Originating in America in the late 19th century, they are characterized by their rectangular shape, uniform holes punched across the surface, and mild, slightly salty flavor. The name derives from their primary seasoning—salt—which is sprinkled on the surface before baking. Commercially produced saltines are shelf-stable products designed for long-term storage and are typically sold in sealed packages containing individual sleeves of crackers.

Saltines serve as versatile accompaniments to soups, chowders, and broths, where they soften slightly and add textural contrast. They function as vehicles for toppings in appetizers, particularly when paired with cheese spreads, pâtés, or canned fish. In comfort food preparations, they are crumbled into chili or gumbo to thicken broths, or crushed as a breading substitute for fried foods. Beyond savory applications, saltines appear in American desserts such as saltine toffee candy and are commonly served as a palliative for upset stomachs, though this use is not medically substantiated.