Choosing the right cracker to accompany your cheese is a culinary decision not to be taken lightly. A Guardian taste test has put ten supermarket selections through their paces, revealing a stark divide between basic, ultra-processed options and genuinely nourishing, artisanal rivals.
From Cardboard Cut-Outs to Culinary Delights
The investigation found that cheaper, bottom-of-the-range crackers were strikingly similar. Often made with commodity flour, palm oil, and multiple raising agents, they sit firmly in the ultra-processed food (UPF) category. Classics like Jacob's cream crackers and Carr's table water biscuits, while nostalgic, were described as symbols of an industrial food culture: bland, beige, and unadventurous, though potentially useful as a neutral vehicle for cheese.
However, the landscape changes dramatically once the price reaches around £2.50 per 100g. At this point, testers discovered restaurant-quality sourdough crackers, flavour-packed flatbreads, and classy products that are minimally processed and traceable to their source.
The Top-Rated Cracker Selections
The clear winner for best overall was Peter's Yard Sourdough Crackers Selection. Available at Waitrose and Amazon for £5 per 270g (£1.86/100g), this pack features plain, black rye & charcoal, and rosemary & sea salt varieties. Praised for their homemade taste, savoury crispness, and excellent provenance, they earned a full five-star rating.
For those seeking value, the best bargain was awarded to Sainsbury's Biscuits for Cheese Selection. Priced at just £3.95 for 500g (79p/100g), this ten-variety pack offers neutral, crunchy biscuits, though it contains palm oil and additives, placing it in the UPF bracket.
Other Notable Contenders
The Fine Cheese Co Flavoured Crackers Selection Box (£10.25 for 375g) was deemed perfect for a party, with its dainty, palm oil-free crackers in extra-virgin olive oil, fig & honey, and rosemary flavours.
Cartwright & Butler Savoury Biscuits Selection (£6 for 200g) impressed with its flavourful cheese, beetroot, and chilli & garlic flatbreads, boasting a firm, snappy texture and no palm oil.
For gluten-free needs, Nairn's Gluten-Free Savoury Cracker Selection (£4 for 235g) provided a wholesome, crumbly option for oat lovers.
Mid-range selections from Waitrose, M&S, and Morrisons The Best range offered pleasant, crisp classics, often containing sustainable palm oil, but were largely similar to one another.
The heritage brands, Carr's Crackers Selection (founded 1831) and Jacob's Biscuits for Cheese (founded 1851), served as quintessential, neutral carriers for cheese, though the Jacob's selection was noted as similar to cheaper alternatives.
The Final Verdict on Cheese Crackers
The taste test concluded that the cheapest crackers easily outperformed branded mid-range options. However, for a truly nourishing, high-quality cracker that complements fine cheese, investing in a premium product is worthwhile. The ultimate choice depends on whether you prioritise unbeatable value or artisanal, flavour-forward quality for your cheeseboard.
