Oyster crackers are a staple snack and soup accompaniment for many. Their small round shape and slightly salty taste make them the perfect addition to clam chowder and other soups. However, oyster crackers can sometimes be tricky to locate in grocery stores. This article will provide tips on where to find oyster crackers at your local market.
What Are Oyster Crackers?
For those unfamiliar, oyster crackers are small, round crackers made of wheat flour, sugar, oil, and yeast. They get their name from commonly being served with oyster stews and clam chowders. Oyster crackers have a mild, salty taste that pairs well with soups and stews. They provide a crunchy contrast to the texture of the soup.
Oyster crackers are about the size of a nickel and have a round pillow-like shape. They are pale white or off-white in color. Traditional oyster crackers have a flat top and bottom but some brands make them with a curved top to hold soup better. The small size allows them to float in the broth without getting too soggy.
These crackers can be eaten on their own as a snack. They are often included in snack mixes and party mixes as well. However, they are best known for being paired with chowders and stews. Their mild saltiness enhances the flavor of the soup.
Why Buy Oyster Crackers?
Oyster crackers are a pantry staple that every household should have on hand. Here are some of the top reasons to buy oyster crackers:
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Enhance soups and stews As mentioned, oyster crackers complement chowders, beef stew, chili, and other hearty soups They provide texture and saltiness to balance the ingredients.
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Portable snack: Oyster crackers are the perfect portable snack to eat on-the-go. Toss some in your bag for a crunchy snack anytime.
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Fun party snack: Pour some oyster crackers into a bowl for guests to munch on at parties. They are fun to eat by the handful.
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Long shelf life: Properly stored, oyster crackers can last 6-12 months in the pantry. Stock up when they are on sale.
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Kid-friendly: Oyster crackers are a handy snack for kids’ lunchboxes or after school. Children love their mild taste.
So next time you’re shopping for pantry essentials, be sure to add oyster crackers to your grocery list!
Where to Find Oyster Crackers at the Grocery Store
Now that you know why oyster crackers are a pantry essential, where can you find them in the grocery store? Here are the most common spots to locate oyster crackers:
The Soup Aisle
Check the soup aisle near the cans of clam chowder, beef stew, and other chunky soups. Brands like Progresso and Campbell’s often stock oyster crackers on the shelves near their soup products. They know customers frequently purchase oyster crackers to accompany the canned soups.
You’ll find oyster crackers sold in plastic tubs or bags in this section. Popular brands like Pepperidge Farm and Pretzel Crisps are often stocked here as the recommended pairing for the soups.
The Snack Aisle
Venture down the cracker and snack aisle and you’ll likely find oyster crackers there as well. Brands like Nabisco sell boxed varieties of oyster crackers alongside their other crackers and snack mixes.
Look on the shelves near crackers like Ritz, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, and Club crackers. Oyster crackers are often shelved in that section. You may find larger packaging options and multi-packs in the snack aisle.
The Baked Goods Section
Some grocery stores carry fresh-baked oyster cracker options in their bakery department. Check near the breads and rolls for bags of house-made oyster crackers.
These are often larger and softer than the commercially packaged crackers. The bakery oyster crackers have a shorter shelf life but may have a preferable taste and texture for some.
The Ethnic Foods Aisle
Oyster crackers are a staple ingredient in American cooking, especially New England cuisine. However, you can sometimes find oyster crackers in the ethnic foods section as well.
Certain brands of oyster crackers are marketed as a pairing for Asian soups and dishes. Check the Asian foods section to uncover additional options.
The Seafood Area
For an obvious place, check near the fresh and frozen seafood. Grocery stores often stock oyster crackers in the area where oysters, clams, crab, and other shellfish are sold.
Since oyster crackers classically accompany seafood stews and clam chowders, they are conveniently sold right alongside the key ingredients. Sometimes you can find seafood recipe kits that even include a packet of oyster crackers.
The Bulk Foods Section
Health food stores and grocers with a bulk foods area may sell oyster crackers in bulk. This allows you to purchase the exact amount you need and avoid waste.
You can find large bins of oyster crackers sold by weight. Simply scoop some into a bag to purchase. Going the bulk route means you get just what you need.
Online Grocery Delivery
Can’t find oyster crackers at your local store? More grocery chains are offering online ordering and delivery services. You can browse a wider selection of products from the comfort of home.
Search for oyster crackers on the website or app and see if they can be added to your online order. Opt for delivery or curbside pickup to get your hands on some elusive oyster crackers.
Oyster Cracker Brands to Look For
Now that you know the best spots to start your oyster cracker search, which brands should you look for? Here are some top options from major manufacturers:
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Pepperidge Farm: Pepperidge Farm makes some of the most popular oyster cracker varieties. Look for their small rounds or puffed cup shapes.
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Nabisco: For a widely available brand, Nabisco oyster crackers are a safe bet. Their crackers have a flat round shape.
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Progresso: As a soup company, Progresso makes an ideal oyster cracker to accompany their canned chowders.
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Campbell’s: Like Progresso, Campbell’s has their own line of oyster crackers to pair with their soup products.
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Barrow’s: Barrow’s oyster crackers are baked for a crisper texture. They have a curved shape to cradle soup and stews.
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Chester’s: For a puffier oyster cracker, try Chester’s brand. They use a pinch and fold baking method.
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Otis: Otis Spunkmeyer are best known for cookies but also make a tasty line of bakery-style oyster crackers.
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Aldi: Budget grocery chain Aldi sells their own Clancy’s brand of affordable oyster crackers.
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Publix: The Publix GreenWise line includes all-natural oyster crackers sans artificial ingredients.
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Member’s Mark: Warehouse store Sam’s Club sells a Member’s Mark house brand of quality oyster crackers.
Store Brand Versus Name Brand
Grocery stores often offer generic oyster cracker options under their own store brand. These are usually cheaper than the name brands listed above. However, store brands vary in terms of taste and quality.
Test out a few to find your favorite. Store brands like Kroger, Safeway, Target’s Market Pantry, and Walmart’s Great Value line may offer decent value. But the recognizable brand names often win for consistency.
How Are Oyster Crackers Packaged?
Oyster crackers come in a few different packaging options that vary in size and value:
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Boxes: The most common packaging is a cardboard box containing several inner bags of oyster crackers. Box sizes range from 4 ounces to a couple pounds.
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Plastic tubs: Large plastic containers are popular for soup aisle brands selling 1-2 pounds of oyster crackers.
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Bags: Some brands sell oyster crackers packaged loose in plastic bags. Bags come in sizes like 1 pound or 2 pounds.
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Bulk:_ As mentioned, bulk oyster crackers are sold from large open bins by the pound. You scoop into bags to purchase._
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Multi-packs: certain brands sell multi-packs with 2-6 smaller bags of crackers for convenience.
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Single-serve: For lunch packing, some companies sell individual 0.5-1 ounce bags or cups of oyster crackers.
For a household, the economical option is usually the larger boxes or tubs. But smaller packages work well for portion control and grab-and-go snacking.
What’s the Average Price for Oyster Crackers?
Oyster cracker prices fluctuate a bit based on brand, size, and store. Here are some general price points to expect:
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Large tubs or boxes (1-2 pounds): $2.50 – $4
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Standard boxes (4-16 ounces): $1.50 – $3
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Single-serve bags (0.5-1 ounce): $0.25 – $1
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Bulk, sold by the pound: $1.50 – $2.50 per pound
On a per ounce basis, bulk bins offer the best value. But pre-packaged boxes are more convenient. Look for sales and coupons to get the best deals on your favorite brands.
Storing Oyster Crackers Properly
Make your oyster crackers last by properly storing them after opening:
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Keep opened boxes or bags of oyster crackers tightly sealed. Roll or clip the bag if possible.
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Transfer unused portions to resealable plastic bags or airtight containers. This prevents the crackers from drying out.
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Store oyster crackers in a cool, dry spot like the pantry. Avoid humid areas like above the stove.
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Check expiration dates and use opened packages within 6-12 months. Unopened boxes stay fresh even longer.
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If crackers become soft or stale, you can revive them briefly in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore crispness.
With proper storage methods, oyster crackers can stay tasty and crunchy for many months past the printed date. Use your senses to determine if they are still good to eat.
Creative Ways to Use Oyster Crackers
While oyster crackers pair perfectly with soup, they can also be used in many other ways:
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Breading or topping: Crush crackers and use as breading for fish or chicken. Leave whole as a crunchy casserole topper.
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Fillings or mix-ins: Add crackers to meatballs or meatloaf for texture. You can also mix them into tuna or chicken salad.
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Snack mixes: Combine oyster crackers with nuts, pretzels, cereal, and other goodies for homemade snack mixes.
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Stuffings and dressings: Use crushed oyster crackers in place of stale bread in stuffing and dressing recipes.
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Pie and cheesecake crusts: Grind oyster crackers to make a press-in crust for sweet and savory pies or cheesecakes.
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Breading: Oyster cracker crumbs can be used to coat vegetables, fish, or chicken before frying or baking.
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Ice cream topping: Sprinkle oyster crackers over a bowl of chili or ice cream for an unexpected crunch.
With a little creativity, oyster crackers can be used in many more ways beyond just soup accompaniment. Explore new ways to use up your stash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common oyster cracker questions:
Are oyster crackers healthy?
Oyster crackers are relatively healthy as far as crackers go. They generally contain whole wheat flour, are low in fat, and provide some fiber. Just watch portion sizes, as they are easy to overeat!
Are there gluten-free oyster cracker options?
Yes, some brands like Barrel O’ Fun make gluten-free oyster crackers using rice flour or other gluten-free grains. Check health food stores or specialty aisles.
What’s the difference between oyster and soup crackers?
Soup crackers come in fun shapes for dipping, while oyster crackers have a round shape designed to float on chowders. But they can be used interchangeably.
Can you make your own oyster crackers?
Homemade oyster crackers are possible by rolling and cutting cracker dough. But store-bought crackers are so inexpensive, it’s not worth the effort for most home cooks.
Why are they called oyster crackers if plain?
Oyster crackers have a traditional pairing with oyster stew. The name stuck even though the crackers themselves are plain and unflavored.
Finding Your Go-To Oyster Crackers
Oyster crackers are a versatile pantry essential that every home cook should keep stocked. While they may not always be prominently displayed, a bit of searching at your grocery store should turn up this soup staple. Try a few different brands and packaging options to find your new favorite. Check shelf life and store them properly to enjoy oyster crackers whenever the soup craving strikes.