In the United States of America, cracker refers to a dry, thin and crisp savoury biscuit that developed from military hardtack and nautical ship biscuits.
It is 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 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 UK, where they are called cheese biscuits or savoury biscuits. Cream crackers (like Jacobs) are also popular.
