Saltine, otherwise known as soda crackers, is a thin cracker made of baking soda, yeast, and flour. While it comes in different shapes and sizes, the small square one is relatively more popular.
Although most manufacturers have started adding additional flavors, the most common one has a salt sprinkle over it, giving it a unique taste.
Apart from the mild salty flavor, the crisp and dry texture of saltine crackers also sets them apart from other types of crackers, and they are widely used as snacks.
However, most people eat it in its original form without adding seasoning; some like eating them with butter, cheese, or other flavorings to enhance their taste.
If these lines have watered your mouth and you have added saltine to your to-buy list, one thing that may offend you is that it may not be available in your area.
In some regions of Asia, it’s not widely eaten, which is why you may not find it in your grocery stores. If you can’t get your hands on saltine crackers, opting for its substitutes is the most viable option.
Therefore, this article lists some of the best substitutes for saltine crackers that can be used instead.
Saltine Cracker Substitutes
Here are some of the best substitutes for saltine crackers available in the market.
1. Tortilla
Before getting into substitutes for saltine crackers, it is pertinent to mention that these crackers have their unique taste and texture. While finding something closer in calories is possible, you may not see the same taste in these alternatives.
Keeping this in mind, one of the closest substitutes that you can find for saltine crackers is the tortilla. It is made from wheat flour, which is why you’d find its taste similar to crackers.
However, the texture of both items is quite different. While saltine crackers have that dry and crispy texture, tortillas present a relatively soft and pliable texture. They are also used as a complete meal in some cuisines.
Aside from this, it is essential to note that tortillas come in different varieties. Their taste can depend on which one you decide to go for. If you only want to have a substitute for saltine crackers, then standard tortillas will work just fine for you.
However, foodies may want to try out other varieties as well.
Tortillas can then be topped with a sprinkle of salt to give them a similar taste to crackers. If you want that touch of crispness in the tortilla, consider frying them slightly.
Of course, you won’t be able to get that beautiful crisp saltine crackers, but it does make a difference. All in all, it all comes down to your personal preferences, and the standard tortillas on their own are fantastic to eat as well.
2. Kale Chips
Leaf cabbage, also known as kale, is a type of cabbage grown worldwide because of its edible leaves. While some people grow them because of their charming look, they offer plenty of health benefits too.
Kale leaves are often used in salads. It is low in calories, full of fibers and vitamins, and contains powerful antioxidants, which is why it is also known as a “Superfood.”
Having it regularly in your meal also aids the improvement of your eyesight, making it a great option for people with weak vision. It is also a great source of vitamin K, with only one raw cup containing more than seven times the daily recommended amount.
Furthermore, kale also contains significant proportions of iron and calcium. While iron carries oxygen in your body and promotes cell growth, calcium strengthens your bones and teeth.
Consuming kale regularly will enable you to meet your body’s needs for potassium, vitamins E and K, and numerous other essential nutrients.
Kale leaves can either be green or purple, though this does not matter much when it comes to their taste. While most other vegetables like potatoes lose their nutritional value when frying them. That’s what makes kale different from other vegetables.
Even after making chips out of kale, you will notice that they hold their nutritional values, making them the healthiest option on this list. In addition to it, frying them properly will ensure amazing crispiness and a unique texture.
Although you won’t get the same dry texture as saltine crackers, their own texture is also great. They can usually be bought from most stores, but making them at your home is also an option.
This is quite easy and does not take a lot of time either. Having said that, even if you do not want to use them as an alternative, they should still be an essential item in your diet.
3. Crispy Rice Cakes
Crispy rice cakes are another excellent substitute that can be used instead of saltine crackers. They are quite common and are readily available in most stores. Aside from them being extremely tasty, they are pretty inexpensive too, which is why they are great “emergency snacks.”
To make crispy rice cake at home, you will need to make sushi rice first. To make sushi rice, take 2 cups of rice in a saucepan and rinse them properly to get rid of all the starch. It is recommended to rinse the water two to three times with water.
After rinsing the rice for the third time, you will notice that the water is a lot clearer. It indicates that the rice is good to cook. Now, add two cups of water to the saucepan and set it on the stove at high heat.
Cover your saucepan with a lid and let it boil for several minutes. After 10 to 12 minutes, your sushi rice will be ready. You can use them in lots of recipes.
Now add oil and some salt to the pan and give them all a stir until the salt is properly mixed. Some people recommend using butter as well. So, you can use it if you like that buttery taste.
Use a large spoon to place it on the pan with medium-high heat. Consider using a spatula to flatten them and bring them into the shape of a patty. Let it cook for five minutes.
After a few minutes, the bottom part will change its color to golden. Turn the patty over with the spatula and cook it for 5 minutes more until it changes its color and becomes crispy. That’s it! Your crispy rice cake is ready!
4. Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers
Rosemary sea salt crackers are the last substitute for saltine crackers on our list. They have the same crispy texture as saltine crackers, making them a great substitute for saltine crackers. Making them at home is also pretty easy.
To make rosemary sea salt crackers at home, take 100 g of all-purpose flour and mix some salt and sugar in it. Then add some grated parmesan cheese and chopped rosemary. You can also add some other herb of your choice.
After that, add some olive oil and cold water into it and mix it for some time until it becomes soft and sticky. Knead it for some time on a floured surface to bring it into the shape of a dough ball.
Next, roll it and make sure that it’s not thick and sticky. Consider using flour so that it doesn’t stick to the surface. After that, sprinkle some sea salt on it and also add a little bit of water to it, just to moisten it.
Now prick it all over using a fork, and cut it into small pieces using a pizza cutter. Then transfer them all to a baking sheet and bake them till they change their color to brown. Voila, your crispy, crunchy rosemary sea salt crackers are ready!.