Cracker

A cracker is a thin, flat, dry baked food, typically made from flour, water, and often includes salt, fat, and leavening agents. It is prepared by mixing these ingredients into a dough, rolling it thin, and baking until crisp.

In packaged foods, crackers are frequently used as a binder or filler, such as in meat patties or stuffed seafood, to help hold ingredients together. They can also serve as a breading or coating, adding texture and bulk to various dishes.

Crackers are considered a food item rather than a food additive, and therefore are not subject to FDA approval as an additive. Their nutritional content varies based on specific ingredients, contributing carbohydrates, and potentially fat and sodium. There are no specific health controversies associated with crackers as a general food ingredient, and JECFA and EFSA do not evaluate general food items like crackers.