When Teresa Alger decided in 2007 that her family needed a better snack to munch on than traditional commercial crackers, which often have long lists of mysterious ingredients, she set off to create a cracker that was nutritious and tasted good.
“Saratoga Crackers started so that I could create a healthful and delicious cracker for my children to enjoy,” Alger explains.
The result of her work is an expanding line of over fifteen unique flavors, which she and her family sell at Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays (center pavilion) and Saturdays (on the south lawn). The home-based business in Greenfield includes varieties to meet various dietary preferences, such as no-dairy, vegan, and unsweetened styles.
The company’s signature flavor is Saratoga Spice & Parmesan, which features a special spice blend and a touch of red pepper to add some heat. Just a few of the other flavors include Cracked Pepper & Parmesan; Beer & Cheddar; Rosemary Romano; Sugar & Cinnamon; and the “Everything,” a cracker with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion and garlic. During track season, “Three Cheese Travers” crackers are popular.
Earlier this month, Alger added Wheat-Free Summer Cracked Corn Crackers made with organic corn flour, and Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, another wheat-free cracker, to support wheat-sensitive customers with allergies to gluten.
“We never use preservatives or artificial ingredients, and the wheat flour we use is not enriched with synthetic additives, nor bleached or bromated. We prefer extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or less expensive oils,” comments Alger. No soy products are used in any of the crackers.
Nicknamed “the cracker master,” Alger says the business has not only brought her family some good nutrition and additional income, but it has also taught her children about business and customer service. They often staff the Saturday farmers’ market table of Saratoga Crackers, sporting cowboy hats that add distinctive spirit to the elegant displays of crackers, which are packaged in clear bags and tied with black ribbon.
Autumn Fruit Salad with Sugar & Cinnamon Cracker
(4 servings)
2 apples*
2 pears*
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 cup unsweetened yogurt*
1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup* (or more to taste)
1 package Sugar & Cinnamon Saratoga Crackers*
Mint leaves, sliced grapes, or fresh berries for garnish
Wash, core, and dice apples and pears to bite-size pieces. Toss with juice to minimize browning.
In separate bowl, combine yogurt with honey or maple syrup.
Place chopped fruit in dessert dish, top with dollop of sweetened yogurt, and insert corner of a Sugar & Cinnamon cracker on top, so cracker stands up. Garnish with mint leaves, grapes, berries for added color.
