A saltine is a thin, crispy cracker covered with coarse salt crystals. If you've ever been sick with an upset stomach, you've probably eaten saltines: they're bland, easy to digest, and gentle on your system. Many people also eat them with soup, especially tomato or chicken noodle soup, where the crackers soak up the broth and add a satisfying crunch.

Saltines are square crackers with tiny holes poked through them (which help them bake evenly) and a layer of salt on top. They're made from simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. Unlike richer crackers, saltines have almost no flavor beyond a mild wheaty taste and that distinctive saltiness, which makes them versatile. You can eat them plain, spread peanut butter on them, crumble them into soup or chili, or use them as a base for cheese and other toppings.

Because saltines are so plain and reliable, they became a staple in American households, the kind of food you keep in the pantry for emergencies, road trips, or whenever someone isn't feeling well.