Miller's Damsel Gluten Free Black Crackers

Crackers have a long and important history and these crackers are both innovative and traditional in their way as a result.

Here's a Cliff's Notes version: back in the day, crackers were just the form of bread that lasted a long time without going bad. Sure, they were hard as a tack (there are even crackers called 'hard tack!') but they had nutritional value that kept you alive when there wasn't much food to be found. It was also a good form of food for sailing and long sea voyages since they didn't go bad during the long trip. Heck, there are even some styles of "bread" that Sardinian fisherman would take out with them on the sea that was intended to be submerged in the ocean water to reconstitute it and give it a bit of salty flavor.

Then crackers were used to treat digestive issues and some even claimed to heal what ailed ya. As a matter of fact, the inspiration for these black crackers are the activated charcoal crackers made and enjoyed in England, where this company (The Fine Cheese Co.) is based in Bath. Activated charcoal (though flavorless) is supposed to combat toxins and cleanse the system from the inside out.

Nowadays the FDA doesn't allow activated charcoal as an ingredient in foods so the folks at The Fine Cheese Company retooled the recipe for an American audience. Instead of charcoal, they use cocoa powder to give the crackers their color and provide just the slightest bitter note, but definitely not sweet or chocolatey.

We've been looking for a gluten-free cracker for some time and this checks all the boxes, especially with flavor. Try 'em with softer cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish, and anything else that inspires your tastebuds.

Note that while the ingredients in these crackers are gluten free, they are made in a facility that does process gluten. If you're concerned about a severe intolerance, please give us a call and we'll help.