Ritz Crackers

History

In the early 1900s, the Jackson Cracker company of Jackson, Michigan, developed a small, round cracker called the Jaxon. The company was bought by Nabisco in 1919. Nabisco introduced the Ritz Cracker in 1934. Looking to compete with the similar Hi Ho cracker made by their competitor Sunshine Biscuits, they tasked an employee, Sydney Stern, to create a name and a marketing plan. Stern chose the name 'Ritz', which appealed to individuals enduring the privations of the Great Depression by offering them "a bite of the good life". He also designed the blue circle/yellow lettering logo design, inspired by the round label inside his hat.

Beyond the branding, the design of the crackers themselves plays a functional role. The seven holes punched into each cracker allow steam to escape during baking, preventing air pockets and ensuring a uniform and consistent texture, without becoming overly crispy or flaky. {{Cite web |author-first1=Leon|author-last1=Martinez|title= The Mystery of Ritz Crackers|date=24 February 2024|website=HomeDiningKitchen|url= https://homediningkitchen.com/why-are-there-7-holes-in-a-ritz-cracker/ |access-date=2024-09-04}}

In 2011, Ritz was identified in a YouGov poll as the "best perceived snack brand" among American consumers.

A cartoon drawing of a box of Ritz Crackers can be seen in Mickey's Surprise Party (1939), an animated theatrical advertisement/cartoon short produced by Walt Disney Productions for Nabisco.

Europe

Ritz Crackers varieties include Original, Peanut Butter, Roasted Vegetable, Honey Wheat, Garlic Butter, Bacon, Sour Cream and Onion, Reduced Fat, Gluten-free, Cheddar, Hint of Salt, Dill Pickle, Salt and Vinegar, Whole Wheat, Everything and Ritz Fresh Stacks.

A 42-gram "fresh stack" sleeve typically consists of 13 crackers, and contains 220 calories. A standard 126-gram sleeve consists of 32 crackers, and contains 512 calories.

International

Ritz Crackers are available in the United Kingdom and Ireland in three varieties: Original and Cheese flavour, which were sold in 200 g boxes, and Ritz Cheese Sandwich (a cheese spread sandwiched between two Ritz Crackers), available in 125 g roll packs and 33 g snack packs. They are available as mini-crackers in 25g multi-packs.

Controversy

In May 2024, 200 g boxes were replaced with 150 g boxes but the price remained the same. A BBC report cited this as an example of shrinkflation.

References

References

1. "RITZ Crackers Homepage".
2. (2002). "A Century of American Icons: 100 Products and Slogans from the 20th-Century Consumer Culture". Greenwood Press.
3. Alioto, Daisy (August 10, 2016) [http://www.foodandwine.com/snacks/how-ritz-cracker-got-its-name How the Ritz Cracker Got Its Name] ''Food & Wine Magazine''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
4. Willett, Megan (September 24, 2012) [http://www.businessinsider.com/ritz-crackers-americas-favorite-snack-2012-9 The Most Popular Snack Food In America]. ''Business Insider''. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
5. "Mickey's Surprise Party (Still 6 of 6)". Walt Disney Company.
6. [http://www.ritzcrackers.com/products Ritz Products, from the official site]
7. [https://www.ritzcrackers.com/Products/ProductDetails?productId=44000031114&&categoryId=69 Product Details]
8. (May 17, 2024). "Fewer crackers in Ritz boxes but price remains same".