“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 15 unique flavors, which she and her family sell at Saratoga Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays (in the 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,” which is a cracker with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion and garlic. During track season, “Three Cheese Travers” crackers are popular.
Earlier this month, Alger added two wheat-free crackers: Summer Cracked Corn made from organic corn flour and Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, 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,” commented Alger. Also, 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.
Saratoga Farmers’ Market remains open outside through the end of October at High Rock Park: Wednesdays 3—6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.—1 p.m.
