O.T.C. Oyster & Soup Crackers, 24-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6)

Bought by a big company (Panorama Foods) OTC recipe has been forever changed, possibly to allow the cracker to be more cheaply formed in an extruder. From the OTC facebook page:To our loyal OTC Oyster Cracker fans,Some of you have recently expressed concerns and comments about the differences in our OTC Oyster Crackers versus what you have grown familiar with over the years.Your concerns and questions are fair and, while we do have an explanation, there is no reason to believe it will be sufficient for you or many of the others who have a long history with this beloved cracker. Yes, there can be no argument that the cracker has changed. This, however, was not an action we undertook deliberately, voluntarily or for the benefit of economics.We are a very small company without a bakery of our own. These OTC crackers have been baked for us (on very old, custom made equipment) for many years by a contract bakery in New York. Last summer, this bakery was no longer be able to continue making our crackers for business reasons that simply could not be reversed. We, of course, immediately undertook to find and commission another bakery to replace them. After much searching, we awarded a new bakery the contract in the fall of 2017 but they have struggled, since then, to match the original OTC product.Unfortunately, the old equipment that created the unique OTC shape is no longer useable under new, stricter food safety regulations and recreating a custom machine of this sort is simply not possible for a small company such as Panorama Foods. Given that, the original shape is, likely, gone forever. That, however, is no reason not to continue to strive for a perfect match as regards taste and texture. We, and the new bakery are working, with each production run, to do just that but, clearly, some of you feel we haven't crossed the finish line quite yet. On that front, we will keep trying and, while it is distressing whenever disappoint our long standing, loyal customers, it is very helpful to hear the specifics of what you note as different so we can continue to zero in on the adjustments necessary to bring the OTC Oyster Cracker back as close to the original as possible. Oddly, we have learned through this experience that, in baking, this can be a bit of a "trial and error" process even though the recipe and ingredients are exactly the same. Any minor change in environment, water quality, equipment or process can have an impact on the finished product that can become quite a mystery to unravel.We hope you'll bear with us as we continue our quest to return to you, and your fellow OTC loyalists, a cracker that meets your standards and expectations.Many thanks in advance for your patience,Ken MeyersPresidentPanorama Foods, Inc.So why are they still shown here and on the Panorama website store as the original "round" cracker instead of the current squarish, pillow shape?

Raised in the Philly burbs, OTC's were a childhood staple. They have ruined that memory!As a previous reviewer mentioned - some Philly restaurants (usually seafood restaurants) would put these on the tables with horseradish like you would find salsa and chips in Mexican restaurants. They were THE crackers for Oyster Stew! BUT, the recipe has definitely changed. The crackers are smaller, are squared instead of ball shaped, they crush differently and worst of all, they taste differently. BOO!

O.T.C. Oyster and Soup Crackers were always our favorite cracker for seafood chowders and other soups and bisques. We also enjoyed dipping them into ground horseradish or a hot cocktail sauce for the yummy crunch. My son always thought of the original form as a "super-food." Because they are difficult to locate and we often run out, I bought a package of six 23-oz bags of our beloved OTCs -- o' my, we were all dismayed. The crackers were noticeably different in form and flavor, not crumbly and well-textured as the rounder ball-shaped, original OTC. I still have four bags of these, and will probably throw them out along our woodland for birds to peck. See photo. So disappointed.

These are not the same OTC crackers I grew up eating. The original OTC crackers are so hard to find and when I saw that Amazon sold them I was so excited. But I am so VERY disappointed in the product now. They have completely changed. I can tell these crackers are not the roundish, misshapen, oddly formed crackers they used to be. Those crackers were all individuals and unique. These crackers are squareish and look extruded from a machine. They are not dense nor have the same flavor at all. These crackers are full of air and much too light. They taste like any other oyster cracker, not unique like they used to be. So sad. I'll never buy them again.

They changed the shape of the OTC cracker and they are like little logs. And not as crisp or flaky. Cheapened product. You do not change something that has been good for over a hundred years! VERY DISAPPOINTED! I will not be buying these again!

Reminds me of the restaurant in Philadelphia called The Original Bookbinders which is no longer in business. These goodies were on everyone's table with fresh horseradish and you slathered on the cracker and popped in you mouth. I have never found these in any grocery store or gourmet shop. I am happy Amazon found this product and sells it. They are fabulous.

My elderly father kept talking about the Original Trenton Crackers. He says these are the best oyster crackers because they don't get mushy. Problem is - he hasn't been able to find them in the stores. What a hit I was when I found these on Amazon and bought them for my father as a Christmas present. SInce there were 6 bags, I kept some for my home so they wouldn't go stale. We have been enjoying them with oyster stew, cod and potato chowder and crab soup this winter. We may never go back to those little mushy crackers again. I guess my dad was right about them being so good!

This is something I was glad to find again. I remember my childhood where we would eat clam chowder or oyster stew with these crackers. They do not get soggy even after several minutes. I've had to cut down on crackers and bread due to my diet but these still get used from time to time. They are great in tomato soup as well.