Buzz
Let me be clear—I’m not here to stir up controversy. Graham crackers have long been the go-to base for s’mores, and they absolutely deserve their place in the spotlight. (Though, I must admit, their packaging leaves much to be desired.) But experimenting with different options can lead to discovering incredible new flavor pairings. This summer, take a break from the classics and try one of these fantastic alternatives to hold your melted chocolate and toasted marshmallow.
Digestive biscuits
These British-style biscuits are crunchy, mildly sweet, and often contain oats. Unlike fluffy buttermilk biscuits, digestives are round and less sugary, typically sold in packs of 20 or 30. Their size makes them ideal for a single s’more. Chocolate-coated versions are my favorite, as they eliminate the need for extra chocolate—just add a marshmallow. While McVitite’s plain digestives are a classic, I lean toward their oatier counterpart, Hobnobs.
Pretzels
While pretzels have a minor drawback for s’mores—their holes—they’re still a fantastic choice. Embrace the mess and savor the salty, lye-washed flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and marshmallow. Both hard and soft pretzels work, but for bite-sized s’mores, I recommend square pretzel snaps.
Crackers
The combination of sweet and salty is almost always a winner. While marshmallows and chocolate bring the sweetness, a salty cracker provides the perfect balance. Nearly any cracker works, though I’d avoid water crackers or those with garlic. Opt for something rich and savory, like Ritz, saltines, or the irresistible Kellogg’s Club Crackers from that iconic green box.
Croissants
TikTok has popularized using croissants for s’mores, and I have to admit, it’s a solid idea. While the croissant’s flavor gets overshadowed by the chocolate and marshmallow, making it taste more like plain bread, its soft texture is a major advantage. Unlike brittle crackers that can crumble and leave a mess, croissants are flexible and easy to handle. It’s worth a try.
Chips
For those who adore the sweet-and-salty combo, chips are a must-try. Kettle chips are my top pick for their satisfying crunch and sturdy texture, but a bold, salty tortilla chip like Santitas also works wonders. Plus, potato chips and corn tortilla chips are often gluten-free, a unique advantage over other options.
Pop-Tarts
Honestly, the main reason I wrote this article was to share how amazing Pop-Tarts are for s’mores. They come in perfectly portioned sleeves (graham crackers, take notes!) ideal for camping or cookouts. They’re sturdy enough to hold up but still easy to bite into without falling apart. Best of all, the variety of flavors lets your creativity shine. I tried cherry, and the jam filling added a delightful tangy twist to my s’more. Don’t hesitate to experiment with frosted wild berry, confetti cupcake, or even—dare I suggest—s’more flavor.
Cookies
The idea might make your teeth ache, but cookies are a fantastic choice for s’mores due to their endless variety of sizes and flavors. Stick to classics like sugar or chocolate chip cookies, or mix it up with a coconut Shirley paired with a snickerdoodle. For the adventurous, try something unconventional like a rosemary parmesan cookie brittle s’more.
