Halacha: What Blessing Do You Say on a Cracker?
Want to know the blessings for a cracker both before and after eating? Find all the details here, including explanations about the amount of consumption.
- הידברות
- פורסם כ"ב חשון התשע"ז

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The first blessing to say on a cracker is Mezonot (first blessing)
After eating, the blessing to say is Al HaMichya (final blessing)
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To be obligated for a final blessing after eating (from "Halacha Yomit" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l):
On everything a person eats, they must say a "first blessing", such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if they only consume a small amount, they must bless, as long as they intend to eat it. (However, if one only tastes it to adjust seasoning or similar, no blessing is required). Therefore, if someone chews flavored gum, even if they swallow very little, they must still bless due to the enjoyment of its taste. Similarly, if someone intends to drink, they must bless even if consuming just a drop.
However, this is specific to the first blessing; a final blessing is only said if the food constitutes a "significant consumption". The measure of significant consumption is "kazayit", which is about twenty-seven grams. For drinking, the measure is "r’vi'it", which is eighty-one grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must be within a timeframe where they can connect to each other. Because if a person eats a "kazayit" (olive-sized portion) of bread slowly throughout the day, clearly they cannot then bless with the grace after meals. The eating of a "kazahz" must be completed within the time known as "eating a pras." There's debate among the poskim about this duration, with some saying it's five minutes and others claiming it's about seven and a half minutes. Therefore, one should always aim to eat a "kazayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.
Regarding a final blessing on a drink, it requires drinking a "r'vi'it" (eighty-one grams) in one go. If one drinks with breaks between sips, no final blessing is made. Consequently, drinking soup with a spoon does not merit a final blessing on it, since not enough was drunk at once. Likewise, hot coffee or tea does not get a final blessing because it cannot be consumed in one go.