What is Sailor Boy Pilot Bread and Where Can You Buy It?

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Sailor Boy Pilot Bread is a type of biscuit made from a simple combination of wheat flour, lard or shortening, water and salt. The dough is rolled into triangles, brushed with salted butter or shortening and baked until golden brown. This process produces a crispy, salty treat that travelers could carry on long journeys for convenience and energy.

Sailor Boy Pilot Bread is also known as sea biscuits, ship’s biscuits or crackers. It has been around since at least the 19th century and was manufactured as a Navy ration. Today it continues to be part of traditional Canadian cuisine in some areas such as Newfoundland and Labrador where they are colloquially referred to as “sea buns”.

Despite its history, sailor boy pilot bread can still be found in stores today – particularly health food stores. It’s commonly used in making snacks such as “crouton” type toppings for salads or soups, served with cheese slices or jams, and crumbled up with yogurt for breakfast bowls. Buying it fresh can make all the difference though; its crunchy yet crumbly texture really shines when it’s freshly baked!