Frederic Melton
Goldfish crackers are a popular snack food, often enjoyed by people of all ages. They are well-known for their distinctive fish shape and bright colour. While many varieties of Goldfish crackers are made with cheese, there is also an original, unflavoured version. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and history of Goldfish crackers, as well as some of the concerns surrounding their nutritional content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Fish |
| Flavors | Cheddar, Parmesan, Original (unflavored) |
| Ingredients | Enriched wheat flour, milk, salt, yeast, sugar, baking soda, paprika, spices, celery, onion powder, vegetable oils |
| Nutritional Information | 0g trans fat per serving, 140 calories per serving |
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What You'll Learn
Goldfish crackers are baked with real cheese
Goldfish crackers are a popular snack, particularly among children. They are often chosen for their fun, fish-shaped design and the smile on each cracker. While the original flavour of Goldfish crackers is not cheese, there are many cheese-flavoured varieties available. These crackers are baked with real cheese and contain 0g of trans fat per serving.
The cheese used in Goldfish crackers is typically 100% real cheddar cheese, made with cultured milk, salt, and enzymes. The crackers are also made with enriched wheat flour, vegetable oils, and a variety of spices and flavourings.
Goldfish crackers are marketed as a wholesome treat, perfect for all ages and various occasions, from catering events to boxed lunches. They are often positioned as a healthier alternative to other snacks, with claims of being made with "real cheese" and containing omega-3s.
However, it is important to note that the crackers also contain ingredients that may not be considered healthy, such as added sugars, preservatives, and GMOs. In 2018, there was even a recall of certain cheese crackers due to possible salmonella contamination in the whey powder.
Overall, while Goldfish crackers are indeed baked with real cheese, it is important for consumers to be aware of all the ingredients and make informed choices, especially when it comes to the health of children.
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There is an original, unflavoured variety of Goldfish crackers
Goldfish crackers are a popular snack food, often enjoyed by people of all ages. The crackers are well-known for their distinctive fish shape and playful appearance, with some even featuring a smiling face. While many people associate Goldfish crackers with cheese, particularly the classic cheddar flavour, there is an original, unflavoured variety.
The original Goldfish crackers are not cheese-flavoured and are described as unflavoured. This variety may be a suitable option for individuals with cheese allergies or those seeking a more neutral-tasting snack. The unflavoured Goldfish crackers are said to resemble oyster crackers often served with soup.
The existence of the original, unflavoured variety of Goldfish crackers is somewhat surprising to some consumers, as the cheese-flavoured variants are more prevalent and widely recognised. The original variety may be a healthier alternative to the cheese-flavoured crackers, as they do not contain the added ingredients used to create the cheese flavour.
Goldfish crackers are manufactured by Pepperidge Farm, and the company has faced scrutiny for the ingredients used in their products. In 2018, Pepperidge Farm recalled four types of its cheese crackers due to potential salmonella contamination in the whey powder. This incident highlights the importance of ingredient safety and transparency in the food industry.
While the original, unflavoured Goldfish crackers may be a healthier alternative to the cheese-flavoured varieties, it is important to remember that even these crackers may contain ingredients that are not optimal for health. For example, they may include enriched wheat flour, which contains gluten, or other additives that are not listed on the ingredients label. As such, consumers should always read labels and make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume.
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Goldfish crackers are shaped like fish
Goldfish crackers are a brand of fish-shaped crackers with a small imprint of an eye and a smile. They are manufactured by Pepperidge Farm, a division of the Campbell Soup Company. The signature Goldfish cracker smile was added in 1997, and only about 40% of the crackers have this smile, including the familiar sunglass-wearing spokesfish on the packaging, Finn.
The fish shape of the crackers was originally conceived by Swiss biscuit manufacturer Oscar J. Kambly in 1958 as a birthday present for his wife, who was a Pisces, an astrological symbol represented by a fish. The goldfish was also chosen as a sign of luck.
Goldfish crackers are available in a variety of flavors, including Original, which is unflavored, and other flavors such as Cheddar, Barbecue, Pizza, and Smoky. They are marketed as "baked snack crackers" and are made with 100% real cheddar cheese. The crackers are also available in different shapes, such as the potato-based Goldfish crisps, which are shaped like potato chips.
Goldfish crackers have become a popular snack in the United States, with sales increasing by 33% since 2021, making them the fastest-growing cracker brand in the country in 2024.
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Goldfish crackers are not a healthy snack
Goldfish crackers, America's favourite fish-shaped snack, are not a healthy snack option. While they are baked with 100% real cheddar cheese and contain some vitamins and minerals, they are not a nutrient-rich snack. They do not contain any fibre, which is an important component of a healthy snack.
The crackers are made with enriched wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten is difficult to digest and can lead to a range of digestive issues, including diarrhea, cramps, constipation, and IBS. It can also aggravate inflammation, skin conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
In addition, a recent report has shown that there are unsafe levels of glyphosate residue in Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Crackers. Glyphosate is a toxic ingredient in Monsanto’s RoundUp Ready pesticide, which has been implicated in terminal cancer cases.
While Goldfish crackers are tasty and convenient, they should be consumed in moderation and ideally served alongside healthier options such as fruit, berries, yogurt, or raisins. They should not be relied upon as a regular snack option, especially for children, as they do not provide the nutritional value needed for a growing body.
Therefore, while Goldfish crackers can be enjoyed occasionally, they should not be considered a healthy snack option due to their lack of nutritional value and the potential health concerns associated with their ingredients.
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Goldfish crackers are a popular snack in the US
Goldfish crackers are baked with real cheese and come in a variety of flavors, including cheddar, sour cream and onion, and pretzel. They are also available in limited-edition flavors, such as Dunkin' Pumpkin Spice Grahams and Frank's RedHot, which was added to the permanent lineup due to its popularity. The company has also experimented with potato-based Goldfish crisps and larger "Mega Bites" crackers.
Goldfish crackers are marketed as a "baked snack cracker" and are known for their distinctive fish shape and the slogan "The Snack That Smiles Back!". The brand has expanded beyond crackers, offering Goldfish Sandwich Crackers, Goldfish bread, and multi-colored Goldfish. They are also exported and sold worldwide, marketed under different brand names such as "Finz" in the UK and "Goldfischli" in Switzerland.
The popularity of Goldfish crackers has led to imitations, such as Nabisco's Cheese Nips CatDog crackers, which resulted in a court case in 1999. Pepperidge Farm won the case, and Nabisco was ordered to recall all products with the fish shape. Goldfish crackers have become a cultural icon, with references in media and trivia-worthy facts about their shape, flavor, and history.
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Frequently asked questions
Goldfish crackers are made with 100% real cheddar cheese. There is also an original, unflavored variety that does not contain cheese.
Goldfish crackers are marketed as a wholesome treat, and they are often recommended for children's lunches. However, they contain ingredients that may have negative health effects, such as gluten, added sugars, and preservatives.
Goldfish crackers are baked and contain 0g of trans fat per serving. They are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it's important to note that they are a processed snack and may contain other chemicals not listed on the ingredients label.
