Goldfish Nutrition Label: A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Goldfish crackers have long been a favorite snack, especially among children. Understanding the Goldfish nutrition label can help you make informed choices about enjoying this savory snack in moderation. Whether you prefer the classic Goldfish, Flavor Blasted varieties, or the bold Xtra Cheddar Goldfish, this guide explores all the essential nutrition facts, ingredients, and insights into their consumption patterns.

Goldfish Nutrition Facts

Here’s a closer look at the Goldfish nutrition label per 55 pieces (about 30g serving):

[Sodium exceeds AHA’s child snack limit. Pair with veggies to balance.]

Goldfish Ingredients List

Classic Goldfish are crafted from simple, recognizable ingredients:

• Enriched Wheat Flour (flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
• Cheddar Cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes)
• Vegetable Oils (canola, sunflower, and/or soybean)
• Salt
• Yeast
• Sugar
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Baking Soda
• Monocalcium Phosphate
• Paprika
• Spices
• Celery
• Onion Powder

Note: Goldfish varieties like Flavor Blasted include additional seasonings and spices for an extra bold flavor.

Calories in Goldfish Crackers

Goldfish calories per serving (30g) differ slightly by variety:

Flavor Blasted Goldfish: Nutrition Profile

Flavor Blasted Goldfish are packed with intense flavor. Here’s their nutritional snapshot:

Are Goldfish Crackers Healthy?

Pros

• Portion-Controlled: Packaged for easy moderation.
• Protein Source: 3g of protein per serving.
• No Artificial Flavors: Simple, real ingredients.
• Baked, Not Fried: Lower fat compared to fried snacks.

Cons

• High in Sodium: 11% of daily recommended intake per serving.
• Low Fiber: Less than 1g per serving.
• Made with Refined Grains: Primarily enriched wheat flour.

Resource: AHA: Sodium Content

Conclusion: Goldfish can be part of a balanced snack plan, especially when consumed in appropriate portions.

Resource: AJCN: Refined Grains | WHO: Healthy Diet

Emotional Eating and Goldfish Consumption

A notable study published in PubMed examined children’s snack consumption in different emotional states:

• Neutral Mood: Highest Goldfish consumption.
• Happy Mood: Reduced consumption compared to neutral.
• Sad Mood: Least Goldfish consumption.

Key Insight: Unlike sweet snacks (like chocolate), Goldfish crackers are more associated with neutral or boredom-related snacking rather than emotional highs or lows. This positions them as an “everyday snack” rather than an emotional indulgence.

Resource: JAMA: Emotional Eating

Goldfish Crackers Recall: What You Should Know

In July 2018, Pepperidge Farm voluntarily recalled four Goldfish varieties due to potential Salmonella contamination linked to a third-party whey powder supplier.

Affected Varieties:

• Flavor Blasted® Xtra Cheddar
• Flavor Blasted® Sour Cream & Onion
• Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar
• Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel

Important Notes:

• No illnesses were reported.
• The recall was precautionary and limited to the U.S.
• The recall was closed by the FDA in March 2020.

Understanding this historical recall reinforces Pepperidge Farm’s proactive stance on product safety.