Is Goldfish Crackers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Pepperidge Farms
Goldfish Crackers is one of the snack products analyzed by Zerotox for Pepperidge Farms. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sugar, Autolyzed Yeast affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition of Goldfish Crackers includes wheat flour and cheddar cheese, which are common in snack foods. However, the presence of sugar and autolyzed yeast raises concerns about processed ingredients. Overall, the mix of good and medium ingredients results in a moderate rating due to quality considerations.
Main concern
Includes sugar, which is a processed ingredient that can raise health concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains cheddar cheese, providing a source of flavor and some nutritional value.
- Wheat flour is a staple ingredient, contributing to the texture and structure of the crackers.
Concerns
- Includes sugar, which is a processed ingredient that can raise health concerns.
- Autolyzed yeast is a processed ingredient that may not be favorable for all consumers.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this snack.
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Is Wheat Flour safe in this snack?
Good
Wheat Flour is used here as base. Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, providing structure and texture to the crackers. It is a staple in many baked goods and contributes carbohydrates for energy.
Role in formula: base
Original: Wheat flour
-
Is Niacin safe in this snack?
Medium
Niacin is used here as nutrient. Niacin is a form of vitamin B3 added to enhance the nutritional profile. While beneficial, its synthetic form raises some concerns about processing.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: niacin
-
Is Reduced Iron safe in this snack?
Medium
Reduced Iron is used here as nutrient. Reduced iron is an added mineral that helps prevent iron deficiency. Its inclusion is beneficial, but it is a processed form of iron.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: reduced iron
-
Is Thiamine Mononitrate safe in this snack?
Medium
Thiamine Mononitrate is used here as nutrient. Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 added for nutritional enrichment. While it supports health, its synthetic nature raises some concerns.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: thiamine mononitrate
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this snack?
Medium
Riboflavin is used here as nutrient. Riboflavin is a vitamin B2 added to enhance nutritional value. Its synthetic form may raise concerns for some consumers.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: riboflavin
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this snack?
Medium
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 included for nutritional benefits. While important for health, its synthetic nature may be a concern for some.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: folic acid
-
Is Cheddar Cheese safe in this snack?
Good
Cheddar Cheese is used here as flavor. Cheddar cheese is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and some nutritional value. It is derived from cultured milk, contributing to the overall taste profile.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: cheddar cheese ([cultured milk, salt, enzymes], annatto)
-
Is Canola Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Canola Oil is used here as fat. Canola oil is a commonly used vegetable oil that provides fat for texture. While it is a source of unsaturated fats, concerns exist regarding its processing.
Role in formula: fat
Original: canola
-
Is Sunflower Oil safe in this snack?
Medium
Sunflower Oil is used here as fat. Sunflower oil is another vegetable oil used for texture and moisture. Similar to canola oil, it raises concerns about processing and sourcing.
Role in formula: fat
Original: sunflower oils
-
Is Salt safe in this snack?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is a natural ingredient that enhances flavor. It is essential for taste but should be consumed in moderation.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
-
Is Yeast safe in this snack?
Medium
Yeast is used here as leavening agent. Yeast is used as a leavening agent to help the crackers rise. While it is a natural ingredient, its processing can raise concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: yeast
-
Is Sugar safe in this snack?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness but is a processed ingredient that can contribute to health concerns, particularly in excess.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sugar
-
Is Autolyzed Yeast safe in this snack?
Bad
Autolyzed Yeast is used here as flavor enhancer. Autolyzed yeast is a processed ingredient used for flavor enhancement. It may raise concerns due to its synthetic nature and processing.
Role in formula: flavor enhancer
Original: autolyzed yeast
-
Is Baking Soda safe in this snack?
Medium
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the crackers rise. It is a common ingredient but can raise concerns about sodium content.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: baking soda
-
Is Monocalcium Phosphate safe in this snack?
Medium
Monocalcium Phosphate is used here as leavening agent. Monocalcium phosphate is a leavening agent that helps with the texture of the crackers. It is a processed ingredient that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: monocalcium phosphate
-
Is Paprika safe in this snack?
Good
Paprika is used here as colorant. Paprika is a natural colorant that adds color and flavor to the crackers. It is derived from peppers and is considered a good ingredient.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: paprika
-
Is Spices safe in this snack?
Good
Spices is used here as flavor. Spices are natural ingredients that enhance flavor. Their inclusion contributes positively to the overall taste profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: spices
-
Is Celery safe in this snack?
Good
Celery is used here as flavor. Celery is a natural ingredient that adds flavor and some nutritional value. It is a common ingredient in snack foods.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: celery
-
Is Onion Powder safe in this snack?
Good
Onion Powder is used here as flavor. Onion powder is a natural flavoring agent that enhances the overall taste of the crackers. It is derived from onions and is considered safe.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: onion powder
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2374849
More from this brand: Pepperidge Farms products in Zerotox
Similar products: snack in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat , milk
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.