Are Goldfish Crackers Considered an Ultra-Processed Food?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Goldfish crackers have been classified as an unhealthy ultra-processed food due to their ingredients and extensive processing. This classification helps consumers understand the difference between minimally processed whole foods and industrially formulated products like these popular snacks.

Quick Summary

Goldfish crackers are considered an ultra-processed food because they are made from refined ingredients and contain additives, which aligns with the NOVA classification system. Their production involves industrial processes that remove nutrients and add synthetic components for flavor and shelf-life.

Key Points

NOVA Classification: Goldfish crackers fall under Group 4, the ultra-processed category, due to their industrial formulation.
Refined Ingredients: The crackers are made with enriched wheat flour and processed vegetable oils, which are key indicators of ultra-processing.
Additives and Flavoring: The use of additives like yeast extract and extracts for coloring confirms their status as a complex, industrially produced food.
Health Concerns: High consumption of ultra-processed foods like Goldfish crackers has been linked to potential health issues such as obesity and chronic disease.
Healthier Alternatives: Homemade crackers, veggie sticks, and air-popped popcorn are more nutritious and less-processed snack options.
Consumer Empowerment: Understanding the difference in food processing allows consumers to make more informed decisions about their dietary habits.

What Defines an Ultra-Processed Food?

To determine if Goldfish crackers are considered ultra-processed, it's essential to first understand the definition of ultra-processed foods. The most widely used system for this classification is the NOVA framework, which categorizes all foods into four groups based on the nature, extent, and purpose of their processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or minimally processed foods. These are natural foods, like fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats, that have been altered only slightly by processes like drying, crushing, or pasteurization to increase their shelf life.
Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients. This includes oils, butter, sugar, and salt—substances extracted from Group 1 foods that are used to season and cook other ingredients.
Group 3: Processed foods. Simple processed foods are made by combining foods from Group 1 and 2, such as canned vegetables or bread baked with just flour, water, and yeast.
Group 4: Ultra-processed foods. This group includes industrial formulations made predominantly from substances extracted from foods (oils, sugar, starches, protein isolates), with little to no intact Group 1 food. They typically contain multiple additives like flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, and artificial colors, and undergo a high degree of processing.

The Ingredients and Production of Goldfish Crackers

An examination of the ingredients in Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers reveals a composition that fits squarely into the ultra-processed category. A standard ingredients list includes enriched wheat flour, vegetable oils, salt, sugar, yeast extract, and various other additives.

Core Ingredients

Enriched Wheat Flour: This is a highly refined carbohydrate. The natural grain is stripped of its bran and germ, removing fiber and many nutrients. While some vitamins are added back in (hence 'enriched'), it is a far cry from a whole food.
Vegetable Oils: Oils like canola, sunflower, and soybean are extracted and highly refined. This process can contribute small amounts of artificial trans fats and involves high heat.
Cheddar Cheese: Although advertised as containing 'real cheese,' this ingredient is combined with additives and flavor enhancers to create a specific, consistent taste profile.
Flavor Enhancers and Additives: Ingredients like yeast extract, paprika extract for color, and monocalcium phosphate indicate a formulated product, not a simple, natural one.

The Industrial Process

The journey from raw ingredients to packaged Goldfish crackers involves several complex industrial steps:

Formulation: A precise mix of refined ingredients, including flour, oils, and additives, is combined to create a dough.
Kneading and Shaping: The dough is extensively mixed and then passed through machinery that cuts it into the iconic fish shape.
Baking: The crackers are baked on a conveyor belt in large industrial ovens.
Seasoning: A combination of cheese, salt, and other flavorings is applied.
Packaging: The finished crackers are sorted and sealed in airtight bags to ensure a long shelf life.

These steps go far beyond simple food preparation. The use of refined ingredients and industrial additives for flavor, texture, and preservation is a hallmark of ultra-processing.

Comparing Goldfish to Less-Processed Alternatives

To illustrate the difference in processing levels, consider the following comparison between industrially produced Goldfish crackers and homemade crackers.


Feature	Industrially Produced Goldfish	Homemade Crackers
Core Flour	Enriched wheat flour, stripped of nutrients and fiber.	Whole-grain flour, retaining natural fiber and nutrients.
Fats	Highly refined vegetable oils (canola, soybean).	Whole, minimally processed fats like butter.
Cheese	Dehydrated cheese powder with additives and flavorings.	Freshly shredded block of real cheddar cheese.
Flavoring	Artificial flavorings, yeast extract.	Simple seasonings like salt, onion, and garlic powder.
Process	Industrial formulation, baking on a large scale.	Simple kitchen preparation and baking.
Nutrient Density	Low nutritional value, high in sodium and refined carbs.	Higher nutrient density, better fiber and protein.

Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods

Research has increasingly linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of several adverse health outcomes. The Environmental Working Group, which specifically flags Goldfish, cites studies linking ultra-processed food consumption to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain mental health issues. While Goldfish can be a small part of a balanced diet, relying on such snacks as a primary food source can displace more nutrient-dense whole foods.

Healthier Snack Alternatives

If you are looking to reduce your family's consumption of ultra-processed foods, several healthier alternatives can replace Goldfish crackers without sacrificing snack time enjoyment:

Homemade Crackers: With just a few simple ingredients like whole-grain flour, butter, and real cheese, you can create a healthier version of cheesy crackers at home.
Nut and Seed Crackers: Many brands offer crackers made from nutrient-rich seeds and nuts, which are far less processed than those made with refined flour.
Veggie Sticks with Dip: Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks paired with hummus or a yogurt-based dip offer a satisfying crunch with much higher nutritional value.
Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole-grain snack that, when prepared without excess butter or salt, is a much healthier option.
Whole-Grain Pretzels: Look for pretzel brands made with 100% whole-grain flour and minimal additives for a less-processed alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the popular snack Goldfish crackers are considered ultra-processed due to their use of refined ingredients, processed oils, and food additives. Their industrial production places them in the highest category of processing under the NOVA classification. While they can be an occasional treat, understanding their true nature as an ultra-processed food can empower consumers to make more informed and healthier dietary choices. By opting for minimally processed whole foods or homemade versions of favorite snacks, individuals can reduce their intake of refined ingredients and additives for better overall health.

For more information, you can read more about EWG's methodology here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed foods are made by adding simple ingredients like salt or sugar to whole foods (e.g., canned vegetables). Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations containing multiple additives and are made from substances extracted from foods, rather than whole foods themselves.

Yes, all industrially produced Goldfish crackers, regardless of flavor or color (including whole-grain versions), are classified as ultra-processed because they use refined ingredients and multiple additives.

No. While they may contain more fiber, whole-grain Goldfish crackers still rely on highly processed refined flour as a primary ingredient, along with vegetable oils and additives, keeping them in the ultra-processed category.

Consuming a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with adverse health outcomes like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These foods often lack nutrients and fiber while being high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.

Key indicators include enriched wheat flour, refined vegetable oils (canola, soybean), added sugars (like dextrose), yeast extract, and other flavorings and leavening agents that are not used in simple home cooking.

No packaged Goldfish crackers are considered genuinely 'healthy' by nutritionists due to their processing level and ingredient profile. They are best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a nutritious snack.

Healthier alternatives include homemade whole-grain crackers, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus, or air-popped popcorn. These options provide more nutrients and are less processed.