Do Goldfish Crackers Have Dairy? A Comprehensive Ingredient Guide

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the ingredient list on Pepperidge Farm's website and confirmed by other sources, many popular varieties of Goldfish crackers, including the Cheddar and Original flavors, do have dairy. The presence of milk-based ingredients means they are not suitable for those with dairy allergies or who follow a strict dairy-free diet. This ingredient check is crucial for consumers managing dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

Most Goldfish crackers, particularly cheese-flavored versions, contain dairy ingredients like cheese, milk, or whey, making them non-dairy. The original flavor includes nonfat milk, and many cheddar varieties contain real cheddar cheese and whey. Consumers with dairy sensitivities should always read the ingredient label to confirm, as allergen information is clearly marked.

Key Points

Most varieties contain dairy: Common Goldfish flavors like Cheddar and Original explicitly list milk ingredients on their packaging.
Cheddar contains real cheese: Cheddar Goldfish are made with real cheese, which is a milk product, and sometimes include whey.
Original has nonfat milk: The Original flavor, despite not being cheese-flavored, still contains nonfat milk.
Always check the label: Due to potential recipe changes, individuals with allergies must always verify the allergen statement on the product package.
Some alternatives exist: Dairy-free alternatives, including homemade recipes and products from other brands like Earth Balance, are available.

The Short Answer: Why Most Goldfish Are Not Dairy-Free

For those following a dairy-free diet, the most direct answer is that the majority of Goldfish cracker varieties contain dairy. This is particularly true for any flavor that features cheese. The primary sources of dairy in these crackers are real cheddar cheese, whey, and nonfat milk. It is essential for individuals with allergies or intolerances to check every specific flavor they consider purchasing.

Breaking Down the Dairy Content by Flavor

To clarify which types are off-limits, let's examine some of the most common Goldfish varieties.

Cheddar Goldfish: These are explicitly not dairy-free. They contain cheddar cheese, which is made from milk. Other dairy ingredients, such as whey, may also be present, especially in "extra cheddar" versions.
Original Goldfish: While not a cheese-flavored variety, the original crackers also contain dairy. A look at the ingredient list reveals the inclusion of nonfat milk.
Colored Goldfish: The colored versions of the cheddar crackers also contain cheddar cheese and other milk ingredients.
Pretzel Goldfish: The Pretzel Goldfish crackers are sometimes noted as a vegan-friendly option, but consumers should still verify the ingredient list to ensure no milk products are used in their specific formulation.
Sweet Goldfish Grahams: Some varieties contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients that would make them unsuitable for a vegan diet, and some may contain dairy.

The Importance of Reading Allergen Labels

Food manufacturers are required to clearly list major allergens, including milk, on their packaging. For Goldfish crackers, you will see a prominent "CONTAINS: WHEAT, MILK" statement. This is the most reliable way to confirm the presence of dairy for any specific product. Even if a product does not appear to contain dairy from its flavor name, like the Original variety, it is crucial to check the ingredient and allergen list every time due to potential recipe changes.

Exploring Common Dairy Ingredients in Goldfish

When examining the ingredient list of Goldfish, several dairy-derived components may appear. Understanding these ingredients is key to avoiding an allergic reaction or dietary violation.

Cheddar Cheese: The most obvious source, cheese is clearly stated on cheddar-flavored crackers. It is a direct milk product.
Whey: Whey is a milk protein by-product created during the cheesemaking process and is frequently used as a seasoning or flavor enhancer. Its presence indicates the product contains dairy.
Nonfat Milk: Found in the Original flavor, this is dried, skimmed milk and is a definite dairy product.
Enzymes: In cheese-flavored varieties, enzymes are used to produce cheese. While some are plant-derived, those used for cheese are often animal-based, although they are not considered a dairy protein themselves.
Lactic Acid: This can be derived from dairy but can also be from plant sources. For Goldfish with other milk ingredients, it adds to the dairy count.

Comparison Table: Goldfish Flavors and Dairy Content


Flavor	Contains Dairy?	Specific Dairy Ingredients	Notes
Cheddar	Yes	Cheddar cheese (cultured milk, enzymes), whey, milkfat	Contains real cheese, clearly marked dairy allergen.
Original	Yes	Nonfat milk	Contains a small amount of nonfat milk.
Extra Cheddar	Yes	Cheddar cheese, whey, enzyme modified cheddar cheese, milkfat	Heavier cheese flavor from multiple dairy sources.
Pretzel	No	None listed in vegan-friendly versions	A potential dairy-free option, but always check the label.
Pizza	Yes	Various cheese and milk components	Pizza flavor includes cheese and thus dairy.

Are There Any Dairy-Free Alternatives to Goldfish Crackers?

For those who need to avoid dairy but crave a cheesy, fish-shaped snack, commercial alternatives are available. Brands like Earth Balance offer vegan cheddar flavor squares that mimic the taste of Goldfish using plant-based ingredients. These typically use nutritional yeast and other flavorings to achieve a savory, cheesy taste without any milk products. You can also find numerous homemade dairy-free Goldfish cracker recipes online, using ingredients like almond flour, nutritional yeast, and vegan butter. These provide a customizable and controlled way to enjoy a similar snack while managing allergies.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Goldfish and Dairy

In conclusion, most classic Goldfish crackers, including the flagship Cheddar and Original varieties, contain dairy and are not suitable for a dairy-free diet. The presence of ingredients like nonfat milk, cheddar cheese, and whey means that anyone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance should avoid these products. However, there are some potential exceptions, such as the Pretzel Goldfish, and many commercial and homemade alternatives exist that can satisfy a craving for this iconic snack without the risk of dairy exposure. The most reliable method for safe snacking is to carefully read the allergen statement on the packaging of any Goldfish product before consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Original Goldfish crackers are not dairy-free. According to the ingredient list, they contain nonfat milk.

Yes, many Goldfish varieties, particularly the cheese-flavored ones like Extra Cheddar, contain whey, which is a milk-derived ingredient.

Individuals with dairy allergies should avoid all varieties of Goldfish crackers, as most contain milk ingredients. It is best to check the allergen statement on any product before consuming.

While some non-cheddar Goldfish flavors like Pretzel have been cited as potentially dairy-free, there is no widely marketed, guaranteed dairy-free Goldfish line. It is recommended to choose a certified dairy-free snack alternative.

No, people with lactose intolerance should not eat most Goldfish crackers because they contain milk and milk derivatives like cheese and whey, which contain lactose.

Currently, Pepperidge Farm does not produce a vegan version of its Goldfish crackers. Other companies, however, offer similar plant-based crackers as an alternative.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient and allergen list on the packaging. All U.S. products containing milk must declare it clearly, often in a "Contains:" statement.