What are the ingredients in cheddar Goldfish?

November 11, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Pepperidge Farm, the classic cheddar Goldfish crackers are baked with 100% real cheese and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. A closer look at the complete ingredient list reveals the specific components that create the snack's distinctive flavor, texture, and iconic orange color, answering the question: what are the ingredients in cheddar Goldfish?

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the component parts of classic cheddar Goldfish crackers, covering the key elements like enriched wheat flour, real cheese, vegetable oils, and the seasonings that provide their distinctive flavor and color.

Key Points

Enriched Wheat Flour: The primary base of the cracker is enriched wheat flour, fortified with B vitamins and iron.
Real Cheddar Cheese: Goldfish crackers are made with 100% real cheddar cheese, which gives them their classic flavor.
Vegetable Oils: The recipe uses a blend of vegetable oils, such as canola, sunflower, and/or soybean oil, for texture.
Natural Coloring: The signature orange color comes from annatto, a natural vegetable extract.
Leavening and Flavor: Minor ingredients like yeast, baking soda, autolyzed yeast extract, and various spices are used for leavening and enhancing flavor.
No Artificial Flavors: The classic cheddar variety contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.

The Core Components of Cheddar Goldfish

At the heart of the iconic smiling snack are a few key ingredients that form its base. The recipe starts with enriched wheat flour, which is supplemented with B vitamins and iron. Real cheddar cheese ([Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes], Annatto) provides the signature cheesy taste and orange color. Vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, and/or soybean oil) contribute to the crunchy texture, and salt enhances the flavor.

The Supporting Cast: Minor Ingredients

Several other ingredients, present in small amounts, refine the cracker's taste and texture. These include yeast for texture, a small amount of sugar to balance flavors, and autolyzed yeast extract as a natural flavor enhancer. Seasonings like paprika, spices, celery, and onion powder add subtle savory notes, while leavening agents (monocalcium phosphate and baking soda, sometimes ammonium bicarbonate) help achieve the crispy texture.

Comparison of Cheddar Goldfish Ingredients

For a detailed comparison of classic cheddar and Flavor Blasted® Xtra Cheddar Goldfish ingredients, refer to {Link: Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Pepperidge-Farm-Goldfish-Cheddar-Crackers/dp/B07N9HXKJK} or {Link: Quora https://www.quora.com/What-makes-goldfish-crackers-such-an-unhealthy-snack-for-kids}.

What Each Ingredient Does

The key roles of the main ingredients in cheddar Goldfish crackers are detailed on {Link: Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Pepperidge-Farm-Goldfish-Cheddar-Crackers/dp/B07N9HXKJK} and {Link: Quora https://www.quora.com/What-makes-goldfish-crackers-such-an-unhealthy-snack-for-kids}. This includes enriched wheat flour for structure, cheddar cheese for flavor, and vegetable oils for texture.

Processing and Manufacturing

The production of Goldfish involves mixing ingredients, shaping, and baking. Goldfish are always baked, not fried. A video shows the process.

Conclusion: A Simple Formula for a Classic Snack

Cheddar Goldfish crackers are made from basic baking ingredients combined with real cheddar cheese and natural flavorings. The use of real cheese and a specific baking method results in the distinctive taste and texture that have made them a popular snack for many years. Key ingredients contribute to the savory profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the classic cheddar Goldfish crackers are made with no artificial flavors or preservatives. The orange color comes from a natural ingredient called annatto.

The orange color in cheddar Goldfish comes from annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.

Yes, yeast is listed as an ingredient in cheddar Goldfish, which is used as a leavening agent to help the crackers rise and achieve their light, airy texture.

Yes, a small amount of sugar is included in the ingredient list. However, according to the nutrition facts, the amount is less than 1 gram per serving and therefore listed as 0g on the label.

Cheddar Goldfish crackers are made with a blend of vegetable oils, which can include canola oil, sunflower oil, and/or soybean oil.

No, classic cheddar Goldfish are not vegan. They contain real cheddar cheese, which is a dairy product made from milk.

Autolyzed yeast extract is used as a flavor enhancer to give the crackers a savory, umami flavor. It helps to boost and round out the cheesy taste profile.

Yes, Pepperidge Farm offers whole-grain versions of Goldfish. These crackers use whole wheat flour as the primary flour, in addition to enriched wheat flour.