What are the ingredients in Keebler animal crackers?

According to product labels, Keebler animal crackers are made primarily from enriched flour or whole wheat flour, sugar, and vegetable oil. To satisfy your curiosity and ensure you're aware of what's in your food, let's explore the full ingredient list and key components that make up this iconic snack.

Quick Summary

Keebler animal crackers are primarily made from enriched wheat flour, sugar, soybean and palm oil, and contain leavening agents and flavors. Variants may include whole wheat flour or high fructose corn syrup. They contain common allergens like wheat, soy, and potentially milk.

Key Points

• Core Ingredients: Keebler animal crackers are primarily made from enriched wheat flour, sugar, and a blend of soybean and palm oil.

• Leavening and Texture: The crispy texture is achieved through leavening agents like baking soda, while soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier for consistent dough.

• Flavor Variants: Different product lines, such as Whole Grain or Frosted, use different formulations that can include whole wheat flour, high fructose corn syrup, or frosting ingredients.

• Allergen Information: Major allergens include wheat and soy, with some versions containing milk. Product labels carry a warning about potential tree nut contamination.

• Preservative Use: To keep the crackers fresh, the vegetable oils are preserved with TBHQ (Tertiary butylhydroquinone), an antioxidant.

• Sugar Content: Keebler animal crackers contain sweeteners like sugar, and some standard versions also use high fructose corn syrup.

• Nutritional Details: A single pouch serving contains about 120 calories, with 3.5g of total fat and 8g of added sugars, based on one example nutrition label.

The Core Ingredients of Keebler Animal Crackers

Keebler animal crackers use common baking ingredients, with specific formulas varying by product type. Key components include flour, sweeteners, and fat.

• Flour: The main ingredient is typically enriched flour, containing added nutrients. Whole Grain varieties use whole wheat flour.
• Sweeteners: Sugar is a key sweetener, and some versions contain high fructose corn syrup for added sweetness and texture.
• Oils: A blend of soybean and palm oil is used for texture and mouthfeel. TBHQ is often included as a preservative.

Breaking Down the Less-Than-2% Ingredients

Several minor ingredients contribute to the crackers' final characteristics.

• Leavening Agents: Baking soda and sodium acid pyrophosphate provide the crackers' crispy texture. Ammonium bicarbonate is also used in some whole wheat versions.
• Salt: A small amount enhances overall flavor.
• Soy Lecithin: This emulsifier helps create a uniform dough.
• Flavors: Natural and artificial flavors give the crackers their signature taste, which can differ between product lines. Some natural flavors contain milk.
• Other Additives: These may include calcium carbonate, corn flour, or rosemary extract for preservation.

Ingredient Variations: Original, Whole Wheat, and Frosted

Keebler offers various types of animal crackers and cookies with different ingredient lists. Standard crackers use enriched flour, while Whole Grain versions use whole wheat flour. Frosted Animal Cookies are a separate product with additional ingredients like confectioner's glaze and artificial colorings.

A Comparison of Animal Cracker Ingredients

Here is a comparison of Keebler's ingredients with a couple of other brands:

Ingredient Category	Keebler Animal Crackers	Nabisco Barnum's Animals	Barbara's Snackimals
Flour Base	Enriched Wheat Flour or Whole Wheat Flour	Enriched Flour, Whole Wheat Flour	Organic Whole Grain Flours
Primary Sweetener	Sugar, potentially High Fructose Corn Syrup	Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup	Evaporated Cane Juice
Flavoring	Natural or Artificial Flavor (some with milk)	Subtle Flavor, potentially Vanilla	Molasses, Vanilla
Fat Source	Soybean and Palm Oil (with TBHQ)	Vegetable Oils (details vary)	Organic Expeller Pressed Oils
Additives	Soy Lecithin, Leavening Agents, Salt	Soy Lecithin, Leavening, Salt	Minimal additives, no artificial flavors
Allergens	Wheat, Soy (some with Milk)	Wheat, Soy	Wheat, Soy (always check label)

Allergens and Nutritional Notes

Keebler animal crackers contain wheat and soy. Some versions include natural flavors with milk and may contain tree nuts due to manufacturing. Past recalls have indicated potential peanut cross-contamination. A 29g serving contains about 120 calories, 3.5g total fat, and 8g added sugars. More detailed information can be found on resources like the Ferrero Food Service website.

Conclusion

Keebler animal crackers are made with a blend of ingredients for their distinct taste and texture. Variations exist in flour type, sweeteners, and other components. Checking the specific product label is important for understanding the exact ingredients, especially for dietary needs or allergies.

References

• Animal Crackers Item: 07293 (pdf) - PCSB
• Keebler Animal Crackers - Shop Cookies at H-E-B
• Keebler® Animal Crackers, 1 oz. - Ferrero Food Service
• Phantom Gourmet: Animal Cracker Taste Test - CBS News

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary flour used in Keebler animal crackers?

The standard Keebler animal cracker recipe uses enriched flour, which is wheat flour with added vitamins and minerals like Niacin, Reduced Iron, and B vitamins. Some varieties, like the Whole Grain version, use whole wheat flour.

Are Keebler animal crackers suitable for vegans?

No, some versions of Keebler animal crackers are not vegan. Some labels explicitly state that the natural flavors used contain milk, which is an animal-derived ingredient.

Why is TBHQ an ingredient in Keebler animal crackers?

TBHQ (Tertiary butylhydroquinone) is an antioxidant used to preserve the freshness and stability of the soybean and palm oils in the crackers, extending their shelf life.

What are the key allergens to be aware of in Keebler animal crackers?

The main allergens present in Keebler animal crackers are wheat and soy. It's also important to note that some versions contain milk ingredients, and labels often warn about potential tree nut contamination.

How do Keebler's frosted animal cookies differ in ingredients from the standard crackers?

Keebler's frosted animal cookies contain additional ingredients for the icing, including more sugar, confectioner's glaze, and artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are not in the standard cracker recipe.

Do all Keebler animal crackers contain high fructose corn syrup?

Not all versions do, but it is listed as an ingredient in some standard animal cracker products. Whole grain varieties, for example, may not include it. Consumers should check the specific packaging.

Why are there small holes in animal crackers?

The small holes, or "dockers," are a standard practice in cracker production. They help prevent the dough from rising too much and ensure that the crackers bake evenly and consistently, resulting in the desired crunchy texture.