Key findings
- 1In our analysis, animal cracker products average 18.5 ingredients, more than a homemade cookie needs
- 2Most brands lack the artificial colors, MSG, and complex flavor systems found in heavily seasoned snacks
- 3Some brands use high fructose corn syrup while others use regular sugar, check individual labels
Why is Animal Crackers ultra-processed on average?
Animal crackers are typically made from enriched wheat flour, sugar, soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup, salt, baking soda, soy lecithin, and natural flavor. The enriched flour and soybean oil are processed ingredients, and some brands use high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar. Most brands skip the artificial colors, MSG, and flavor potentiators found in heavily seasoned snacks. In our analysis, animal cracker products average 18.5 ingredients and a Processing Score of 9.8, which is Level 4.
How 211 animal crackers products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Animal Crackers brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a animal crackers label
- 1
Check whether the sweetener is sugar or high fructose corn syrup, and some brands use one, some the other
- 2
Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier in baked goods, a minor processing indicator
- 3
Enriched flour means vitamins were stripped during milling and synthetically added back
- 4
Brands vary: compare ingredient lists across brands, including store brands, for the simplest option
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Frequently asked questions
Are animal crackers healthy?
That depends on the rest of what you eat, so we answer the part we measure: in our analysis, animal cracker products average Level 4 (Ultra-Processed), mostly because of enriched flour, soybean oil, and added sweeteners. They are lower in fat and calories per serving than many cookies and chips, and most brands skip artificial colors.
What is the least processed animal cracker brand?
Compare ingredient lists across brands. Some organic brands use organic flour and sugar without high fructose corn syrup. Homemade animal-shaped cookies with flour, butter, sugar, and egg are the least processed option.