Crackers, cheese (Goldfish)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Goldfish crackers are small, fish-shaped baked snacks with a mild, savory cheddar cheese flavor and a light, crispy texture that gives a satisfying crunch. Nutritionally, they are a calorie-dense, carbohydrate-forward snack with a notable fat content from cheese and oil, providing quick energy but little fiber.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 49% carbs · 42% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore Goldfish for their iconic, playful shape and the perfectly balanced, mild cheesy flavor that isn't overpowering. Their versatility makes them a go-to for lunchboxes, party platters, or just straight from the bag.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high carbohydrate and fat content can lead to blood sugar spikes and isn't ideal for low-carb diets. They are also a common wheat and dairy allergen. To counteract, pair them with a protein source like hummus or cheese, or practice strict portion control by pouring a single serving into a bowl instead of eating from the bag.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Contains a moderate amount of protein for a snack cracker
- Convenient, portable, and shelf-stable for on-the-go eating
- A familiar, kid-friendly flavor that encourages snack time
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original Goldfish cracker was created in 1962 by a Swiss biscuit maker who designed the snack to resemble the good-luck fish symbol.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 3.5 g |
| Energy | 489 kcal |
| Protein | 10.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 22.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 59.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 136 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 25.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 200 mg |
| Potassium, K | 156 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 973 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 13.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.56 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.34 mg |
| Niacin | 6.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.17 mg |
| Folate, total | 152 ug |
| Folic acid | 127 ug |
| Folate, food | 25.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 241 ug |
| Choline, total | 8.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.34 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 17.0 ug |
| Retinol | 11.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 63.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 17.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 34.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 9.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 10.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 9.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.72 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Crackers, cheese, sandwich-type with cheese filling — USDA does not publish this profile for Crackers.
| Tryptophan | 0.11 g |
| Threonine | 0.33 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.36 g |
| Leucine | 0.64 g |
| Lysine | 0.39 g |
| Methionine | 0.15 g |
| Cystine | 0.15 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.35 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.25 g |
| Valine | 0.38 g |
| Arginine | 0.29 g |
| Histidine | 0.17 g |
| Alanine | 0.30 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.52 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.24 g |
| Proline | 0.77 g |
| Serine | 0.40 g |
FAQ
Are Goldfish crackers considered a healthy snack?
They are more of an occasional treat than a health food. While they provide some protein, they are high in refined carbs, sodium, and fat with minimal fiber or micronutrients.
Why are they called Goldfish?
They are named after the goldfish, a common pet, due to their fish-shaped design, which was inspired by a traditional Swiss good-luck charm.
What is the main flavoring ingredient?
The primary flavor comes from cheddar cheese, which is listed as a key ingredient alongside enriched wheat flour.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.89 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 2.3 g fiber · 4.5 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 6.24 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.