Raising Are animal crackers healthy for kids?
Are animal crackers healthy? Sixteen typical store-bought animal crackers (30 g) have 120 calories, 7 g of added sugar, 2 g of protein, 1 g of fiber, and 100 mg of sodium, per USDA FoodData Central. Sugar is the second ingredient after flour. They are not named on the AAP or CDC choking lists; the CDC list names cookies, and animal crackers are sold as crackers.
Animal crackers: snack check
- Added sugar
7 g added sugar per 16 crackers, typical (FDC 2636160) - Highly processed
Invert sugar, soy lecithin, natural flavor (FDC 2636160) - Low protein and fiber
2 g protein, 1 g fiber per 16 crackers (FDC 2636160) - Not on choking lists
Sold as crackers; not named on AAP/CDC lists
Each check is a yes-or-no fact with its source: a green check means the flag does not apply, an amber mark means it does. The count is not a health score. Our sources and how we check them.
| Serving | 16 crackers (30 g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Added sugars | 7 |
| Protein | 2 |
| Fiber | 1 |
| Sodium | 100 |
Numbers: USDA FoodData Central, Branded Foods, FDC ID 2636160 (animal crackers, store brand), typical store-bought. Checked October 2026.
What's in it
A typical store-brand animal cracker lists wheat flour, sugar, soybean oil, invert sugar, calcium carbonate, salt, leavening, soy lecithin, natural flavor, and spice (FDC 2636160). Per 16 crackers: 120 calories, 2 g of fat, 24 g of carbohydrates, 7 g of added sugar, 1 g of fiber, 2 g of protein, 100 mg of sodium. Other brands use high fructose corn syrup or whole wheat flour, with 7–8 g of added sugar per similar serving (FDC 2544367, 2629843). Wheat and soy are major allergens. Typical store-bought; homemade differs.
For kids 4–8
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines recommend no added sugar for kids 5–10 and, for grain snacks, no more than 5 g of added sugar per ¾ ounce whole-grain equivalent. Animal crackers are not named on the AAP or CDC choking lists. The CDC list names cookies; USDA's reference database files animal crackers with cookies (FDC 168014), but they are sold as crackers, so our method does not flag them. Serve them seated.
Swaps and pairings
Protein (2 g) and fiber (1 g) fall under the FDA's 10% Daily Value marks of 5 g and 2.8 g. Pairing a small handful with milk or plain yogurt adds protein; fruit adds fiber. Whole-wheat versions list more fiber; compare the label.
Store-bought vs homemade
Homemade animal-shaped crackers from whole-wheat flour, butter, and a little honey or none let you set the sugar; the numbers depend on the recipe.
FAQ
Are animal crackers good for toddlers?
We don't rate foods as good or bad. Animal crackers are not named on the AAP or CDC choking lists; the CDC names cookies. A typical serving has 7 g of added sugar.
How much sugar is in animal crackers?
A typical store brand has 7 g of added sugar per 16 crackers (30 g) (FDC 2636160); others list 7–8 g per similar serving.
Are animal crackers cookies or crackers?
USDA's SR Legacy database files them as "Cookies, animal crackers (includes arrowroot, tea biscuits)" (FDC 168014).
Why you can trust this page: every number and flag links to its source, a separate reviewer checks each page before it goes live, and the date shows when we last checked. Sources and method · Report an error
Facts for parents, not medical or nutrition advice. Ask your pediatrician about allergies or your child's needs.
More snack checks
Graham crackers
Are graham crackers healthy? Honey Maid lists 8 g of added sugar, 2 g protein and 1 g fiber in two sheets, plus soy lecithin and artificial flavor. Sources.
Crackers
Are crackers healthy for kids? Five butter-style crackers have 80 calories, 1 g of added sugar, 1 g of protein, and 130 mg of sodium. Snack facts for ages 4–8.
Pretzels
Are pretzels healthy? Hard pretzels have 0 g added sugar but 370 mg sodium and 1 g fiber per serving, and the CDC lists them as a choking risk. Sources inside.
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