Animal Crackers

Guide Note

Animal Crackers are traditionally a sweet, crisp cookie in the shape of a zoo or circus animal. It is debatable whether they should be classified as crackers or cookies. Animal crackers typically come in a box with a handle attached.

Fast Facts

1. April 18 is National Animal Cracker Day
2. Originated in England
3. First made in the U.S. in 1876
4. Popular Brands are Barnum's, Stauffer's, and Austin
5. 37 different varieties since 1902

Animal-shaped cookies were imported to the United States from England in the late 1800s. They became such a popular item that bakeries began to make their own. Animal crackers were first sold under the Barnum name in 1902 and were packaged in the well-known box with string attached.

The number and variety of the cookies has changed over time. 54 different animals have appeared in the animal crackers line, with visual details improving over the years. 40 million packages of Barnum's Animal Crackers are sold each year in the U.S. and other countries.

• Flour
• Sugar
• Shortening
• Corn flour
• Whey solids
• Salt
• Leavening
• Oil-of-lemon