We have to make our own Goldfish crackers because they no longer make gluten-free ones or even those puffs. Luckily, theyre easy—and satisfy that craving.
Goldfish crackers are an iconic snack food that many gluten free eaters miss being able to enjoy With their mild cheddar cheese flavor and cute fish shapes, Goldfish have been a lunchbox and snack staple for kids and adults alike for decades But are these bite-sized crackers safe to eat on a gluten free diet?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the gluten status of regular Goldfish crackers, whether there are any gluten free Goldfish varieties, and some delicious alternatives you can enjoy instead Keep reading to get the full scoop on Goldfish and gluten!
Are Regular Goldfish Gluten Free?
Goldfish crackers are produced by Pepperidge Farm, who state on their website that wheat flour is the main ingredient used in original Goldfish. So unfortunately, the standard cheddar Goldfish crackers are not gluten free. They contain wheat-based ingredients that are unsafe for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
This applies to all flavors and types of regular Goldfish, including:
- Cheddar
- Colors
- Pretzel
- Baked with Whole Grain
- Grahams
- Mega Bites
- Wisps
Essentially, if it looks like a classic Goldfish cracker, it should be avoided on a strict gluten free diet due to containing wheat/gluten. Pepperidge Farm does offer some gluten free cookie and cracker options, but no variety of their flagship Goldfish line is gluten free.
Are There Any Gluten Free Goldfish?
There are currently no gluten free Goldfish crackers produced by Pepperidge Farm. However, in late 2022 rumors circulated on gluten free forums and social media that the company was developing a gluten free Goldfish product.
Photos were shared on Reddit showing Goldfish crackers labeled as “Gluten Free” at grocery stores. But Pepperidge Farm soon issued a statement that these packages were mislabeled samples. They do not currently sell any gluten free Goldfish varieties.
So while gluten free Goldfish may become a reality someday, for now there are no certified gluten free options for these popular crackers. Those strictly avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or wheat allergy should not consume them.
Safe Gluten Free Alternatives to Goldfish
While you unfortunately can’t enjoy genuine Pepperidge Farm Goldfish on a gluten free diet, there are several great cracker alternatives to consider that may help satisfy a Goldfish craving:
Glutino Gluten Free Pretzel Chips
If it’s the iconic Goldfish shape you miss, Glutino makes gluten free pretzel chips in a similar fish form. They come in flavors like Sea Salt and Cheddar.
Mary’s Gone Crackers Sticks & Fish
This brand offers crunchy, vanilla-flavored sticks and fish shapes made from gluten free grains and seeds. They have a subtly sweet taste.
CAULIPOWER Fishless Filets
For a high protein, veggie-based option, CAULIPOWER makes baked crackers in the shape of fish fillets from cauliflower, cassava flour, and cheese.
Blue Diamond Nut-Thins
These crispy, nut-based crackers come in fun fish designs and safer flavors like cheese, cinnamon, and chocolate.
Schar Gluten Free Cheeselets
Reminiscent of Cheez-Its, these tiny square gluten free crackers are cheesy and satisfying.
With some research and creative thinking, you can find Goldfish lookalikes or crackers that offer similar flavors and textures while keeping your diet 100% gluten free. It may not be exactly the same, but these snack options can help you re-create the joy of munching on Goldfish.
Can Goldfish Be Made Gluten Free at Home?
Some gluten free bakers have attempted to recreate Goldfish crackers at home using gluten free flours and seasonings. However, replicating the distinctGoldfish flavor, look, and texture without wheat flour is quite difficult.
There are recipes using cheese powders, spices, and flax seeds to mimic the cheddar taste. But the crackers often turn out crumbly and dry, not identical to the real thing.
It’s possible to make baked gluten free cheese crackers at home, but they likely won’t be true Goldfish lookalikes. You’re better off trying the alternatives mentioned above that are designed to specifically be gluten free. With some trial and error, you can find options that satisfy in their own way.
Goldfish Recall for Gluten Contamination
In July 2021, Pepperidge Farm issued a voluntary recall for certain varieties of Goldfish crackers due to the possibility of gluten contamination. This recall impacted Goldfish Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar and Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion.
These recalled packages were sold nationwide across the U.S. The reason for the recall was that wheat flour was found in the seasoning applied to these flavors, which could make them unsafe for those strictly avoiding gluten.
This is a good reminder to always double check the labels and info for your favorite foods for any notices of recalls or changes to ingredients and gluten status. In this case, the presence of wheat where it wasn’t expected made these Goldfish no longer gluten free.
Common Questions about Goldfish and Gluten:
Are goldfish made in a gluten free facility?
No, Pepperidge Farm does not state that any of their facilities or production lines are gluten free. Most of their crackers contain gluten, so there is a high risk of cross-contamination.
Can celiacs eat Goldfish?
No, people with celiac disease need to strictly avoid all gluten exposure, including wheat. Since regular Goldfish contain wheat flour, they are not safe for celiacs.
Do Goldfish contain gluten?
Yes, standard original Goldfish contain wheat flour so they are not gluten free. The gluten free Goldfish some people saw in stores were mislabeled according to Pepperidge Farm.
What gluten free crackers are similar to Goldfish?
Some good gluten free Goldfish alternatives include pretzel chips, flax seed crackers, nut-based crackers, and squares made by gluten free brands like Glutino, Mary’s Gone Crackers, and Schar.
So while Goldfish crackers remain off the menu for gluten free lifestyles, there are plenty of innovative brands making tasty crackers and crispy snacks you can substitute. And who knows – we may see genuine gluten free Goldfish from Pepperidge Farm in the future! But for now, these alternatives can provide the flaky, cheesy, fish-shaped joy that Goldfish fans are missing in their gluten free life.
Where to find a Goldfish-shaped cutter to make goldfish crackers
Clearly, you dont need a tiny little fish-shaped cookie cutter to make this recipe. This recipe was first published in my cookbook Gluten Free Classic Snacks. I looked for the perfect cookie cutter for the pictures.
Not at that time, anyway. I couldn’t find a tiny fish-shaped cutter anywhere by any of the usual cookie cutter makers. Instead, I had to order one online from a company called Copper Gifts. It wasnt cheap, or easy to find!.
Ive searched again, now a handful of years later, and there are currently more than a couple options. Theres someone right now on Etsy selling a couple mini cutters, both copper-colored (why copper?), for too-much-money.
I’m not including any links because that kind of link quickly goes nowhere. But youll find them by searching “tiny Goldfish cutter. ”.
If you can’t find a fish-shaped cutter, you can change the shape of another small cutter that is the same size. Just bend it into a shape that mimics what you see here!.
What makes these gluten free goldfish crackers special?
For those of you who miss Goldfish crackers from “before gluten free times,” there is only one thing that will do. You have to make your own.
It wasn’t the same at all when the company tried to make a gluten-free version of Pepperidge Farm goldfish crackers for people who can’t eat gluten. It was more like Pirates Booty than Goldfish crackers, and that puffy, dusty corn snack is already safe for us to eat.
This recipe isn’t meant to taste exactly like the original, unlike many of my other recipes, even our gluten-free wheat thins-style crackers. Thats because mass-produced, shelf-stable cheese snacks dont taste like fresh cheese. These crackers do.
I could have used dried cheese powder instead of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese in these crackers, but the recipe calls for a lot of it. With fresh cheese, this recipe makes a rich, crisp incredibly savory cracker—and it doesnt call for specialized ingredients.
