Is Goldfish Crackers Vegan?
Not Vegan
Not certifiedGoldfish crackers are not vegan. Every flavor in the lineup contains at least one dairy ingredient. The flagship Cheddar variety contains cheddar cheese made from cultured milk. Even the Original (plain) and Pretzel flavors, which people sometimes assume are dairy-free, list nonfat milk in their ingredients. There is no Goldfish flavor currently sold in the US that is free of animal-derived ingredients.
The catch: Dairy is in every single flavor, including the ones that look like they should be plain. The Pretzel and Original varieties both contain nonfat milk, so there is no safe "default" pick for vegans.
Category
Snacks
Verdict
Not Vegan
Brand
Pepperidge Farm
The Cheddar flavor (the classic orange bag) contains cheddar cheese made from cultured milk, salt, and enzymes. The Original and Pretzel flavors look plainer on the label but both include nonfat milk.
The Flavor Blasted Sour Cream and Onion variety piles on additional dairy: Parmesan cheese, cream solids, sour cream solids, whey, and butter. Parmesan Goldfish contains Parmesan cheese.
Pizza flavor contains cheddar cheese. Colors (the multicolored bag) uses cheddar cheese and cultured milk derivative.
The S'mores flavor adds gelatin and honey on top of the dairy, making it non-vegan for multiple reasons. Pepperidge Farm does not make any certified vegan or dairy-free Goldfish product as of 2025-2026.
There are no regional variations or limited editions that change this picture. The cheeses used contain enzymes that are typically animal-derived (calf rennet), adding another layer of concern beyond just the milk itself.
What makes it non-vegan
- ✕Cheddar cheese (cultured milk)
- ✕Nonfat milk
- ✕Parmesan cheese
- ✕Whey
- ✕Sour cream solids
- ✕Cream solids
- ✕Butter
Vegan alternatives
- ✓ Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Flavor Squares
- ✓ Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (original)
- ✓ Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers (original)
- ✓ Annie's Organic Saltine Crackers
- ✓ Mary's Gone Crackers Original
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Looking to make your own? Browse our vegan swaps.
Other snacks
Frequently asked
Is Goldfish Crackers Vegan?
Goldfish crackers are not vegan. Every flavor in the lineup contains at least one dairy ingredient. The flagship Cheddar variety contains cheddar cheese made from cultured milk. Even the Original (plain) and Pretzel flavors, which people sometimes assume are dairy-free, list nonfat milk in their ingredients. There is no Goldfish flavor currently sold in the US that is free of animal-derived ingredients.
What is the catch with Goldfish Crackers?
Dairy is in every single flavor, including the ones that look like they should be plain. The Pretzel and Original varieties both contain nonfat milk, so there is no safe "default" pick for vegans.
What can I use instead of Goldfish Crackers?
Vegan options include Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Flavor Squares, Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers (original), Back to Nature Classic Round Crackers (original), Annie's Organic Saltine Crackers.
Is Goldfish Crackers certified vegan?
Goldfish Crackers does not carry a third-party vegan certification, so the verdict here is based on its current ingredient list and manufacturer information.
Sources
Last verified June 20, 2026. See how we verify. Always confirm on the current product label, since recipes change. Product photo via Open Food Facts.
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