Are Goldfish Bad For You?
Short answer
Though Goldfish crackers seem like a healthy snack for kids, the little fish-shaped crackers contain GMO soybeans, MSG and high levels of sodium, and may be harmful to overall health if consumed frequently.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Goldfish crackers were invented by Oscar J. Kambly in 1958. Now made by Pepperidge Farm, Goldfish crackers were introduced to the US market in 1962 and quickly became one of the most popular kids snack in the United States. The Goldfish cracker is very familiar to many since childhood because of the cracker’s signature golden fish shape. Today, Goldfish crackers are offered in a variety of flavors including original, cheddar, whole grain, colored cheddar, and pretzel, among others.
Goldfish crackers have no artificial preservatives, and 0 grams of trans fat. They contain Vitamins B1, B2, folic acid, calcium, and iron. Goldfish are endorsed among parents and children as being a healthy snack, even containing real cheddar cheese and natural ingredients, according to the crackers’ label. However, in 2012, Sonya Bolerjack sued Pepperidge Farm in Colorado, claiming that the company could not place the term “natural” on their Goldfish cracker labels because the company used GMO soybean oil to make the child-friendly snacks. Research suggestions GMO soybeans could potentially be harmful to liver functions, damage the liver and cause toxemia, meaning the soybeans may contain toxins that could poison the bloodstream. In another recent study in Russia, it was discovered that GMO soybeans could potentially be harmful to infants and cause infertility problems.
The Goldfish crackers also contain high amounts of sodium, 250 mg per serving. In both children and adults, high intake of sodium can have dire side effects, including cognitive degeneration, kidney damage, high blood pressure and heart problems. In addition to this, autolyzed yeast is listed as one of the ingredients in Goldfish crackers. Autolyzed yeast is a flavor enhancer also known as MSG or monosodium glutamate. Some people tend to be more sensitive to MSG than others and some of the side effects of autolyzed yeast include headaches, nausea, sweating, and chest pain. Because of the high sodium and MSG added to the wafer, Goldfish crackers should only be consumed in limited amounts and should not form part of any steady diet.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache
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nausea
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sweating
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chest pain
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dehydration
Possible long-term side effects
- liver complications
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heart complications
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infertility problems
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high blood pressure
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kidney damage
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cognitive degeneration
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Team-Picked Alternative
(what is this?)
Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
- Organic ingredients
- Real cheddar flavor
- Baked, not fried
- No artificial additives
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Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 05-27-2016
Last updated: 11-29-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Viviana Del Manzano
Published on: 05-27-2016
Last updated: 11-29-2023
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