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Goldfish Cheddar

Common questions

Is Goldfish Cheddar healthy?

Goldfish Cheddar scores 15/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Goldfish Cheddar scores 15/100.

Does Goldfish Cheddar contain seed oils?

Yes — Scout's ingredient analysis flags seed oils in Goldfish Cheddar, and that is reflected in its score.

How processed is Goldfish Cheddar?

Goldfish Cheddar is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Goldfish Cheddar compare to other salty snacks?

Goldfish Cheddar ranks #55 of 118 salty snacks in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Jesse & Ben's House-Cut Fries Tallow & Sea Salt at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Goldfish Cheddar's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheddar Cheese, Paprika count in its favor; Enriched Wheat Flour, Vegetable Oils, Autolyzed Yeast Extract are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

Healthy alternatives

93
Jesse & Ben's House-Cut Fries Tallow & Sea Salt
Jesse & Ben's
92
LesserEvil Organic Popcorn Himalayan Pink Salt
Lesser Evil
$11.58
92
Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn Himalayan Pink
Lesser Evil
$5.79
90
Barnana Organic Plantain Chips Himalayan Pink Salt
Barnana
$17.98

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Goldfish Cheddar

Goldfish
Contains seed oils
15 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Pepperidge Farm (Campbell Soup Company)
Category Salty Snacks
Summary

Goldfish Cheddar scores 15/100. Marketed as 'Always Baked with 100% Real Cheddar Cheese' and 'No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives,' but the ingredient reality tells a different story. The base is enriched wheat flour (stripped and rebuilt with synthetic vitamins including folic acid), baked in a triple seed oil blend (canola, sunflower, and/or soybean). Contains autolyzed yeast extract — a processed flavor enhancer that functions as hidden MSG by providing free glutamates. Sugar is added to a savory cracker. The cheddar cheese is real but is a minor component. Also contains annatto (natural color), onion powder, and celery. Contains bioengineered (GMO) food ingredients. Owned by Pepperidge Farm/Campbell Soup Company.

Key ingredients 9

Vegetable Oils
Very Bad

Sources: Canola, Sunflower, and/or Soybean. Triple seed oil blend — all high in omega-6 fatty acids promoting inflammation. Highly refined, chemically extracted.

See more about Vegetable Oils →
Enriched Wheat Flour
Bad

Refined flour stripped of natural nutrients then fortified with synthetic vitamins (niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid). High glycemic, low fiber.

See more about Enriched Wheat Flour →
Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Bad

Processed flavor enhancer containing free glutamates — functions identically to MSG. 'Hidden MSG' that avoids the MSG label.

See more about Autolyzed Yeast Extract →
Sugar
Bad

Added sugar in a savory cracker — unnecessary. Used for flavor enhancement and browning.

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Salt
Neutral

Standard flavor enhancer. 250mg sodium (11% DV) per serving — moderately high.

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Annatto
Neutral

Natural coloring derived from achiote seeds. Generally safe, though some individuals may be sensitive.

See more about Annatto →
Monocalcium Phosphate
Neutral

Leavening agent. Processed but low direct health concern at typical usage levels.

See more about Monocalcium Phosphate →
Cheddar Cheese
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

See more about Cheddar Cheese →
Paprika
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

See more about Paprika →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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