Goldfish Cheddar
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.
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
Enriched Wheat FlourBad
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 →Vegetable Oils (Canola, Sunflower, and/or Soybean)Very Bad
Triple seed oil blend — all high in omega-6 fatty acids promoting inflammation. Highly refined, chemically extracted.
See more about Vegetable Oils (Canola, Sunflower, and/or Soybean) →Cheddar CheeseNeutral
Real cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes) — the one redeeming ingredient, but present in a minor proportion relative to flour and oil.
See more about Cheddar Cheese →SaltNeutral
Standard flavor enhancer. 250mg sodium (11% DV) per serving — moderately high.
See more about Salt →Autolyzed Yeast ExtractBad
Processed flavor enhancer containing free glutamates — functions identically to MSG. 'Hidden MSG' that avoids the MSG label.
See more about Autolyzed Yeast Extract →SugarBad
Added sugar in a savory cracker — unnecessary. Used for flavor enhancement and browning.
See more about Sugar →PaprikaNeutral
Natural spice used for color and mild flavor. No health concerns.
See more about Paprika →AnnattoNeutral
Natural coloring derived from achiote seeds. Generally safe, though some individuals may be sensitive.
See more about Annatto →Monocalcium PhosphateNeutral
Leavening agent. Processed but low direct health concern at typical usage levels.
See more about Monocalcium Phosphate →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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