The Heartwarming True Story Behind Goldfish Crackers, “The Snack That Smiles Back!”

The true story of how Goldfish became the snack that smiles back is sweet. Oscar J. Kambly invented goldfish crackers for his wife. He was trying to offer his wife something new for her birthday. He chose the fish shape because her birth sign was Pisces, often depicted as the mythological Greek fish. How sweet is that? Inventing a special cracker to honor your beloved wife has to be one of the most heartfelt birthday presents we can imagine. The true story behind goldfish crackers will bring a smile to your face reminiscent of the little cracker itself!

Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin visited Switzerland in 1962, trying a similar product from a Swiss cookie manufacturer. Talks began, and Goldfish swam to US markets shortly after that. But the now-iconic cheddar flavor wasn’t even a dream yet!

When Pepperidge Farm began producing Goldfish snacks, they were available in five flavors: Lightly Salted (Original), Barbeque, Smoky, Pizza, and Cheese. The snacks were on the bland side, as crackers often are. In 1966, an upgrade was added, bringing us the Cheddar Cheese flavor we still love. As of 2022, the company has produced more than 25 different varieties of Goldfish crackers! Not all Goldfish have the smile, though. Goldfish became the snack that smiles back in 1997, but only about 40 percent of the crackers have the grin!

The snack that began as a special birthday surprise in Switzerland is a staple in many US households. They go in lunches and are a favorite after-school snack. Moms keep small bags in their purses to quiet fussy kids in the grocery store. In our house, they came in a giant gallon-sized container. It barely lasted two days once we kids got it open. However, there were five of us.

Smile if you grew up eating the salty, cheesy little orange crackers. Share this true story about goldfish with a friend that needs a smile!

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.