National Animal Crackers Day
Celebrate National Animal Crackers Day with the perfect snack - get creative and use animal crackers to make art, desserts, or just enjoy them plain!
Introduction
Think back to those iconic little red boxes with the white string handles. National Animal Crackers Day, celebrated every April 18th, is a sweet trip down memory lane. It’s a day to embrace our inner child and enjoy the crunchy, slightly sweet treats that have been a staple in American lunchboxes for over a century. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or use them to decorate a cake, these tiny lions, tigers, and bears are more than just a snack—they are a piece of nostalgia. Let’s celebrate the fun and history of these circus-themed favorites!
🦁 National Animal Crackers Day Countdown
Sunday
18
April 2027
Loading...
National Animal Crackers Day Timeline
1800s
Animal Crackers' Origins
Animal crackers originated in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, originally known as "Animals."
1902
Barnum's Animals
The National Biscuit Company (currently known as Nabisco) launched "Barnum's Animals," designed as a Christmas novelty, sold in a small box that resembled a circus cage with a string to hang on a Christmas tree.
1979
Stauffer's Animal Crackers
Stauffer's, a company originally from York, Pennsylvania, started producing their version of animal crackers, a product which is still popular today.
1989
Variety Shapes Introduced
Nabisco added a variety of new shapes to "Barnum's Animals," including zebras, koalas, kangaroos, and others.
2009
First National Animal Crackers Day
The first National Animal Crackers Day is celebrated on April 18, honoring one of America's favorite treats.
How to Celebrate National Animal Crackers Day
1
Donate to an animal shelter
Show your support for animals by donating money or supplies to a local animal shelter in honor of National Animal Crackers Day.
2
Throw an animal cracker party
Invite all your friends and family over for an evening of fun with animal crackers. Serve up some of your homemade treats, or pick up some store bought ones, and have a blast.
3
Play an animal cracker game
Test your knowledge of animals by playing a game with your friends and family with animal crackers as the prize. You could play something like “Guess the Animal” or “Name That Animal”.
4
Make your own animal crackers
Making your own animal crackers is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious homemade animal crackers in no time.
5
Visit the zoo
Not only will you get to see some amazing animals, but you may even find animal crackers for sale at the concession stand. It's a win-win!
Why We Love National Animal Crackers Day
A
Animal crackers are cute
It's no wonder that kids (and adults!) love animal crackers; their fun shapes and bright colors just scream fun! Plus, they come in all sorts of different animals like elephants, monkeys and bears, so there's something for everyone!
B
Animal crackers are nostalgic
Animal crackers bring back fond memories of childhood. Whether we enjoyed them as a snack at school, or as an after meal treat, animal crackers always make us smile.
C
Animal crackers can be used in recipes
You don't have to limit animal cracker consumption to snacking - these cookies can also be used in recipes! Try crushing them up and using them as a topping on ice cream sundaes or sprinkle them over your favorite yogurt parfait for an added crunch. With animal crackers, the possibilities are endless!
National Animal Crackers Day FAQs
What is National Animal Crackers Day?
It is a fun food holiday dedicated to enjoying and learning about the history of the famous animal-shaped cookies that have been around since the late 19th century.
When is upcoming National Animal Crackers Day?
Get ready to unleash your inner child on Sunday, April 18th, 2027, for a day filled with crunchy, circus-themed fun!
Are animal crackers actually cookies or crackers?
They are technically cookies because they are made with a layered sweet dough, but the name "crackers" stuck because of the way they are baked and their light crunch.
Why do animal crackers come in a box with a string?
The iconic Barnum’s Animals boxes were originally designed as Christmas tree ornaments, and the string was intended for hanging them on the branches.
How many different animals are in a standard box?
While it can vary by brand, the classic Barnum’s Animals collection usually features a variety of 22 different animals throughout their production.
Who invented animal crackers?
They originated in England in the late 1800s, but they became a massive hit in the United States when Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animals in 1902.
What was the most recent animal added to the box?
In 2018, the koala was added to the collection after a public vote to celebrate the brand's updated packaging.
Are animal crackers vegan?
Many traditional brands, including the classic Barnum’s Animals, are surprisingly vegan-friendly, though you should always check the label for specific ingredients like honey or milk.
Why are the animals no longer in cages on the box?
In 2018, the packaging was redesigned to show the animals roaming free in nature rather than behind the bars of a circus wagon.
What is the best way to eat animal crackers?
Most people love them plain, but they are also delicious when dipped in chocolate, peanut butter, or used as a crunchy topping for pudding and ice cream.
Can you use animal crackers for baking?
Absolutely! They make a fantastic decorative border for cakes or can be crushed up to create a unique, sweet pie crust.
How many animal crackers are eaten each year?
In the United States alone, over 40 million boxes of Barnum’s Animals are sold annually, which is a whole lot of snacking!
Are animal crackers a healthy snack?
Compared to many other cookies, they are relatively low in fat and sugar, making them a popular "light" treat for both kids and adults.
Where can I find animal crackers in the US?
You can find them in almost every grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station across the country, usually in the cookie or snack aisle.
Top Emojis for National Animal Crackers Day
🦁
The King of Snack Safari
This classic lion represents the "king" of the box and is usually the first one kids look for when snacking.
🍪
Sweet Cookie Crunch
Even though we call them crackers, they are definitely cookies, and this emoji represents that perfect golden-brown crunch.
🎪
Big Top Memories
Animal crackers are famously linked to the circus, making this emoji perfect for capturing that vintage carnival vibe.
🐘
Gentle Giant Bites
The elephant is one of the most recognizable shapes in the mix, symbolizing the classic variety found in every package.
🥛
The Ultimate Dipping Partner
Nothing beats dunking animal crackers in a tall glass of milk, making this the go-to emoji for snack time.
🦒
High-Reach Treats
The giraffe is a fan favorite because of its unique shape, adding a bit of tall-standing fun to your snack plate.
National Animal Crackers Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2026
Apr 18
Saturday
2027
Apr 18
Sunday
2028
Apr 18
Tuesday
2029
Apr 18
Wednesday
2030
Apr 18
Thursday
