Goldfish crackers are the second-most popular cracker brand in the United States. If you take a look at the Pepperidge Farm website, you might be swayed to think that these crackers are pretty healthy. Some of the claims they make include:
- Baked with 100% real cheese
- Made with colors sourced from plants
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Baked with whole grain
However, the reality is quite different; they contain GMO soybeans, MSG and high levels of sodium, and can be harmful to overall health if consumed frequently.
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
MADE WITH SMILES AND ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), CHEDDAR CHEESE ([CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], ANNATTO), VEGETABLE OILS (CANOLA, SUNFLOWER AND/OR SOYBEAN), SALT, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: YEAST, SUGAR, AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT, PAPRIKA, SPICES, CELERY, ONION POWDER, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA. CONTAINS: WHEAT, MILK.
ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR
Most enriched white flours contain bleached flour, unless the package specifically states “unbleached.” Bleached flour is bleached with chlorine, bromate and peroxide. During the 1980s, however, bromates were linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Bleaching may also result in the formation of the chemical alloxan, a toxin that increases the risk of various health issues. Additionally, enriched white flour is not absorbed into the body like whole grains; it’s broken down and absorbed by the body like pure sugar.
VEGETABLE OILS (CANOLA, SOYBEAN)
These oils are not only genetically modified, but they are highly processed and refined, both of which lead to major health problems in the body.
Health concerns linked to these GMO oils include:
– Retarded growth (banned in infant formulas)
– Abnormalities in blood composition
– Cause free radicals in the body
– Increased risk of developing certain cancer types
Additionally, several animal studies link canola oil to increased inflammation and oxidative stress.
AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT
This is usually code for monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive often used in processed foods.
If you see ingredients such as hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast or yeast extract and carrageenan, be aware that these are definite sources of MSG.
MSG can cause a lot of health problems including headache, GI distress, ADHD, allergic reactions, and seizures. MSG is also linked to gas and bloating, nausea, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
THE CANCER-CAUSING INGREDIENT GLYPHOSATE – NOT LISTED ON THE PACKAGE
The report found that foods such as Cheerios, Goldfish Crackers, Oreos and Doritos contain residues of the chemical glyphosate. Glyphosate has been labelled as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Studies have linked glyphosate to cancer, endocrine disruption, infertility, immune dysfunction, liver and kidney damage, and disruption of the microbiome.
CHOOSE HEALTHIER OPTIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY.
I highly recommend these bars which include 10 different superfoods – each specifically selected for their unique benefits – plus, 100% grass fed bone broth protein for healthy bones, muscles, skin, blood vessels, and more. Because they contain no grains, sugar, or soy, but do contain superfoods and bone broth protein, these are my go-to bars almost every morning for a quick and easy breakfast.