On April 18th, we celebrate National Animal Crackers Day! This quirky holiday pays homage to the beloved childhood snack that has been delighting taste buds for over a century.

Animal crackers first came into existence in the late 1800s, but it was the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) that popularized them in 1902 with their iconic "Barnum's Animals" box. The package featured a circus train car design and a string handle, making it resemble a little cage. This design was a nod to the fact that animal crackers were often sold as a novelty item at circuses and zoo concession stands.

Over the years, animal crackers have taken on many forms, with different brands offering unique animal shapes and flavors. Some of the most common animal shapes include lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and monkeys. In recent years, there has been a push for more diverse and exotic animal shapes, such as pandas, koalas, and penguins.

Fun fact: In 2018, after pressure from animal rights activists, Nabisco redesigned its packaging to show the animals roaming free instead of being confined in a circus train car. This change was meant to reflect evolving attitudes towards animal welfare.

To celebrate National Animal Crackers Day, why not indulge in a box of your favorite animal-shaped crackers? You could also get creative and use them in recipes, like crumbling them over ice cream or using them as a crust for a whimsical cheesecake. For a fun activity, you could even host an animal cracker-themed party, complete with animal-shaped decorations and games.

So, let's raise a box of animal crackers to this delightfully odd holiday and celebrate the joy these tiny, edible creatures bring to snack time!
2025-04-18T09:51:36.882Z