National Animal Crackers Day 🦒

Overview

National Animal Crackers Day, observed annually on April 18th, celebrates the iconic, animal-shaped cookies that have been a beloved snack for generations. It's a day to appreciate these crunchy, sweet treats, often associated with childhood memories and their distinctive circus-themed packaging, whether enjoyed on their own or with a glass of milk.

Origin and story

Animal crackers were first introduced by the National Biscuit Company (later Nabisco) in 1902.

The crackers were originally named "Barnum's Animals Crackers," paying homage to the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Quick facts

• DateApril 18
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

The circus-wagon box with a string on top wasn't designed to hold cookies for long — it was built as a Christmas tree ornament, and Nabisco sold out its entire first run within a month of releasing it in 1902.

Snack like it's 1902

Celebrate by:

• Eating an actual box of animal crackers today, the classic circus-box kind if you can find it.
• Naming every animal shape you can identify without looking at the box.

See the real backstory

Helpful resources:

• After 116 Years, Animal Crackers Have Been Freed From Their Cages (Smithsonian Magazine)

Did you know?

For more than a century, Nabisco used roughly 8,000 miles of string every year just to finish the boxes' iconic circus-car look.

Fun facts

• Animal crackers were first introduced by the National Biscuit Company (later Nabisco) in 1902.
• The crackers were originally named "Barnum's Animals Crackers," paying homage to the Barnum and Bailey Circus.
• In 2018, Nabisco updated the packaging to depict cage-free animals roaming in a savanna, a change made in collaboration with PETA.

Sources and attribution

After 116 Years, Animal Crackers Have Been Freed From Their Cages (Smithsonian Magazine)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Animal Crackers Day?

It is observed on April 18 each year.

What is National Animal Crackers Day?

National Animal Crackers Day, observed annually on April 18th, celebrates the iconic, animal-shaped cookies that have been a beloved snack for generations. It's a day to appreciate these crunchy, sweet treats, often associated with childhood memories and their distinctive circus-themed packaging, whether enjoyed on their own or with a glass of milk.

How do people celebrate National Animal Crackers Day?

Eat a classic circus-box of animal crackers and see how many animal shapes you can name without peeking at the box.

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