The Origins of Animal Crackers in America

When many people in the U.S. think of animal crackers, they likely envision the red box from Barnum’s. However, that wasn’t the first version to hit the market here.

Before Barnum’s became a classic, a bakery in Pennsylvania was making these fun snacks after they had already gained popularity in other countries.

According to sources, animal crackers originated in England in the mid-1800s and were eventually brought to the United States.

Baker David F. Stauffer began crafting these crackers in York, Pennsylvania, in 1871 under what we now recognize as the DF Stauffer Biscuit Company. Back then, customers would buy them by weight from large barrels rather than in individual packaging. As demand grew, Stauffer switched from using handcarts for deliveries to horse-drawn carts and railway transport.

The company still makes classic animal-shaped crackers, featuring designs like elephants, lions, bears, and tigers.

Stauffer’s is now part of Meiji America, Inc. and continues to be based in York while producing snack items in the U.S.

It would be years later when the National Biscuit Company, known today as Nabisco, introduced its version—Barnum’s Animal Crackers. Inspired by the beloved Barnum & Bailey Circus, these snacks come in the trademark Circus Train Box, which resembles a festive ornament.

An immediate hit, these crackers have become a staple in grocery stores, being recognized as one of America’s favorite snacks.

Over the years, animal crackers have been a family tradition, with various brands like Nabisco, Stauffer’s, Trader Joe’s, and Costco offering their own takes on this nostalgic treat.

On social media, many users fondly reminisced about their memories linked to these snacks. One person shared, “As a little girl, I always felt so cool carrying this box around at the grocery store. It was like a little wallet to me.” Another added, “Brings back so many memories.”