National Animal Cracker Day

A child sitting at a picnic table, wearing a party hat, surrounded by animal crackers in different shapes and sizes.. — National animal cracker day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Animal Cracker Day! Get ready to embark on a sweet and crunchy journey that will have you reminiscing about childhood memories and maybe even sneaking a snack or two. Whether you're a dunker or a nibbler, this is the day to celebrate these iconic little treats. So grab a box, put on your party hat, and let's dive into the fascinating history behind National Animal Cracker Day!

When is Animal Cracker Day?

It's national animal cracker day on the 18th April.

The Origins of National Animal Cracker Day

Did you know that animal crackers have been around for over a century? These delightful biscuits made their debut in the late 19th century and quickly became a beloved snack among both kids and adults. But it wasn't until April 18, 2017, that National Animal Cracker Day officially came to be. With 735 mentions online, it's safe to say that people were excited to celebrate this deliciously cute day!

How to Celebrate National Animal Cracker Day

Now that you know the history behind National Animal Cracker Day, it's time to get down to the important part: how to celebrate! Here are a few fun suggestions to make the most of this special day:

Host an animal cracker tasting party: Invite your friends over and have a blast sampling different flavors and brands of animal crackers. You can even have a blind taste test to see who can identify the most varieties!
Create a DIY animal cracker recipe: If you're feeling adventurous, gather up your baking supplies and whip up a batch of homemade animal crackers. Get creative with shapes and decorate them with colorful icing for an extra special touch!
Organize an animal cracker-themed photo shoot: Gather up your favorite animal crackers and stage a cute and whimsical photoshoot. Your social media followers will surely appreciate the adorable snaps!
Share the love: Don't forget to spread the joy of National Animal Cracker Day with your loved ones. Surprise them with a box of animal crackers or organize a fun animal cracker-themed gift exchange. The possibilities are endless!

Did You Know?

Did you know that animal crackers were originally made with a small string attached? The idea was to hang them on Christmas trees as edible ornaments. Talk about a unique decoration idea!

History behind the term 'Animal Cracker'

1871

Invention of the Animal Cracker

In 1871, the animal cracker was created by a British biscuit manufacturer named Pearson's Company. Originally known as 'Barnum's Animal Crackers,' they were inspired by the traveling circuses of the time. The crackers were shaped like various animals, including lions, elephants, zebras, and tigers.

1902

Introduction to the United States

In 1902, the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) introduced Barnum's Animal Crackers to the United States. They quickly became popular among children and adults alike. The convenient packaging made them a convenient and portable snack, perfect for lunchboxes and on-the-go consumption.

1905

The Iconic Animal Cracker Box

In 1905, Nabisco introduced the iconic animal cracker box. The box resembled a circus train car, complete with a string handle and a small door that could be opened to access the crackers. This unique packaging added an element of playfulness and made the animal crackers even more appealing to children.

1967

String Handle Removal

In 1967, the string handle on the animal cracker boxes was removed. This change was made to meet new safety regulations and to prevent potential choking hazards. Although the string handle was gone, the familiar circus train car box design continued to be used for many years.

2018

Animal Cracker Freedom

In 2018, after facing pressure from animal rights organizations, including PETA, Nabisco decided to redesign the animal cracker box. The new box depicted the animals roaming freely in a grassland, rather than being confined to circus cages. The change aimed to reflect changing attitudes towards animal welfare and received positive feedback from both consumers and advocacy groups.

Did you know?

Did you know that animal crackers were originally made with a small string attached? The idea was to hang them on Christmas trees as edible ornaments. Talk about a unique decoration idea!