I Tried the New Goldfish Protein Crackers — And They're Delicious
The new Goldfish variety will be available beginning in October.
Like many people, I grew up eating Goldfish as a child. Back in the early 2000s, the only decision I had to make was whether I wanted them in the standard Goldfish shape or in that of Mickey Mouse. These days, the brand is a bit trendier. Case in point: It just added protein crackers to its lineup.
When I first read this news, I thought, "Protein Goldfish, really?" But I didn't want to knock it until I tried it. Let's just say I'll add both flavors to my shopping cart in a heartbeat.
What is Goldfish Protein?
Goldfish Protein is exactly what it sounds like — Goldfish with more protein. Compared to a traditional serving of Goldfish, which contains three grams, this version has six. The brand has slightly changed the flour-to-cheese ratio from the original recipe and added more dairy solids to give the crackers a higher protein content.
"Protein has become a bigger priority for many families, whether it's after school, between activities or on the go," Tiphanie Maronta, senior vice president of Goldfish Crackers, says in a statement. "Goldfish made with 6g of Protein is our way of meeting that need with a snack that's both delicious and familiar."
For what it's worth, Cheez-It also announced a protein-boosted version of its Original crackers today. Each serving contains seven grams of protein compared to three in the standard kind.
Goldfish Protein is available in both Cheddar and Pizza flavors, and both contain six grams of protein per serving. They're also free from both artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup, so you can feel better about eating them (or at least I do).
How does Goldfish Protein taste?
I decided to try both new flavors, assuming they'd taste exactly the same as the classic versions. Well, that's not the case — but not in a bad way. You can still tell they're Goldfish, with the brand's signature cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. I found my hand going back in the pouch until I nearly finished it in one sitting.
From my experience, the real difference was in the aftertaste. They didn't have the same tangy aftertaste that you expect from Goldfish. It's hard to describe, but it's not as biting and sharp. Not bad, just not the same experience as classic Goldfish.
Personally, I preferred the Pizza flavor because it tasted more like the original than the Cheddar. I had my friends try them, too, and they couldn't tell which was classic Goldfish and which was Goldfish Protein, so I consider that a win.
Would I give these to kids? Probably not — kids would probably notice the slight change in flavor and texture more than an adult. Plus, kids don't need as much protein as adults.
I think the new Goldfish are a perfect addition to any snack cabinet if you're looking to sneak in more protein without really thinking much about it. In my opinion, they'd even taste great as a crumble on top of macaroni and cheese (yum).
Where can you buy Goldfish Protein?
Goldfish Protein is set to debut at Walmart and other grocery stores this month before expanding to retailers nationwide in early 2027. The 6.6-ounce packages will be priced at $3.99.
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