Stauffer’s Celebrates 150 Years of Tradition and Snacking Fun

Stauffer’s Animal Crackers are a favorite American snack that can be found in stores all over the country. These snacks were created 150 years ago and have been enjoyed by many generations.

The year 1871 saw some historic moments: Orville Wright was born, the Great Chicago Fire broke out, the first Major League Baseball game was played in America, and Stauffer’s®, the PA-based baker of the iconic Original Animal Cracker was founded.

Just in time for National Animal Cracker Day on April 18, Stauffer’s is celebrating 150 years of making snack time entertaining for the young and young at heart, as well as the fans, customers, and employees that have made Stauffer’s the #1 Brand of Animal Crackers in America*.

“For the past 150 years, Stauffer’s has been part of families snacking fun, and we are extremely proud that we continue to make Animal Crackers and snacks that America knows and loves,” said Annabelle Lopez, Associate Product Manager at Stauffer’s. “Every day, we receive pictures of grandparents, parents, and kids of all ages playing with our Animal Crackers and spending quality time together. And that’s what fuels us to innovate and keep delivering delicious snacks that provide hours of fun.”

Related Article: Learn How to Make Your Own Snacks

To mark this milestone, Stauffer’s is releasing a limited-edition Commemorative Bear Jug packaging featuring a nostalgic label. The label pays homage to Stauffer’s NIFTY® packaging from the 1800s, and pairs it with the iconic bear jug recognized by cracker-loving families. The collectable 150th Anniversary Bear Jugs (Original and Chocolate) will be available in retailers nationwide early this summer.

The company, founded by David F. Stauffer, has evolved since its humble beginnings, but the company has stayed true to its roots by remaining in its York, PA-based headquarters, which has helped Central Pennsylvania become known as the Snack Food Capital of the World.

Over the years, the company has added full lines of baked snacks including the popular Ginger Snaps, Whales® Baked Cheddar Crackers, seasonal favorites, and more – all made in the U.S.A. Now a division of the Meiji Co. LTD. of Japan, their products can be found on shelves across the nation.

Beyond this milestone, the future looks bright for Stauffer’s. The company continues to innovate by using simple ingredients in their products, and Stauffer’s is looking to go completely peanut-free later this year.

Stauffer’s is also looking to use resealable pouches for some of their products, giving customers the convenience of snacking now and saving for later.

“Over the past century and a half, you can imagine the product feedback we have received from our loyal fans and customers,” said Ken Vlazny, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “And I’m proud to say we have listened as we continue to innovate based on consumers’ needs.  Their input is why past and future generations continue to enjoy the beloved Animal Cracker and our other baked snacks.”