Long before the iconic circus-themed box became a grocery store staple, a Pennsylvania bakery was already producing animal crackers for American consumers. Stauffers, founded in York, Pennsylvania in 1871, was the first company to make animal crackers in the United States, predating the famous Barnum’s brand by decades.
The history of this beloved snack stretches back even further to England, where animal crackers were first created during the mid-1800s before being imported to American shores. What many consumers may not realize is that the snack they associate with circus imagery actually has roots in a small Pennsylvania biscuit company that built its business one wheelbarrow at a time.
The Origins of Animal Crackers in America
David F. Stauffer began producing crackers in York, Pennsylvania in 1871, establishing what would become the D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company. The business started small, with Stauffer initially delivering his products by wheelbarrow to local customers. As demand grew, the company expanded its distribution methods to horse-drawn wagons and eventually railroad shipments.
In those early days, the purchasing experience was quite different from today. Crackers were sold from large barrels, and customers would buy them by weight rather than in pre-packaged boxes. This was the standard method of selling baked goods during that era, long before individual packaging became the norm.
The company, now known simply as Stauffers, continues to produce animal crackers featuring beloved shapes including elephants, lions, camels, bears and tigers. These same animal figures have delighted children and adults alike for over 150 years.
From England to American Grocery Shelves
Animal crackers were first made in England during the mid-1800s. The treats were imported to the United States before domestic production began. When David F. Stauffer started his biscuit company in Pennsylvania, he brought this English tradition to American manufacturing.
The D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company became a pioneer in American animal cracker production, establishing the snack as a staple in households across the nation. The company’s location in York, Pennsylvania proved strategic for distribution, allowing access to major markets through the expanding railroad system of the late 1800s.
The Rise of Barnum’s and the Iconic Circus Box
Decades after Stauffers began producing animal crackers, Nabisco, formerly known as the National Biscuit Company, introduced its own version with a distinctive marketing approach. Barnum’s Animal Crackers was inspired by the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the packaging was designed to resemble a Christmas ornament.
The circus-themed box with its string handle became one of the most recognizable food packages in American history. The design allowed children to carry the box like a small container, turning the snack into both a treat and a toy.
As one consumer recalled about the Barnum’s box, “As a little girl, I would always feel super cool carrying this box around the grocery store. It was like a little purse to me.”
Another person noted that the product “Brings back so many memories.”
Despite the popularity of Barnum’s distinctive packaging, Stauffers had already been serving American consumers for years before this circus-themed competitor arrived on grocery shelves.
What We Know So Far
The confirmed timeline of animal crackers in America begins with their creation in England during the mid-1800s. David F. Stauffer founded his biscuit company in York, Pennsylvania in 1871, making it the first American producer of animal crackers.
Stauffers grew from a wheelbarrow delivery operation to a regional business using horse-drawn wagons and railroad shipments. The company remained in continuous operation and today functions as a subsidiary of Meiji America Inc. while maintaining its headquarters in York, Pennsylvania.
Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animal Crackers decades after Stauffers had already established the product in the American market, though the exact year of the Barnum’s introduction has not been specified.
The Animal Cracker Market Today
The animal cracker category has expanded significantly since Stauffers first began production. Current brands selling animal crackers include Nabisco, Stauffers, Trader Joe’s and Costco, among others. Each brand offers its own take on the classic snack, though the basic concept of animal-shaped crackers remains unchanged.
Stauffers has maintained its presence in the market through corporate changes. The company is now a subsidiary of Meiji America Inc., a connection that has allowed the historic brand to continue operations while benefiting from larger corporate resources. Despite this ownership change, Stauffers remains headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, the same city where David F. Stauffer first began his biscuit-making venture in 1871.
A Pennsylvania Legacy
York, Pennsylvania holds a unique place in American food history as the birthplace of domestic animal cracker production. The city served as the launching point for what would become a beloved national snack, with David F. Stauffer’s small bakery operation growing into a significant regional manufacturer.
The evolution from barrel sales by weight to modern packaged products reflects broader changes in American food retail. What began as a simple cracker sold in bulk quantities became a branded consumer product with distinct packaging and marketing approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made animal crackers first in America?
Stauffers, founded by David F. Stauffer in York, Pennsylvania in 1871, was the first company to produce animal crackers in the United States. The company operated decades before Barnum’s entered the market.
Where did animal crackers originally come from?
Animal crackers were first made in England during the mid-1800s. They were imported to the United States before American companies like Stauffers began domestic production.
Is Stauffers still in business today?
Yes, Stauffers continues to operate as a subsidiary of Meiji America Inc. The company remains headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, the same location where it was founded in 1871.
What animal shapes are in Stauffers animal crackers?
Stauffers animal crackers feature shapes including elephants, lions, camels, bears and tigers.
Why is the Barnum’s box shaped like that?
The Barnum’s Animal Crackers box was designed to resemble a Christmas ornament and was inspired by the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The distinctive design with a string handle allowed children to carry it easily.
The history of animal crackers in America demonstrates how a single Pennsylvania bakery helped establish a snack tradition that continues to this day. While Barnum’s circus-themed packaging may dominate public recognition, Stauffers holds the distinction of being the original American producer, a legacy that began in 1871 and continues through its current operations in York, Pennsylvania.
