Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Discover everything you need to know before purchasing Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for healthy, kid-friendly snacks to keep my children fueled and happy. Recently, I came across Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers at my local grocery store and decided to give them a try. My kids absolutely loved them! The fun animal shapes, lightly sweet taste, and wholesome ingredients made these crackers an instant hit in our household.

If you’re considering trying Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers for your own family, this buying guide will give you all the details you need to make an informed purchasing decision. I’ll cover the key factors like ingredients, nutrition information, where to buy, cost, comparisons to similar products, and what other real customers had to say after trying these crackers themselves. Let’s dive in!

An Overview of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Wellsley Farms is the premium private label brand for the grocery chain BJ’s Wholesale Club. The company prides itself on using simple, high-quality ingredients in all of its products, including its baked goods like cookies and crackers.

The Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers come in a 28 oz plastic container with a resealable lid. The fun shapes like elephants, lions, bears, and tigers make these crackers appealing for kids of all ages. Unlike some competing brands, Wellsley Farms states that its animal crackers contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.

Ingredients in Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Here is the full ingredient list printed on the Animal Crackers label:

• Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) – This enriched white flour adds structure and texture.
• Sugar – Granulated cane sugar adds sweetness.
• Palm oil – Adds moisture and binding.
• Invert sugar – Helps retain moisture to keep the crackers crisp.
• Salt – For flavor.
• Leavening (baking soda) – Helps the crackers rise during baking.
• Soy lecithin – An emulsifier that improves texture.
• Natural flavors – For taste.

The short ingredient list is free from concerning additives like high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. The crackers are not organic, but they appear to avoid many unwanted synthetic ingredients.

Are Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Gluten-Free?

No, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers are not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour. The enriched flour is the first ingredient listed, so these crackers are not suitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

For a gluten-free animal cracker alternative, I would suggest looking for products made with alternate flours like rice flour or almond flour. Taste the Difference and Lucy’s are two gluten-free brands that offer animal cracker options.

Where to Buy Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Wellsley Farms products are exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club stores. You can find Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers at any of the over 200 BJ’s locations across the Eastern United States.

You must have a paid BJ’s membership to shop in-store. However, it is possible to purchase Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers online through the BJ’s website without a membership by paying a non-member surcharge. BJ’s offers free shipping on online orders over $75.

So if you don’t live near a physical BJ’s store, online ordering is a convenient way to get your hands on these exclusive crackers!

Cost of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

A 28 oz plastic container of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers typically costs around $5.99 – $6.99 at BJ’s Club stores.

When purchased online, the price is similar but a non-member surcharge and shipping fees will apply. The surcharge is usually around 15% of the product cost.

Compared to otheranimal cracker brands, this puts Wellsley Farms on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Name brands like Stauffer’s or Barnum’s can cost $1-3 more for a similar sized box.

For the ingredient quality and taste, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers offer excellent value at under $7 a box. The resealable container helps keep the crackers fresh and crunchy too.

Are Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Made with Whole Grains?

The primary flour used in Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers is enriched white flour, not a whole grain flour. So these crackers do not qualify as whole grain snacks.

However, enriched flour still offers some nutritional benefits. The enrichment process adds back nutrients like iron, thiamine, and folic acid that are lost when the bran and germ are removed from wheat to make white flour.

For an animal cracker with whole grains, I would suggest trying Back to Nature’s Cheddar or Graham options. They contain whole wheat flour and oats.

Sugar and Sweeteners in Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Based on the ingredient list, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers contain two forms of sugar:

• Granulated cane sugar – This is plain white sugar derived from cane plants. It contributes sweetness with no added fructose.
• Invert sugar – A combination of glucose and fructose produced by splitting sucrose (table sugar) into its two component sugars. It helps retain moisture.

The crackers do not contain any added corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or sugar substitutes. The sweetness comes purely from natural cane sugar and invert sugar.

Calories and Nutrition in Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Here is the nutrition information per 1 serving (about 42g or 17 crackers):

• Calories – 160
• Total Fat – 5g
• Saturated Fat – 2.5g
• Trans Fat – 0g
• Cholesterol – 0mg
• Sodium – 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates – 25g
• Dietary Fiber – 0g
• Total Sugars – 9g
• Added Sugars – 9g
• Protein – 2g

The calorie count is on par with other animal cracker brands, averaging 150-170 calories per serving. Each serving provides 25g of carbohydrates, largely from enriched flour and sugar.

There is minimal fiber and protein. The 9g of sugar per serving come entirely from added sugars naturally present in cane sugar and invert sugar.

Are Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Vegan?

Yes, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers are vegan friendly. The ingredient list does not contain any animal-derived ingredients like milk, eggs, or honey.

The “natural flavors” are likely derived from plant sources. Palm oil, although controversial, is vegan.

So if you follow a vegan or plant-based diet, you can enjoy these classic animal crackers without compromise!

Are Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Nut-Free?

Wellsley Farms confirmed that their recipe for Animal Crackers is nut-free. The crackers do not contain peanuts, tree nuts, or coconut.

This makes Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers a good choice for school, daycares, or environments where nut allergies are a concern. You can send your child with a pack of these crackers without worry.

Shelf Life of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

Unopened, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers have a shelf life of about 9 months from the packaging date.

Once opened, the crackers will stay fresh for 2-3 weeks if properly stored in the sealed container. Keep them at room temperature in a dry pantry or cupboard.

The saturated fat from palm oil and the low moisture content allow the crackers to maintain crispness and prevent early spoilage. Discard any uneaten portions that lose their crunch or taste stale.

Comparing Wellsley Farms vs. Stauffer’s Animal Crackers

Stauffer’s is perhaps the most well-known brand of animal crackers on the market. Here’s how Wellsley Farms stacks up against the popular Stauffer’s version:

• Ingredients – Stauffer’s contains high fructose corn syrup as the second ingredient. Wellsley Farms does not.
• Flavor – Both offer classic slightly sweet vanilla flavor. Stauffer’s may be a touch sweeter.
• Shapes – Both have animal shapes like elephants, bears, and lions. Wellsley Farms has a few more intricate shapes.
• Texture – Stauffer’s tend to be lighter and crispier. Wellsley Farms are denser with a bit more “bite”.
• Cost – Wellsley Farms is about $1-2 cheaper per box compared to Stauffer’s.

Overall, consumers looking for a classic animal cracker at a lower price point may prefer Wellsley Farms. Those wanting a lighter texture and more sugar/honey notes may prefer Stauffer’s.

Are Bulk Sizes Available?

Unfortunately Wellsley Farms does not offer its Animal Crackers in bulk sizes beyond the 28 oz container.

The largest pack is the single 28 oz plastic jar. Some other brands sell their animal crackers in bigger cardboard boxes, but Wellsley Farms only has the one size option.

If you want to buy in bulk for a classroom, birthday party, etc., your best bet is to purchase multiple 28 oz jars at once. Stock up during a sale or with coupons to get the best bulk value.

Do Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Contain Dairy?

The ingredient list confirms Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers are dairy-free. They do not contain milk, whey, yogurt, or any other milk-derived ingredients.

This makes Wellsley Farms a good option for children or adults with milk allergies. You can enjoy milk-free treats without having to check labels or contact manufacturers to confirm dairy status.

Are Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers Healthy for Kids?

Here are some key factors that support Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers as a healthy snack choice for kids:

• No high fructose corn syrup
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Uses cane sugar instead of corn syrup as sweetener
• Short ingredient list with recognizable ingredients
• Contains no major allergens aside from wheat
• Fun shapes and flavors appeal to kids’ tastes
• Portable individual packs for lunches or on-the-go

In moderation, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers can be part of a balanced diet for kids. They offer a better nutritional profile than many mainstream processed snacks.

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

Scouring through buyer comments on the BJ’s website, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers receive consistently positive feedback. Here are some common themes in customer reviews:

• Kids love the fun animal shapes and sweet vanilla taste. The crackers are very much comparable to bigger name brands.
• The ingredients and nutrition label are cleaner than expected with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial additives. Shoppers feel good about choosing this snack.
• The 28 oz tub provides lasting value compared to smaller packages of other brands. Great for families.
• Adults enjoy snacking on these too – they bring back nostalgia of eating animal crackers as a kid.
• They have a nice even crunch and don’t turn soggy easily. The plastic tub helps prolong freshness.

Using Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers in Desserts

The light crisp texture of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers makes them a fun and versatile ingredient for recipes beyond snacking alone. Some delicious ways to use them in desserts include:

• Crush them up to make a cheesecake crust or pie crust. The subtly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with creamy fillings.
• Use them as a topping on ice cream – either whole crackers or crushed as streusel. Kids will love the whimsical animals and crunch.
• Make critter-themed Rice Krispie treats by substituting crushed animal crackers for the Rice Krispies. Super cute!
• Dip the crackers in melted chocolate or candy coatings for handmade candy treats. Adorable party favors kids will adore.
• Crumble them over banana pudding, dirt pudding cups, or no-bake chocolate oatmeal bars.

Let your imagination run wild with these versatile animal cracker cookies!

Availability at BJ’s Wholesale Club

As a Wellsley Farms exclusive product, you can find Animal Crackers at any BJ’s Wholesale Club location that carries the Wellsley Farms food brand in store.

Not every location may have them in stock consistently, but you can check with your local store ahead of time to confirm. The BJ’s website will also display stock status by store online.

If your store is out of stock, you can ask the manager to order a case for you. Or opt to buy online and have them shipped directly to your home!

Fun Animal Shapes

One of the biggest appeals of animal crackers is of course the whimsical shapes. Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers feature a diverse menagerie of animals including:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Tigers
• Bears
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Monkeys
• Kangaroos
• Camels
• Pandas
• Hippos
• Rhinos

Kids will have fun picking out their favorite animals from the mix. There’s also a good variety – some classic circus animals along with more exotic zoo creatures like hippos and pandas.

No High Fructose Corn Syrup

A major advantage of Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers compared to big name brands like Stauffer’s is the absence of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

You won’t find any HFCS, corn syrup, or corn syrup solids in the ingredient list. The main sweetener is regular granulated cane sugar.

Many health-conscious parents try to avoid giving their kids snacks loaded with HFCS. So Wellsley Farms makes an excellent choice if you’re looking to avoid excess corn syrup.

Non-GMO Claim

Wellsley Farms does not make any claims about the GMO status of their Animal Crackers. The packaging and website do not state that the crackers are made with non-GMO ingredients.

However, since the only high-risk GMO ingredients would be corn or soy, we can deduce the crackers are likely non-GMO by default based on the ingredients. They don’t contain corn, corn syrup, soybean oil, or other potentially GMO-derived products.

But without an official non-GMO certification from Wellsley Farms, we can’t know for absolute certain. If avoiding GMOs is critical for your family, certified organic animal crackers would be a better guarantee.

The Final Verdict on Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers

After taking a thorough look at the ingredients, nutrition info, cost, and reviews – I can safely say that Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers are an excellent choice for families seeking a classic animal cracker snack.

They provide wholesome ingredients like enriched flour, sugar, and palm oil without any artificial junk. The cute animal shapes and lightly sweet taste make them just as fun to eat as the leading brands. And the value pricing at BJ’s Club stores seals the deal.

While not organic, non-GMO, or gluten-free – these animal crackers are free from corn syrup, artificial anything, nuts, and dairy. On top of that, real customers report their kids absolutely love the experience of munching on charming animal shapes.

For parents wanting to pack a nostalgic, better-for-you snack in their child’s lunchbox, break out the box at birthday parties, or keep bellies satisfied on road trips, Wellsley Farms Animal Crackers deliver. Pick up a tub on your next trip to BJ’s and let your kids enjoy this classic treat!