Animal Crackers Completely Changed Their Iconic Packaging For This Awesome Reason

Even though you can buy animal crackers by the gallon these days, most people know the popular snack cracker by its iconic red box. However, that exact box is about to undergo a makeover, making it look much different from what you’ve been used to.

Mondelez International, also known as the parent company of Nabisco, issued a redesign for a change that’s minor, but still very important. Now, the animals featured on the box aren’t in cages! This is reportedly because, back in 2016, PETA contacted Mondelez to ask the company to “show animals who are free to roam in their natural habitats,” according to GrubStreet.

The original animal cracker boxes were modeled after the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus, which is unfortunately known for treating their circus animals (especially the elephants) in a cruel manner. PETA, especially, referred to the circus as the “cruelest show on Earth” and worked for years to get it shut down. And — they actually did. After 36 years of protest, Ringing Brothers closed its operations in 2017. While it was a win for the animals, PETA figured its next step would be making sure the animals on the cracker box have the same type of freedom.

Even though it’s a little sad to see something so classic change, the redesign is actually a huge improvement.

As you can see, the animals are no longer locked away in cages. Instead, they’re free to explore as nature intended. And they even look a lot happier, too.

This is definitely a reason to pick up a box of animal crackers during your next grocery trip. It’s a nostalgic treat, and the redesign will help brighten up any pantry.

Speaking of animal crackers, do you remember circus animals? We’re so obsessed with this childhood favorite cookie that we created an entire cheesecake inspired by it.

YUM!