Andy Montoya
Cheez-Its are a brand of cheese crackers manufactured by Kellanova through its Sunshine Biscuits division. They were introduced in 1921 and are made with wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices. While the original Cheez-Its are made with real cheese, there is also a variety made with 100% real cheddar cheese, called Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cheez-It |
| Manufacturer | Kellanova through its Sunshine Biscuits division |
| Type | Cheese crackers |
| Ingredients | Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), folic acid), vegetable oil (high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola oil with TBHQ for freshness), cheese made with skim milk (skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto extract color), salt |
| Variants | Original, White Cheddar, Extra Cheesy |
| Shape | Square with rigid edges and a hole in the middle |
| Taste | Cheesy, crunchy, salty |
| User Reviews | Varied reviews, some stating that the crackers taste burnt and have less cheese powder than before |
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$12.96
What You'll Learn
- Cheez-It crackers are manufactured by Kellanova through its Sunshine Biscuits division
- The crackers are made with wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices
- Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers are made with 100% real cheddar cheese
- Cheez-Its are marketed as a baked rarebit, referencing melted cheese on toast
- Some consumers have noticed a decrease in the amount of cheese powder on their Cheez-Its
Cheez-It crackers are manufactured by Kellanova through its Sunshine Biscuits division
Cheez-It crackers were first introduced on March 31, 1921, by Weston Green, the founder of the Green & Green Company in Dayton, Ohio. The company produced a variety of baked snack foods, including Dayton crackers, graham crackers, and gingersnaps. Cheez-It crackers were marketed as a "baked rarebit", a reference to a dish of melted cheese over toast.
Today, Cheez-It crackers are still made with real cheese, including cheddar cheese in some varieties. The crackers are rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 26 by 24 mm, and are known for their square shape, rigid edges, and hole in the middle. They are often described as crunchy and crispy, with a bold, cheesy taste.
The ingredients in Cheez-It crackers include enriched flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices. The cheese used is made with skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, and annatto extract colour. The vegetable oil used is typically soybean, palm, and/or canola oil with TBHQ for freshness.
Cheez-It crackers have become a popular snack item, often enjoyed during family movie nights, as a lunch snack, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They are conveniently packed in lunchboxes and backpacks.
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The crackers are made with wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices
Cheez-It crackers are made with a variety of ingredients, including wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices. The wheat flour provides the base for the dough, giving the crackers their structure and texture. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and folic acid, to enhance its nutritional value.
Vegetable oil is used as a source of fat in the crackers, contributing to their crispy texture and mouthfeel. The specific types of vegetable oils used can include soybean oil, palm oil, canola oil, or a combination of these, ensuring the desired flavour and consistency. The cheese, of course, is a key ingredient, providing the distinctive cheesy flavour that Cheez-Its are known for. The cheese used is made with skim milk, which is milk with the cream removed, reducing the fat content. This skim milk is combined with whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, and annatto extract colour to create the final cheese product.
The addition of salt enhances the flavour of the crackers, bringing out the cheesiness and making them more savoury. Spices are also included in the ingredient list, though the specific spices used are not disclosed. These spices likely add depth and complexity to the flavour profile of Cheez-Its. While the exact recipe has likely evolved over time, the combination of these core ingredients—wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices—forms the foundation of the iconic Cheez-It crackers that have become a popular snack choice.
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Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers are made with 100% real cheddar cheese
Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers are a delicious, crunchy snack made with 100% real cheddar cheese. They are a fan-favorite for a reason! These mouth-watering crackers are baked to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The secret to their irresistible taste lies in the use of high-quality, authentic cheddar cheese, which sets them apart from other crackers.
The history of Cheez-It crackers dates back to 1921 when the Green & Green Company introduced them as "baked rarebit," a nod to the classic dish of melted cheese over toast. Over the years, the crackers have maintained their iconic square shape with rigid edges and a hole in the middle, becoming a beloved snack for people of all ages.
The White Cheddar variety, in particular, has gained immense popularity due to its use of real cheddar cheese. Each bite-sized cracker is carefully crafted with a blend of enriched flour, vegetable oil, and, of course, the star ingredient—white cheddar cheese. The cheese is made with milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
These crackers offer a delightful sensory experience, stimulating your taste buds with a burst of cheesy goodness. They are also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for family movie nights, lunchtime snacks, or even on-the-go treats. Whether you enjoy them straight from the box or get creative with dips and spreads, Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers are a convenient and tasty snack option. So, whether you're packing lunchboxes for your kids or indulging in a cheesy afternoon pick-me-up, these crackers are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Cheez-Its are marketed as a baked rarebit, referencing melted cheese on toast
Cheez-Its are a popular cheese cracker manufactured by Kellanova's Sunshine Biscuits division. They were first introduced in 1921 by the Green & Green Company, which was later acquired by Sunshine Biscuits. The company initially marketed the crackers as a "baked rarebit", referencing a dish of melted cheese on toast. This positioning emphasized the cheesy, baked nature of the snack.
The marketing of Cheez-Its as a baked rarebit was a clever strategy, as it evoked the image of a comforting, indulgent dish. Melted cheese on toast is a classic, simple comfort food enjoyed by many. By associating Cheez-Its with this dish, the company highlighted the crackers' potential to provide a satisfying, cheesy experience.
The "baked" aspect of the marketing angle also served a purpose. Baking suggests a slower, more artisanal process than other methods, like frying. This positioning may have implied a certain level of craftsmanship and quality in the creation of Cheez-Its, elevating them above a typical fried snack.
Furthermore, the "rarebit" reference added a touch of whimsy and intrigue to the product. The term "rarebit" is not commonly used, so it may have piqued consumers' curiosity and created a sense of novelty around the crackers. This marketing tactic could have encouraged trial and helped establish Cheez-Its as a unique and desirable snack option.
Over the years, Cheez-Its have become a beloved snack, with many fans praising their cheesy flavour. The crackers are made with 100% real cheese, including cheddar, and are known for their square shape, rigid edges, and the distinctive hole in the middle. While the recipe may have undergone some adjustments, the core appeal of Cheez-Its remains rooted in their cheesy, crunchy satisfaction, true to their initial marketing as a baked rarebit.
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Some consumers have noticed a decrease in the amount of cheese powder on their Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its are cheese crackers manufactured by Kellanova through its Sunshine Biscuits division. They were introduced in 1921 and are made with wheat flour, vegetable oil, cheese, skim milk, salt, and spices.
It is worth noting that not all consumers have noticed a decrease in cheese powder, and some batches may have more powder than others. Additionally, some consumers have suggested that the change in taste may be due to the crackers being over-toasted or browned.
While the exact reason for the perceived decrease in cheese powder is unclear, it is possible that the company has made changes to the recipe or manufacturing process. It is also possible that there may be variations in the amount of cheese powder present in different batches of Cheez-Its.
Despite the mixed reviews, Cheez-Its remain a popular snack, and some consumers have suggested trying the extra cheesy or spicy varieties for a more intense flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cheez-Its are made with 100% real cheese, including cheddar cheese in their White Cheddar flavor.
Cheez-Its are made with enriched flour, vegetable oil, cheese made with skim milk, and a touch of salt.
Cheez-Its are not a healthy snack. They are high in salt, fat, and calories. However, they are a tasty and crunchy snack option for those who enjoy cheese crackers.
