Patrick Oconnell
Combos, officially known as Combos Stuffed Snacks, are a popular snack food distributed by Mars, Incorporated and sold throughout North America. They were first released in the early 1980s and are available in a variety of flavors and forms, including pretzel, cracker, and tortilla. One of the standard flavors offered by Combos is Cheddar Cheese, which comes in both pretzel and cracker forms. The cheddar cheese flavor has received mixed reviews, with some customers finding them addictive, while others have expressed concerns about the amount of filling and cheese content. In 2013, a factory maintenance report addressed an issue with a citrus-like flavor present in the Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and Cheddar Cheese Cracker fillers, which was due to a clogged filter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Cheddar Cheese Pretzel, Cheddar Cheese Cracker |
| Weight | 6.3-ounce bag, 13.5-ounce bag, 1.8-ounce bag |
| Pack size | 12, 18 |
| Nutritional information | 130 calories per 1/3 cup serving, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 300 mg of sodium, 19 grams of total carbohydrates, 4 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of protein |
| Customer reviews | Addictive, good value for money, fresh, crunchy, tasty, overly salty, too much pretzel and not enough filling |
| Discontinued flavours | Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Cracker, Cheeseburger Cracker, Mustard Pretzel, Zesty Salsa Tortilla, Peanut Butter Pretzel, Peanut Butter Cracker, Seven Layer Dip Tortilla, Sweet & Salty Caramel Crème Pretzel, Sweet & Salty Vanilla Frosting Pretzel |
| Production issues | Citrus-like flavour due to clogged filter in Fanta denaturing apparatus |
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What You'll Learn
Combos are made with real cheese filling
Combos, officially known as Combos Stuffed Snacks, are a popular snack food distributed by Mars, Incorporated and sold across North America. They were first introduced in the early 1980s and have since become a well-known snack option, even gaining popularity in media and pop culture references.
Combos come in a variety of flavours and forms, including crackers, pretzels, and tortillas. One of their signature flavours is the Cheddar Cheese filling, which has a dedicated fan base. The Cheddar Cheese Combos are available in both the cracker and pretzel varieties, providing a crunchy and creamy texture combination that many consumers enjoy.
The real cheese filling in Combos is what sets them apart from other snacks. The Cheddar Cheese Combos, in particular, offer a creamy and flavourful cheddar cheese filling that complements the crunchy exterior. The cheese filling, made with real cheese, adds a savoury and indulgent touch to the snack.
While Combos are known for their unique flavour combinations, they have also faced some challenges. In 2013, there were reports of a mass illness linked to the Nacho Cheese production line, which was found to be caused by the presence of ricin gas, a byproduct of castor bean production. Additionally, there have been maintenance issues, such as clogged filters affecting the cheese colouring process and leaks in the superheated flavour gas tubes.
Despite these occasional setbacks, Combos remain a beloved snack for many, with their real cheese filling, including the signature Cheddar Cheese flavour, continuing to satisfy consumers' cravings. The brand has also shown a commitment to innovation and variety, introducing limited-edition flavours and exclusive partnerships, ensuring that Combos remain a relevant and exciting choice in the snack aisle.
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Flavours include Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and Cheddar Cheese Cracker
Combos, officially known as Combos Stuffed Snacks, are savoury snacks manufactured by Mars, Incorporated and sold across North America. They are cylindrical tubes of cracker, pretzel, or tortilla, available with various fillings. The standard flavours include Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and Cheddar Cheese Cracker, as well as Pizzeria Pretzel, Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, Buffalo Blue Cheese Pretzel, Nacho Cheese Pretzel, and Ranch Dip Pretzel. Combos have also released several limited-edition or exclusive flavours, such as Honey Sriracha Pretzel, Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel, and Jalapeño Cheddar.
The snacks are made by forming a soft, bread-like dough that is shaped into hollow tubes. The dough is then cut into bite-sized pieces, baked, cooled, and finally, filled with the desired filling. Combos are known for their unique combination of crunchy and creamy textures, as well as their salty and sweet flavours. The cheddar cheese flavour, in particular, features a creamy cheddar cheese filling encased in a pretzel or cracker tube, resulting in a dense yet satisfying snack.
While Combos have gained popularity, there have been some concerns and issues with their production. In 2013, a factory maintenance report revealed that a clogged filter in the Fanta denaturing apparatus, used to extract pure orangium molecules for cheese colouring, caused a citrus-like flavour in the Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and Cheddar Cheese Cracker fillers. Another incident involved discovering that the Nacho Cheese filling contained 65% castor oil, with ricin gas, a byproduct of castor bean production, being released directly into the factory and affecting employee health.
Despite these challenges, Combos have left a notable impact on popular culture. They have been referenced in various media, including Marvel Comics, the song "Top Floor Bottom Buzzer" by Morphine, and the character Christian "Combo" Ortega in the TV show Breaking Bad. Combos have also been discussed in podcasts such as "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" and "Amerikinda with Cory and Travis," and they were the primary sponsor of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch in 2008.
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The snacks are baked, cooled, and then filled
Combos are a popular snack food distributed by Mars, Incorporated and sold throughout North America. They were first released in the early 1980s in cracker form, followed by the pretzel form, and are also available with tortilla shells.
The process of making Combos involves forming a soft, bread-like dough that is then hollowed out into a tube shape. The dough is cut into bite-sized pieces, baked, and then cooled before being filled with various fillings. This filling step is crucial to the unique appeal of Combos, as it ensures that each bite is packed with flavour and texture.
The filling process for Combos is designed to infuse the snacks with a generous amount of flavour. The cylindrical shape of the snacks allows for a substantial filling, enhancing the taste experience. The filling is piped or injected into the baked and cooled tubes, ensuring an even distribution of flavour throughout the snack.
The filling options for Combos are diverse, ranging from classic Cheddar Cheese to more adventurous flavours like Jalapeño Cheddar and Honey Sriracha Pretzel. The Cheddar Cheese filling, in particular, has a creamy texture and a salty taste, creating a unique combination with the crunchy exterior of the snack.
Over the years, Combos have made adjustments to their filling formulas to maintain high-quality standards and address any issues. For example, in 2013, they resolved a problem with a citrus-like flavour in their Cheddar Cheese Pretzel and Cheddar Cheese Cracker fillers, which was caused by a clogged filter in the Fanta denaturing apparatus used for cheese colouring.
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Combos are the official cheese-filled snack of NASCAR
Combos, officially Combos Stuffed Snacks, are a popular snack food distributed by Mars, Incorporated and sold throughout North America. They were created in the early 1980s and are the official cheese-filled snack of NASCAR.
The standard flavours of Combos include Cheddar Cheese Pretzel, Pizzeria Pretzel, Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, Cheddar Cheese Cracker, Buffalo Blue Cheese Pretzel, Nacho Cheese Pretzel, and Ranch Dip Pretzel. In addition, Combos have offered several limited-edition or exclusive flavours, such as Honey Sriracha Pretzel, Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Cheddar Cheese Bacon Pretzel.
Combos have a unique combination of crunchy and creamy textures, with a salty and sweet taste. They are cylindrical tubes of cracker, pretzel, or tortilla filled with various fillings. The pretzel form was produced first, but Combos were initially released in cracker form. The snacks are made by forming a soft bread-like dough that is hollowed out into a tube shape and then baked and filled with the chosen filling.
The popularity of Combos has led to their inclusion in various forms of media, such as the Marvel Comics "Combo Man" series and the character Christian "Combo" Ortega on the show Breaking Bad. They have also been referenced in music and literature, showing their cultural impact.
With their real cheese filling and unique combination of flavours and textures, Combos have become a beloved and well-known snack, especially for road trips and summertime BBQs. Their partnership with NASCAR as the official cheese-filled snack further showcases their popularity and wide appeal.
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Some reviews say there is too much pretzel and not enough filling
Combos, officially known as Combos Stuffed Snacks, are snacks produced by Mars, Incorporated and sold throughout North America. They are cylindrical tubes of cracker, pretzel, or tortilla with various fillings. The standard flavours include Cheddar Cheese Pretzel, Pizzeria Pretzel, Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, Cheddar Cheese Cracker, Buffalo Blue Cheese Pretzel, Nacho Cheese Pretzel, and Ranch Dip Pretzel.
Some reviews of Combos Cheddar Cheese Pretzel Baked Snacks state that there is too much pretzel and not enough filling. One review on Amazon.com says, "Too much pretzel and not enough filling so all you really taste is pretzel." Another review on the same platform mentions that the snacks are "a little more salty now."
Despite these criticisms, Combos Cheddar Cheese Pretzel Baked Snacks have received positive feedback overall. Customers have described the snacks as "uniquely deelish" and "addictive." The large bag size is also appreciated, although it is noted that the bag is not resealable. The texture of the snacks is described as dense, and the high sodium and saturated fat content are highlighted in one of the reviews.
Combos snacks are created by forming a soft, bread-like dough that is hollowed out into a tube shape. The dough is then baked and filled with the appropriate filling.
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Frequently asked questions
Combos Cheddar Cheese snacks are crunchy, oven-baked crackers or pretzels with creamy cheddar cheese-flavoured fillings. They are available in 6.3-ounce bags and are sold by Amazon.com.
Yes, Combos Cheddar Cheese snacks are still available on Amazon.com.
Combos Cheddar Cheese snacks are high in saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. They are also highly addictive, according to some customers.
Combos snacks are available in several other flavours, including Pizzeria Pretzel, Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, Buffalo Blue Cheese Pretzel, and Nacho Cheese Pretzel. They also offer limited edition or exclusive flavours such as Honey Sriracha Pretzel, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Cheddar Cheese Bacon Pretzel.
