Biting Into the Crispy Debate
Cheez-Its are made with 100% real cheese, primarily Cheddar, combined with skim milk and other ingredients. Despite containing real cheese, they are high in fat and sodium, making them less healthy. Artificial flavors and colors are also used. Enjoy Cheez-Its as an occasional snack rather than a healthy choice.
Is There Real Cheese in Cheez-Its?
You might be surprised to learn that Kellogg’s, the company that makes Cheez-Its, has confirmed that they are 100% cheese.
They are relatively transparent about the ingredients in our favorite cheesy snack, and everything is listed on their website.
However, there is also a mysterious artificial flavor mentioned, but whether this relates to cheese is not clear.
It appears that the majority of the cheese taste comes from Cheddar, perhaps blended with other varieties.
This is how they acquire that unique Cheez-It flavor that can’t be identified as one specific cheese.
A deeper dive into the ingredients reveals that the cheese is made with skim milk, which is quite unusual.
Perhaps an attempt to lower the calories, but Cheez-Its can’t be said to be a healthy snack, as I will explain shortly.
Other specific cheeses are mentioned on the label when it comes to the different varieties.
For example, the popular Four Cheese option has parmesan, asiago, romano, and mozzarella.
Other ingredients include flour, oils, seasonings, and whey protein, which all blend to give us that tangy, savory flavor that we love!
Of course, ingredients may change over time, and each variety of Cheez-Its will have different elements.
They also contain preservatives that extend the shelf life, but that is only to be expected when it comes to baked goods.
Another added ingredient is artificial color.
🧀 The Crunchy Chronicles of Cheez-Its 🧀 | |
|---|---|
| Year | Milestone |
| 1921 | Green & Green Company introduces the first batch of Cheez-Its |
| 2001 | Kellogg Company acquires the Cheez-Its brand |
| Various Years | Introduction of new flavors and product variations |
| Brought to You by choosingcheese.com | |
Can Cheez-Its Be Considered a Healthy Snack Option?
I will be talking about Cheez-Its in general, the ingredients and the manufacturing processes should be pretty consistent across different regions.
Although they could have slight variations according to local regulations, not all varieties are available in every country.
Unfortunately, as delicious as they are, Cheez-Its are not a healthy choice of snack.
Although they contain real cheese, they also have a lot of other processed ingredients.
One of the major concerns is the fat content.
Just one 7-ounce serving provides 8 grams of fat, which is 10% of your daily fat requirements and equates to approximately 150 calories.
They are also high in sodium, at 230mg per serving, which again is 10% of your daily allowance.
On the positive side, they have no sugar and do contain calcium, iron, and vitamins B1 and B2.
Other considerations are perhaps more obvious, such as the fact that Cheez-Its are not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies, as they contain real cheese made from cow’s milk.
They are lovely as an occasional treat but should always be eaten in conjunction with a balanced diet.
Unveiling the Masterminds Behind Cheez-Its
When it comes to savory snacks, Cheez-Its often hold a special place in the hearts of cheese aficionados.
But who exactly is the maestro behind these cheesy squares?
The answer lies with the Kellogg Company, a brand synonymous with delightful breakfast cereals and an array of other food products.
In 1921, the Green & Green Company initially baked the first batch of Cheez-Its, paving the way for a cheesy legacy that has endured for decades.
However, it was only when Kellogg acquired the brand in 2001 that Cheez-Its truly found a home to flourish.
Kellogg’s commitment to quality has helped propel Cheez-Its to household name status.
With their unique formula, they’ve managed to capture that genuine cheese essence in a crispy, bite-sized snack, striking a chord with both the young and old.
Their facility in Battle Creek, Michigan, is where the magic happens; a place where innovation meets tradition, ensuring each box of Cheez-Its carries the legacy of authentic cheesy goodness.
The tale of who makes Cheez-Its isn’t just a narrative of corporate acquisition; it’s a testament to Kellogg’s dedication to preserving and enhancing a beloved snack, making our cheese-craving taste buds forever grateful.
What You Should Know Before Eating Another Cheez-It
My Thoughts
- Cheez-Its are made from real cheese plus wheat flour, oil, and other ingredients
- The majority of the cheese used in Cheez-Its is Cheddar cheese but it is made with skim milk
- Cheez-Its are high in sodium and fat, which makes them somewhat unhealthy
- They also contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and colorings
- Cheez-Its should be enjoyed as an occasional snack
I hope you are somewhat reassured that Cheez-Its are made from real cheese, and you will continue to enjoy them!
If you are interested in learning about other brands and how they use cheese, why not find out why Subway stopped using Cheddar?
How does the presence of real cheese in Cheez-Its affect your perception of their nutritional value?
Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
- Who is the manufacturer of Cheez-Its?
- The Kellogg Company is the manufacturer of Cheez-Its. They acquired the brand in 2001, although the first batch of Cheez-Its was created by the Green & Green Company back in 1921.
- Are Cheez-Its made with real cheese?
- Yes, Cheez-Its are made with real cheese. The cheese is combined with other ingredients to create the snack’s distinct flavor and texture.
- Where are Cheez-Its produced?
- Cheez-Its are produced in a facility located in Battle Creek, Michigan, where the Kellogg Company adheres to a unique formula to capture the authentic cheese essence in these crispy snacks.
- Have the ingredients of Cheez-Its changed over the years?
- While the core ingredient, real cheese, has remained constant, there might have been minor adjustments in the recipe or additional flavor varieties introduced over the years to meet evolving consumer preferences.