Cheez-It crackers are a classic snack that has been around for decades. They’re a delicious, crunchy and cheesy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s lunchtime, game day, or just a simple snack in between meals, Cheez-It crackers are sure to satisfy!
But what exctly does one get when they purchase Cheez-It crackers? Well, Cheez-It is made with 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), and salt. The ingredients used to make these tasty treats make them highly energy-packed and provide many calories and fat.
Although Cheez-Its can be an enjoyable snack choice for many people due to its great taste and convenience of packing it up for on the go snacks or even lunch boxes; it’s important to remember that too much of a good thing can become bad. Eating too much of these snacks can lead to excess calorie intake as well as an increase in fat and sodium levels which may not be ideal for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore it is important to consume these snacks as part of an overall balanced diet in moderation.
Overall Cheez-It crackers are a great snack choice that can add excitement and flavor to meals or simply provide some quick energy on the go! Just remember that eating them in moderation is key in order to have the best impact on your health!
Ingredients of a Cheez-It
A Cheez-It is made with enriched flour, which includes wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and folic acid. Additionally, vegetable oil is used in the recipe for a fresh flavor and crunch. This vegetable oil is composed of high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola oil with TBHQ. Finally, real cheese made from skim milk is added to each cracker. This cheese contains whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes and more for a truly delicious flavor.
Source: walmart.com
Are Cheez-Its Gluten-Free?
No, unfortunately most Cheez-It crackers are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free cheesy snack fix, you may want to try Schar’s Cheese Bites which are 100% gluten-free.
Is Cheez-It a Healthy Snack?
Cheez-It is not a particularly healthy snack. It may provide a boost of energy, but does not provide much nutrition in the form of vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Additionally, it is high in calories, fat, and sodium which can be unhealthy when consumed in excess. Therefore, it is best to consume Cheez-It in moderation to avoid any potential harmful effects.
Are Cheez-Its Made from Cheese?
Yes, Cheez-Its are indeed made with 100% real cheese! The cheese used in Cheez-Its is made up of a combination of cheddar, Colby and other cheeses that are blended together to give the crackers their iconic flavor. All of the cheese is shredded, blended, and then added to the dough before it’s baked to create the delicious snack we all know and love.
Are Cheez-Its Made Entirely of Cheese?
Yes, Cheez-Its are made with 100% real cheese! Our Cheez-It® portfolio includes a variety of delicious and crunchy snacks that are all made with real cheese. From the classic Original flavor to the new 9g Whole Grain variety, you can trust that every bite of Cheez-It® is packed with 100% real cheese for an unbeatable cheesy taste.
Source: amazon.com
Are Cheez-Its Made with Pork?
No, Cheez-Its are not made with pork. The bacon flavor is achieved using natural smoke flavor, so there is no pork or any other meat in the product. The only animal derived ingredients present in Cheez-Its are the dairy ingredients used to make the cheese.
Are Cheez-It Products Vegan?
No, Cheez-Its are not vegan. The main ingredient in Cheez-Its is real cheese, which is a dairy product derived from animals and thus not suitable for vegans. In addition to cheese, Cheez-Its also contain other animal products like whey, milkfat and annatto extract. These ingredients are also not vegan friendly.
Are Cheez-Its Made From Potatoes?
Yes, Cheez-Its are made with potatoes! One of the ingredients listed is dried potatoes, which is a key component in the delicious cheesy snacks. The potatoes are mixed with enriched wheat flour, soybean oil with TBHQ, modified corn starch, and white cheddar cheese to create the classic crunchy Cheez-It flavor.
The Meaning Behind the Phrase Cheez-It
The expression “Cheez-It” is believed to have originated in the early 20th century as a slang term for “be quiet” or “stop what you’re doing.” It may have been inspired by the phrase “to cut the cheese,” which was popular around the same time and meant to keep one’s mouth shut or stifle laughter. The phrase was likey a reference to the sound of cutting a block of cheese with a knife, which was similar to that of hushing someone. People would say “Cheez-It” when they wanted someone else to stop talking or stop doing something inappropriate. Today, this expression is rarely used and has mostly been replaced with other phrases such as “shh!” or simply telling someone to be quiet.
Source: boxed.com
Lawsuit Against Cheez-Its for Unspecified Reasons
Kellogg was sued by a group of consumers for misleading advertising, claiming that its Cheez-Its product was healthier than it actually was. The Plaintiffs argued that despite advertising the product as containing whole grains, the actual ingredients list showed that the majority of the ingredients were refined grains. The Plaintiffs claimed that Kellogg was capitalizing on the consumer trend for whole grains without providing the advertised health benefits.
The Origin of the Name Cheez-It
The name “Cheez-It” was chosen for the crackers because of their cheese flavor. The crackers are made with real cheese and have a distinct cheesy taste that sets them apart from other crackers. As early as 1921, the Green & Green Company was advertising their cheesy crackers with the slogan “You’ll like Cheez-It.” The name has stuck ever since, becoming a household name for cheesy, crunchy snacks.
The Health Benefits of Eating Healthy Snacks
The healthiest snack is one that provides nutrients without added sugar or unhealthy fats. Some great options for a healthy snack include:
– Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
– Whole grain crackers with a low fat cheese or hummus.
– Pita chips with a lower fat dip or salsa.
– Unsalted nuts, seeds and their butters such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
– Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries or nuts.
– A smoothie made of low fat yogurt and fresh fruit.
– Roasted chickpeas with spices for a savory snack.
– Air popped popcorn with spices and herbs for flavor.
These snacks provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to keep you feeling full while proviing important nutrition to fuel your day!
The Mystery of the Hole in a Cheez-It
The hole that you see in a Cheez-It cracker is the result of a process called “docking.” This process involves puncturing the dough of the cracker with a special tool, which has tiny holes in it. Doing so helps to crimp the top and bottom layers of dough together, allowing steam to escape from the crackers during baking. This is important because it prevents the crackers from rising too much, gives them thir signature crunchy texture, and helps to prevent them from becoming too greasy. Docking also helps keep those famous cheese bits inside each individual cracker for an extra flavorful snack.
Source: heb.com
Are Cheez-Its Baked or Fried?
Cheez-It are baked, not fried! They are made with 100% real cheese that is carefully aged to bring out the best flavor. The cheese is blended with wheat flour and other ingredients, then baked until they’re perfectly crispy. The combination of the crunchy texture and rich, cheesy flavor make Cheez-Its a timeless treat!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheez-It crackers may be an energy-packed snack, but they are lacking in nutrients and fiber and can carry excess calories, fat, and sodium. Therefore, it is important to consume them in moderation to avoid any potential health risks. It is also worth mentioning that these crackers contain wheat flour so they are not gluten-free. If you’re looking for a cheesy gluten-free snack alternative, consider Cheese Bites from Schar.
