Why is Cheez-It classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is considered ultra‑processed because it includes refined wheat flour, multiple vegetable oils, and several industrial additives; the listed additives are TBHQ (E319) for freshness and a paprika‑based colorant (E160c).

How does the sugar and salt content in Cheez-It affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

Cheez-It has no added sugars, so it does not raise blood glucose directly, but its salt level of about 0.23 g per 100 g (≈1.9 g per serving) can contribute to higher sodium intake, which may be problematic for people managing hypertension.

Is Cheez-It suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No. The crackers contain wheat flour (gluten), skim‑milk cheese (milk), and soy lecithin, so they are not vegan or gluten‑free, and the presence of dairy makes them unsuitable for halal or kosher without proper certification. Their carbohydrate content (17 g per serving) also exceeds typical keto limits.

Cheez-It • 2 x 24 oz (1 lb 8 oz) 680 g / 48 oz (3 lb) 1.36 kg

Cheez-It

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Cheez-It are baked snack crackers classified in the salty snacks and appetizers group, offering 150 kcal, 10 g protein and 1 g fiber per serving. They carry a Nutri‑Score of D and belong to NOVA group 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product with relatively high fat (8 g), saturated fat (1.5 g) and salt (≈0.23 g per 100 g), while containing no added sugars. The snack contains gluten, milk and soy allergens and includes additives such as TBHQ (E319) and colorants (E160c), which may be a concern for sensitive consumers, but its crisp texture and cheese flavor make it a popular convenient treat.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables1.5 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical salty‑snack averages, Cheez‑It contains more fat (26.7 g vs 23.6 g), similar saturated fat (5 g vs 5.1 g), and markedly less salt (1.9 g vs 52.4 g), while delivering zero sugars.

Ingredients

Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], folic acid), vegetable oil (high oleic soybean oil, soybean oil, palm oil, canola oil, TBHQ (for freshness)), cheese made with skim milk (skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto extract (color)), 2% salt, paprika, yeast, paprika extract (color), soy lecithin.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.