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

The product uses refined flours, added cheese cultures, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers and preservatives, all of which are hallmark ingredients of ultra‑processed foods. Its additive list includes TBHQ (E319), soy lecithin (E322), baking soda (E500ii), sodium acid pyrophosphate (E450i), monocalcium phosphate (E341i), monosodium glutamate (E621), lactic acid (E270), disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627) among others.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With only 3.45 g of sugar per 100 g, the snack is relatively low in sugar and thus less likely to cause immediate blood‑glucose spikes, but the 2.07 g of salt per 100 g exceeds the average for similar snacks and can contribute to increased blood pressure, making it less suitable for strict hypertensive or low‑sodium diets.

Is the white cheddar cheese in this snack a concern for lactose‑intolerant consumers?

Yes. The white cheddar cheese component contains milk, whey and butter, all of which provide lactose. People with lactose intolerance should avoid this product or choose a lactose‑free alternative.

Cheez-It • 9 oz

Cheez-It Grooves Sharp White Cheddar

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Cheez-It Grooves Sharp White Cheddar are crunchy snack crackers classified as a sugary snack and biscuit in the PNNS system. They carry a Nutri‑Score of E and are placed in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 group, reflecting their refined flour base, added flavors, emulsifiers and several food additives. While they provide modest protein (6.9 g per 100 g) and calcium, they are high in fat (20.7 g) and salt (2.07 g), contain no fiber, and include common allergens such as gluten, milk and soy.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal483 kcal

Fat20.7 g

Saturated Fat3.4 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat3.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical salty snack crackers, this Cheez‑It variety contains far less sugar (3.45 g vs 28.98 g) but more fat (20.7 g vs 17.6 g), slightly higher salt (2.07 g vs 1.98 g), higher calories (483 kcal vs 418 kcal), no fiber, higher carbohydrates (68.97 g vs 59.61 g) and a modestly higher protein content (6.9 g vs 6.33 g).

Ingredients

Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin b1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin b2 (riboflavin), folic acid), rice flour, vegetable oil (soybean oil, tbhq), white cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), sugar, salt, soy lecithin, cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, leavening (baking soda, sodium acid pyrophosphate, monocalcium phosphate), natural and artificial flavors, monosodium glutamate, lactic acid, buttermilk, yeast extract, citric acid, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, butter (cream, salt).

84%

35%

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