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

The product is made from refined enriched flour, vegetable oils, and processed cheese, all of which involve multiple industrial steps; it also includes additives such as soy lecithin (E322) and a paprika extract colour (E160c), which are typical of ultra‑processed foods, leading to its NOVA 4 classification.

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

The crackers contain no added sugar, making them compatible with diabetic carbohydrate limits, but they provide 1.94 g of salt per 100 g, which exceeds the recommended daily intake for people managing hypertension and should be consumed in moderation.

Based on the ingredients, is Cheez-It Crackers suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

No, the crackers are not vegan because they contain skim‑milk cheese and whey protein, they are not gluten‑free due to wheat flour, and they are not keto‑friendly because the high carbohydrate content (57 g per 100 g) exceeds typical keto limits; halal status cannot be confirmed because some enzymes and cheese cultures may be derived from animal sources.

Sunshine • 45 x 42 g

Cheez-It Crackers

Salty Snacks

Product Insights

Cheez-It Crackers are a cheddar-flavored salty snack produced by Sunshine, classified in the Salty snacks family. They are high in fat (26.2 g) and protein (11.9 g) while containing no sugar, but they receive a Nutri‑Score of E and belong to NOVA group 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. The crackers contain gluten, milk and soy allergens and include additives such as soy lecithin (E322) and paprika color, which may limit suitability for certain dietary restrictions.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal500 kcal

Fat26.2 g

Saturated Fat4.8 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat7.1 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average salty snack, Cheez-It Crackers have more fat (26.2 g vs 23.6 g), more protein (11.9 g vs 8.0 g), similar carbohydrates (57.1 g vs 56.9 g), far less sugar (0 g vs 3.8 g) and lower salt (1.94 g vs 52.44 g), but they provide higher energy (500 kcal vs 471 kcal).

Ingredients

Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin b1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin b2 [riboflavin], folic acid), vegetable oil (soybean and palm oil with tbhq for freshness), cheese made with skim milk (skim milk, whey protein, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto extract color). contains 2% or less of 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.