Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original: Tasty and Vibrant Orange Flavor

Celiac disease has been recognized for centuries, but the acceptance of gluten-free diets gained momentum in the late 20th century. By the 21st century, there was a significant surge in the popularity of gluten-free diets, leading to an influx of products designed to cater to this demand. Recently, numerous brands have introduced gluten-free versions of well-loved snacks, from Oreos to Eggo Waffles, DiGiorno pizzas, and Tate’s Bake Shop cookies. Now, as we approach 2026, Cheez-Its joins this gluten-free trend. Welcome the Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original!

How could the remarkable flavor of a beloved snack, made primarily from enriched wheat flour, be replicated in a gluten-free variant? The answer awaited us, as Cheez-It generously sent a box of their new gluten-free crackers for us to sample. To ensure a fair comparison, we had a box of the original Cheez-It crackers at hand to evaluate the new version in terms of flavor, texture, taste, and overall cheesiness. Join us as we dig into this taste test!

Some insights are shaped by personal impressions of promotional materials and products supplied by the manufacturer.

Originating in 1921, Cheez-It was introduced by the Green & Green cracker company. It eventually came under the ownership of the now-defunct Sunshine Biscuit Company, followed by Keebler, and, since 2001, Kellogg. Initially, there was only the original Cheez-It flavor, but in 1986, the first variation, “Low-Salt,” appeared. Since then, numerous flavors and collaborations emerged, including unique partnerships with brands like Wendy’s and Taco Bell. The latest addition for 2026 is the Cheez-It Original Gluten-Free crackers, certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, making them safe for individuals with celiac disease and anyone following a gluten-free diet. The packaging proudly claims “Out of this world flavor,” while promising the same “irresistibly cheesy taste and crunch” as the original but gluten-free.

According to Cara Tragseiler, Senior Brand Director for Cheez-It, in a recent statement, “Cheez-It fans have been requesting a gluten-free option for years, and we are excited to finally offer it with the same delicious taste they adore.” She continued, “We carefully perfected the recipe and process to guarantee that gluten-free snackers can enjoy the same cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch, without compromise. Now, more fans than ever can experience the Cheez-It joy they’ve long awaited.”

Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original is a new and lasting addition to the Cheez-It lineup. At present, it is available exclusively in the Original flavor and comes in a single 9-ounce (255 grams) box. This gluten-free variant will soon be joined by an exciting selection of new Cheez-It offerings, including Cheez-It Ultimate Snack Mix, Cheez-It Crunch, Cheez-It Snap’d Honey BBQ, and Cheez-It Grooves Loaded Nachos.

Retailers across the country will start stocking the new boxes in February. Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original will be available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and various other stores. You can find them in the dry food aisles next to other Cheez-It products. Additionally, these crackers can be ordered online for front-door delivery or in-store pickup. The suggested retail price for Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original is $4.49, although delivery charges may apply.

The ingredients of Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original include a gluten-free flour blend made from rice, sorghum, and degerminated yellow corn. Other components include vegetable oil, cornstarch, modified corn starch, cheddar cheese, and minimal amounts (2% or less) of soy lecithin, salt, xanthan gum, monoglycerides, citric acid, yeast extract, lactic acid, paprika color, baking soda, dextrose, and paprika extract color. They are certified gluten-free and suitable for kosher dairy diets. However, they do contain food allergens, including milk and soy, while possibly containing traces of almonds. Unlike the standard Cheez-It, this variant omits enriched wheat flour and cheese made from skim milk containing whey protein.

A standard serving size consists of 30 crackers, with approximately 9 servings available in a 9-ounce box. A serving amounting to 30 crackers contains 150 calories, 8 grams of total fat, including 2.5 grams of saturated fat, less than 5 milligrams of cholesterol, 230 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of total carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. The product also provides 40 milligrams of calcium, 0.2 milligrams of iron, and 30 milligrams of potassium.

During the initial taste testing of the gluten-free Cheez-Its, I approached the experience with an open mind, devoid of expectations influenced by the classic full-gluten variant. Instead, I relied on my cherished memories of the original products as a reference point for evaluation.

The first step was to inhale the familiar aroma. Upon opening the usual clear plastic wrapper, I buried my nose into the bag before even inspecting the crackers visually. They emitted a well-known Cheez-It fragrance, albeit with what seemed like a subtler cheesy scent. After pouring a generous handful onto a white plate, I noted their bright orange color. Visually, they appeared less puffy than anticipated, taking on a flatter, pasta-like shape, with the classic dot in the center and ridges adorning the square edges.

Before biting into a cracker, I licked one to gauge the flavor. The taste had a mild cheesy essence, lacking the bold seasoning I remembered. However, once I popped a few in my mouth, the enchanting crunch captivated my attention. The satisfying texture was enjoyable, and they had a grainy, paste-like quality that pleasantly adhered to my teeth. The cheese flavor emerged after that delightful crunch and, while not an exact match for my memory of the original, it was undeniably delicious. With each handful, my appreciation grew. In summary, they delivered excellent crunch, a solid hint of cheesiness, and a delightful dash of salt.

Having determined that the Cheez-It Gluten-Free Original passed the taste test with flying colors, it was time to evaluate how it compared to its traditional counterpart. With both varieties laid out side by side, I noticed that the gluten-free crackers seemed a bit more broken than the regular ones, possibly due to their journey to my taste-testing location. Visually, the original crackers were undeniably more appealing, featuring a softer orange hue, a puffier shape, and visible grains of salt on their surfaces.

Taking a whiff of the Traditional Full-Gluten Cheez-Its, I was surprised to discover that they too lacked a particularly strong aroma. However, when I licked one, I detected a delightful brackish hint of flavor, indicative of the saltiness to come. The crunchiness of the original was softer, reminiscent of a saltine cracker, making them gentler on the teeth. Yet, their standout characteristic was their rich cheese flavor. This fresh taste reminded me why Cheez-Its have always held a special place in snacking history.

Armed with the familiar flavor profile of the original, I returned to the gluten-free variant. While they may not serve as an exact replica of the original, the new crackers do an impeccable job of providing a deliciously familiar experience within a notably crispier shell. These gluten-free snacks are truly enjoyable and would blend seamlessly into any gathering, leaving guests none the wiser. It’s worth setting aside any preconceived notions to give these newcomers a try. If only they were free in addition to being gluten-free!