At first glance, Gardettos and Chex Mix appear very similar – both are crunchy snack mixes containing things like rye chips, pretzels, breadsticks, and various seasonings. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Ingredients
While Gardettos and Chex Mix share some common ingredients like rye chips and pretzels, Gardettos also contains unique ingredients not found in Chex Mix. These include bagel chips, sesame breadsticks, and crispy onion flavored breadsticks. Chex Mix contains ingredients like corn and rice Chex cereal, wheat Chex cereal, and bagel chips that are not present in Gardettos.
Flavor Profiles
The seasonings and flavor profiles of Gardettos and Chex Mix also differ. Gardettos has more of an Italian flair with seasonings like garlic, parsley, and Romano cheese. Chex Mix is seasoned more simply with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and spices. So Gardettos can be described as having an herby, zesty flavor while Chex Mix has a more savory, spice-forward taste.
Varieties
While the Original flavor is likely what comes to mind, both Gardettos and Chex Mix come in a variety of flavor varieties:
| Gardettos | Chex Mix Flavors |
|---|---|
| Original | Original |
| Ranch | Cheddar |
| Pizzeria | Hot & Spicy |
| Roasted Garlic | Traditional |
| Three Cheese | Dark Chocolate |
| Sour Cream & Onion | Honey Nut |
| Dill Pickle | Turtle |
So there is some overlap in certain flavors but also unique flavor options depending on which snack mix you choose.
Shape and Texture
The different ingredients in Gardettos and Chex Mix also lead to subtle differences in the texture and shape when eating each snack mix. Gardettos tends to have more uniform, rounder pieces thanks to the sesame breadsticks and bagel chips. Chex Mix offers more variety of shapes and crispy textures with the addition of the Chex cereal pieces.
Nutritional Value
Both Gardettos and Chex Mix are considered unhealthy snack foods high in carbs, fat, and sodium with little protein. However, there are some minor nutritional differences between the two:
| Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz serving) | Gardettos | Chex Mix |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 120 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g | 3g |
| Sodium | 230mg | 190mg |
| Total Carbs | 20g | 21g |
| Protein | 2g | 2g |
As you can see, Gardettos tends to be slightly higher in fat and sodium while Chex Mix has a few more carbs. But overall, they are quite comparable nutritionally.
Brands
Gardettos is produced by Frito-Lay under the PepsiCo snack food company. Chex Mix is made by General Mills. So they come from two of the largest snack food manufacturers in the world.
Price
When comparing prices at grocery stores nationwide, Gardettos and Chex Mix are typically priced very similarly. Gardettos ranges from $2.50-$3.50 for a 7-8oz bag while Chex Mix costs around $2.50-$3.50 for a 5.75-8oz bag. Gardettos occasionally goes on sale for $2 per bag. But most of the time, the prices are comparable between the two snack mixes at stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and more.
Popularity
Both Gardettos and Chex Mix are hugely popular snack mixes with generations of fans. However, Chex Mix appears to have a slight edge in overall popularity and sales. This may be due to its longer history on the market – Chex Mix first debuted in 1937 while Gardettos came later in 1959. Chex Mix also benefits from strong brand recognition of the Chex cereal line. But both are considered classic, beloved snack foods with devoted followings.
Conclusion
While Gardettos and Chex Mix appear very similar at first glance, there are some notable differences when you compare the ingredients, flavors, texture, nutrition facts, brands, prices, and overall popularity. Gardettos has a more Italian seasoning flavor and uniform shape thanks to ingredients like bagel chips and sesame breadsticks. Chex Mix offers more variety with seasonings and the addition of Chex cereal pieces. But both deliver on providing a tasty, crunchy snack mix. So the choice comes down to personal preference. Fans say you can’t go wrong with either of these snack favorites.