Cheez-It is a popular brand of cheesy baked snack crackers owned by the Kellogg Company. The original Cheez-It crackers are square-shaped and measure about 1 inch across. However, Cheez-It also offers a variety of smaller, bite-sized crackers in different shapes and flavors. So what are the small Cheezits called?
The smaller Cheez-It crackers go by a few different names depending on the specific product. Some of the more popular small Cheez-It offerings include:
Cheez-It Snack Mix
One of the most well-known lines of small Cheez-Its is the Cheez-It Snack Mix. Introduced in 2004, the Cheez-It Snack Mix features small round Cheez-It crackers blended with other bite-sized snacks like pretzel pieces, breadsticks, and more. The Cheez-It crackers in the Snack Mix are about half the size of original Cheez-Its.
Cheez-It Party Mix
Cheez-It Party Mix is similar to the Snack Mix but contains a different assortment of mix-ins like sesame sticks, cheddar cheese crackers, and mini breadsticks along with the small round Cheez-Its.
Cheez-It Cheddar Jack Bites
Launched in 2020, Cheez-It Cheddar Jack Bites are made with real cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. They are a twist on the classic Cheez-It in a smaller, bite-sized square shape.
Cheez-It Grooves
Cheez-It Grooves are a line of bite-sized Cheez-Its that come in a variety of flavors like Zesty Cheddar Ranch, Sharp Cheddar, and Pizza. The Grooves are about a quarter-inch wide and feature indented grooves across the surface.
Cheez-It Duoz
Cheez-It Duoz sandwich two thin crispy squares together in a bite-sized format. Flavors include Cheddar & Parmesan, Bacon & Cheddar, and Zesty Cheddar & Mozzarella.
Cheez-It Snap’d
Cheez-It Snap’d are thin, crispy rounds made to pop easily in your mouth. They come in flavors like Double Cheese and Bacon & Cheddar.
Cheez-It Thins
As the name suggests, Cheez-It Thins are a very thin version of the classic Cheez-It, about half the thickness of original. They have a delicate, crispy texture and are available in Parmesan & Herb and Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors.
History of Small Cheez-Its
While the original Cheez-It cracker has been around since 1921, Kellogg didn’t introduce smaller Cheez-It products until much more recently. Here’s an overview of when some of the major types of small Cheez-Its hit store shelves:
| Product | Year Introduced |
|---|---|
| Cheez-It Snack Mix | 2004 |
| Cheez-It Party Mix | 2006 |
| Cheez-It Grooves | 2009 |
| Cheez-It Duoz | 2012 |
| Cheez-It Cheddar Jack Bites | 2020 |
| Cheez-It Thins | 2021 |
As the table shows, most of Cheez-It’s small cracker offerings arrived in the 2000s and beyond. The popularity of bite-sized snacks led Kellogg to introduce a range of tiny Cheez-It products over the past 15-20 years to meet consumer demand.
Reasons for the Proliferation of Mini Cheez-It Crackers
So why has Kellogg put such focus on miniature Cheez-Its in recent years? There are a few key reasons:
– Snacking Trends – As snacking has grown in popularity over the last couple decades, bite-sized versions of favorite snacks have proliferated. Smaller crackers are perfect for easy snacking on the go.
– Wider Demographic Appeal – Smaller crackers appeal not just to children but to teens and adults as well. The mini size makes them fun for dipping and sharing.
– Flavor Variety – Smaller crackers allow for experimenting with bolder, more varied flavors in a convenient handheld size.
– Premium Brand Extension – Mini versions of classic snacks are an easy way for brands like Cheez-It to offer new premium products.
– Impulse Purchases – Bite-sized items tend to lead to more impulse snack purchases from consumers. Their small format fits nicely into convenience/grocery checkout lines.
Popular Flavors
While the original Cheez-It remains a top seller, many consumers love the diverse flavors available among the smaller Cheez-It cracker offerings. Here are 5 of the most popular flavors of miniature Cheez-Its:
1. Zesty Cheddar Ranch
The Zesty Cheddar Ranch Grooves combine the cool tang of ranch with punchy Cheddar flavor. Many fans consider them the best-tasting Grooves variety.
2. Bacon & Cheddar
It’s hard to go wrong pairing smoky bacon with classic Cheddar, whether in the Duoz or Snap’d versions. This savory flavor combo is frequently a fan-favorite.
3. Parmesan & Herb
The Parmesan & Herb Thins offer a more refined and sophisticated take on the classic Cheez-It. The subtle blend of herbs perfectly complements the sharp Parmesan.
4. Pepper Jack
Spicy Pepper Jack is featured in both the Duoz and Cheddar Jack Bites. The hint of heat pairs satisfyingly with the gooey Jack cheese.
5. Sharp Cheddar
The extra sharp taste of these Grooves makes them stand out from regular Cheez-Its. The bold Cheddar flavor really shines through.
Nutritional Information
Like regular Cheez-Its, the small varieties are not the most nutritious snacks, being made primarily from refined flour and cheese. However, some varieties have slightly fewer calories per serving than original Cheez-Its. Here is a nutritional comparison:
| Product | Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Cheez-It | 27 crackers (28g) | 130 | 5 | 16 | 3 |
| Cheez-It Grooves | 30 crackers (28g) | 120 | 4.5 | 15 | 3 |
| Cheez-It Thins | 35 crackers (28g) | 110 | 3.5 | 18 | 3 |
| Cheez-It Snack Mix | 60 crackers (28g) | 140 | 7 | 16 | 2 |
As you can see, the calorie count can vary by 20-30 calories across the different products. But they all derive a significant amount of their calories from fat and refined carbohydrates. So none of the products are particularly low in calories or healthy overall. The small size does allow for sensible portion control, but their nutritional value is relatively comparable to original Cheez-Its.
Where to Buy Them
The good news is that the miniature Cheez-It varieties are not difficult to find. Here are some of the best places to look when trying to buy those small Cheez-Its:
Grocery Stores
Most major grocery store chains will carry at least a couple varieties of the small Cheez-It crackers. Try checking the specialty cracker section or aisle endcaps for rotating snack selections.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven often have great deals on the single-serve snack packs of Cheez-Its. This is a quick way to get your hands on the minis for immediate snacking.
Online Snack Retailers
Many online snack food specialty stores will offer variety packs of Cheez-Its or subscriptions. This ensures you’ll never run out of your snacking staples.
Warehouse Clubs
Bulk boxes and multi-packs of tiny Cheez-Its are frequently sold at warehouse clubs. Stock up during your next trip to Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s.
Vending Machines
Vending machines in offices, schools, and other locations will sometimes carry Cheez-It Grooves or Duoz. When you’re in need of a quick cheesy crunch, vending Cheez-Its can definitely hit the spot.
Similar Snack Options
While Cheez-It dominates the snack cracker market, there are a number of similar sized cheese crackers made by other companies as well. Here are some alternatives worth trying if you like bite-sized cheese crackers:
Better Cheddars
Better Cheddars are miniature cheddar-flavored biscuits made by Nabisco. They are a very close substitute for Cheez-Its in terms of taste and texture.
Cheese Nips
Cheese Nips are snack crackers made with real cheese by Mondelez. Try the reduced-fat miniature versions for a lighter cheesy snack.
Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
Annie’s makes organic cheddar snack crackers in fun bunny shapes. They have a flavor comparable to Cheez-Its without artificial ingredients.
Ritz Chips
Ritz has a line of small, crispy Ritz Chips in flavors like aged cheddar that make a satisfying gluten-free swap for Cheez-Its.
Goldfish Crackers
While not cheese-flavored, tiny Goldfish crackers can also substitute well for small Cheez-Its in a pinch for dipping or munching.
Final Thoughts
Cheez-It continues to expand its line of bite-sized cheese cracker offerings, bringing lots of variety in flavors, shapes, and textures to please snackers of all ages. The smaller size lends itself well to mindless munching, packing in lunches, and customizable snack mixes. While not the healthiest option, mini cheese crackers are hard to beat when you’re craving that addictive cheesy crunch in a conveniently portable size. Whatever you call them – Snack Mix, Grooves, Thins, Duoz, etc. – the brand has a mini Cheez-It to suit just about any cheesy snacking need.