Cheese crackers go by many different names, but some of the most popular and well-known brands are Cheez-Its, Cheese Nips, and Ritz Crackers.
Popular Cheese Cracker Brands
Here are some of the major cheese cracker brands:
Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its are arguably the most popular cheese cracker brand. They were first introduced by the Green & Green Company in 1921, which later became Sunshine Biscuits. In the 1930s, Cheez-Its added the iconic cheese flavoring to their crackers. Today, Cheez-Its are owned by the Kellogg Company and come in a variety of flavors like Original, White Cheddar, Extra Toasty, and more.
Cheese Nips
Cheese Nips were created by Sunshine Biscuits in 1962 as a competitor to Cheez-Its. They feature a strong cheddar cheese flavor and a distinctiveBake Shape, with square crackers made with sharp edges. Cheese Nips are now manufactured by Mondelez International, which also makes Ritz Crackers.
Ritz Crackers
Ritz Crackers have been around since 1934. While not exclusively a cheese cracker, Ritz does produce different types of cheese-flavored crackers. Some popular varieties are Ritz Bits Cheese, Ritz Cheese Crispers, and Ritz Toasted Chips Cheese.
Other Cheese Cracker Brands
Some other notable cheese cracker brands include:
- Better Cheddars
- Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies
- Keebler Club Crackers
- Nabisco Premium Crackers
- Wheat Thins
- Triscuits
Key Characteristics of Cheese Crackers
While the brands may differ, most cheese crackers share some common characteristics:
- Made from flour, oil/shortening, and cheese flavoring
- Crackers are baked resulting in a crispy, crunchy texture
- Typically have a strong cheddar cheese taste
- Often baked into a square shape, but can also be round or rectangular
- Come in regular and reduced-fat varieties
- Offer different levels of spiciness from mild to extra cheesy/toasted
Popular Uses of Cheese Crackers
Here are some of the most popular ways people enjoy cheese crackers:
- On their own as a snack, with dips, or combined with other foods like nuts
- Crumbled on top of salads or soups
- In cheese boards and charcuterie platters
- As a crunchy topping on casseroles or baked dishes
- In snack mixes combined with pretzels, nuts, cereal, etc.
- In recipes like cracker crust pizzas, cheese cracker chicken tenders, etc.
Nutrition Information of Cheese Crackers
Here is some general nutrition information for a 1 ounce (about 28g) serving of cheese crackers:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
Amounts can vary slightly by brand. Reduced-fat versions may have 50-60 fewer calories per serving.
Conclusion
Cheese crackers are a beloved snack food with Cheez-Its, Cheese Nips, and Ritz being some of the most popular brands. The crackers are baked for crunchiness and contain a strong cheese flavor, often cheddar. People enjoy cheese crackers on their own or paired with foods, as well as crumbled on meals. While tasty, the crackers are high in sodium and saturated fat so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.