Are Cheezits gluten-free? Unpacking the 2025 Snack Situation

December 11, 2025 •

2 min read

In July 2025, snack brand Cheez-It officially confirmed it will release its first-ever certified gluten-free Original crackers in 2026. Until then, most traditional Cheezits are not gluten-free due to enriched wheat flour as a primary ingredient.

Quick Summary

Traditional Cheez-It crackers are not suitable for a gluten-free diet because they contain wheat flour. A new, certified gluten-free version is planned for 2026.

Key Points

Traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free: Standard Cheez-It crackers contain enriched wheat flour, making them unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
A certified gluten-free version is coming in 2026: Cheez-It officially announced the release of a certified gluten-free Original cracker for the year 2026.
Certification ensures safety for Celiac disease: The new 2026 gluten-free crackers will be GFCO certified, meaning they are safe for people with celiac disease.
Check ingredients carefully for all Cheez-It products: Even variations or snack mixes from the Cheez-It brand may contain gluten, so label-reading is essential.
Alternatives exist to satisfy cravings now: In the meantime, brands like Schar offer certified gluten-free cheese crackers, and many homemade recipes are available.

The Truth About Traditional Cheez-Its

Traditional Cheez-It crackers are not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance because they contain enriched wheat flour, which is a source of gluten. This applies to most variations, including 'Made with Whole Grain' and many Snack Mixes. Even products like 'Puff'd' or 'Snap'd' require careful label checking for wheat-based ingredients or potential cross-contamination.

A Game-Changing Announcement for 2026

Responding to consumer demand, Cheez-It announced in July 2025 that a certified gluten-free Original Cheez-It will be released in 2026. This new product will be GFCO certified, ensuring it meets strict standards (less than 20 ppm gluten) and is safe for those with celiac disease. The company has focused on developing a recipe and process that replicates the original flavor while being gluten-free.

Safe Alternatives Available Now

While waiting for the 2026 release, several certified gluten-free alternatives are currently available, offering similar cheesy and crunchy textures.

Common Alternatives to Cheez-Its

Schar Cheese Bites: A certified gluten-free option with a classic cheese taste.
Glutino Cheddar Crackers: A recognized gluten-free brand.
Lance Gluten-Free Crackers: Offers gluten-free cracker varieties.
Homemade Versions: Many recipes use alternative flours like chickpea or gluten-free blends for customized options.

Comparison of Cheez-It Products and Alternatives


Feature	Traditional Cheez-It	New GF Cheez-It (2026)	Schar Cheese Bites
Availability (2025)	Yes	No	Yes
Contains Wheat	Yes	No	No
Gluten-Free Certified	No	Yes	Yes (100% GF)
Texture	Baked, Crunchy	Aims to replicate original	Baked, Crunchy
Flavor	Iconic Cheesy Taste	Aims to replicate original	Cheesy Taste

Decoding the Ingredient List

The presence of 'Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour...)' as the first ingredient in traditional Cheez-Its is the key indicator of gluten. This contrasts with gluten-free options that use alternative grains or starches. For example, while Cheez-It Puff'd starts with corn meal, checking for gluten in seasonings is necessary.

{Link: Allrecipes https://www.allrecipes.com/new-cheez-it-gluten-free-cracker-11768941}

Conclusion: Looking Forward to 2026

Currently, traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free due to wheat flour. However, the announcement of a GFCO-certified Original Cheez-It for 2026 offers a promising future for those with gluten sensitivities. Until then, safe and certified gluten-free alternatives like Schar and homemade recipes are good options. Always check product labels carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, only the new certified gluten-free Original Cheez-It will be safe for those on a gluten-free diet. All other traditional versions will continue to contain wheat.

The main ingredient that makes original Cheez-It crackers unsafe for a gluten-free diet is enriched wheat flour.

Yes, Cheez-It confirmed the new gluten-free cracker will be Gluten-Free Certified, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease.

Ingredients vary by product line, and some like Cheez-It Puff'd use corn meal. However, cross-contamination is a risk. It's crucial to check the specific product label for gluten-containing ingredients or certifications.

Currently, certified gluten-free cheese crackers can be found from brands like Schar, Glutino, and others at most grocery stores.

The company announced the gluten-free Cheez-Its will hit shelves sometime in 2026, with more specific details expected closer to the release date.

The best way to confirm is to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the product packaging. When the new 2026 version is released, it will carry this certification.