Deciphering the Snack Aisle: What are the ingredients in cheese curls chips?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Cheese curls were invented somewhat by accident in the 1930s when a worker found that moistened cornmeal, when sent through a grain flaking machine, came out as puffy ribbons. Today, they are a beloved but ultra-processed snack, and understanding what are the ingredients in cheese curls chips is the first step toward making more informed nutritional decisions.

Quick Summary

A typical cheese curl is made from an extruded cornmeal base, which is then coated in vegetable oil and a mixture of cheese-flavored powders, flavor enhancers, and artificial colorings.

Key Points

Cornmeal Base: The base of all cheese curls is a dough made from cornmeal and water, which is extruded and puffed during the manufacturing process.
Vegetable Oil Coating: After shaping, the cornmeal puffs are coated in vegetable oil (such as canola, corn, or sunflower oil) to help the flavorings adhere.
Powdered Cheese Flavoring: The cheesy taste comes from a powder blend that includes whey, dehydrated cheese, maltodextrin, and salt, not fresh cheese.
Flavor Enhancers and Colors: Artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6), MSG, and natural flavors are often added to enhance the taste and visual appeal.
Low Nutrient Density: Classic cheese curls are high in calories, fat, and sodium but low in protein and fiber, making them an ultra-processed snack with minimal nutritional value.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For those seeking better nutrition, high-protein or homemade versions offer alternatives with different ingredient and nutrient profiles.

The Foundation: Cornmeal and Extrusion

Cheese curls begin with a base of cornmeal mixed with water to form a dough. This dough is processed through an extruder under high heat and pressure. As the dough exits, the rapid pressure drop causes the water to vaporize, making the cornmeal puff up into its distinct shape. These initial pieces are known as "collettes".

The Fatty Coating: Vegetable Oils

After being formed and dried, the collettes are coated in vegetable oil to help the powdered flavoring stick. Various vegetable oils or blends may be used, such as canola, corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean, or sunflower oil. This oil contributes significantly to the snack's calorie and fat content. While some oils contain unsaturated fats, the processing and quantity of oil used can result in a high-fat snack.

The Flavor Dust: Cheese and Chemical Enhancers

The cheesy flavor of cheese curls comes from a blend of powdered ingredients. This blend often includes whey, cheddar cheese powder, maltodextrin, buttermilk solids, and salt. Flavor enhancers like MSG and various artificial and natural flavors are also commonly added to intensify the taste. To achieve the characteristic color, artificial colorings such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, or natural options like annatto, are used.

A Nutritional Perspective on Cheese Curls

Cheese curls offer limited nutritional value and are considered an ultra-processed food. A balanced diet prioritizes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Cheese curls, in contrast, are typically high in calories and fat due to the oil coating. They are also high in sodium from the seasoning blend, which can affect heart health if consumed excessively. They provide low amounts of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, offering minimal nutritional benefit.

Comparison: Cheese Curls vs. Mindful Alternatives

For those seeking alternatives, there are snacks with different nutritional profiles. The table below compares standard cheese curls with a protein-based option.


Feature	Standard Cheese Curls	High-Protein Cheese Curls
Main Base	Extruded cornmeal	Protein sources, such as milk protein isolate
Fat Content	High; from vegetable oil coating	Lower; often from sunflower oil
Protein	Low; typically 1-2 grams per serving	High; often 14 grams or more per serving
Sodium	High; from salt and flavor enhancers	Can be high, but varies; check labels
Artificial Additives	Often contains artificial colors (Yellow 5/6) and MSG	Many aim for natural flavors and colors

Making Mindful Snack Choices

Understanding the ingredients in snacks like cheese curls helps in making informed choices. Consider these points:

Practice Moderation: Enjoy cheese curls as an occasional treat.
Diversify Your Snacks: Include nutrient-rich options like nuts, seeds, yogurt, or fruit in your diet.
Read the Label: Check ingredients and nutrition facts to compare products, looking for baked options, natural flavors, or lower sodium.
Consider Homemade: Homemade versions allow for control over ingredients, potentially using real cheese and cornmeal.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

Cheese curls are primarily designed for taste and texture, not nutritional value. They consist of a puffed cornmeal base coated in vegetable oil and a complex mix of powdered flavorings and additives. As an ultra-processed food, they are high in calories, fat, and sodium, and lack significant dietary fiber or protein. While enjoying them occasionally in a varied diet is acceptable, it's important to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods for regular consumption.

Visit EWG's Food Scores for details on processed food ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

While most cheese curls contain dehydrated cheese powder (often cheddar) as part of their flavoring, the iconic taste comes from a complex blend of whey, maltodextrin, salt, and other natural or artificial flavorings, not fresh cheese alone.

The base of a cheese curl is extruded cornmeal. This cornmeal dough is cooked under high pressure, then pushed through a die where it expands and puffs up, creating its light and airy texture.

The high sodium content in cheese curls is primarily due to the large amount of salt used in the powdered seasoning blend that is dusted onto the snacks. This salt is crucial for enhancing the flavor.

Many brands of cheese curls use artificial colors, such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, to achieve their signature bright orange appearance. Some versions may use natural colorings like annatto or paprika.

The manufacturing method varies by brand. Some companies bake their cheese curls, resulting in a lighter snack, while others fry them in oil, which increases the fat content.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from corn starch that serves as a thickener and flavor enhancer in the powdered cheese seasoning.

Homemade cheese curls can be made with more whole-food ingredients like a butter, flour, and natural cheese dough base, offering more control over ingredients and nutrients, though they may have a different texture than extruded commercial versions.