What are the ingredients in Combos?

November 10, 2025 •

2 min read

Combos snacks were first introduced to the public in 1980 by Mars, Inc., after originating from a prototype created in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the 1970s. The ingredients in Combos vary by flavor and the type of shell—whether a pretzel or a cracker—but typically feature a base of wheat flour, vegetable oil, and a creamy, savory filling.

Quick Summary

Combos snacks are stuffed with a flavored filling inside a pretzel or cracker shell. Core ingredients include wheat flour, vegetable oil, and dairy product solids. Specific flavorings like cheese blends, tomato powder, or ranch seasoning create the distinct taste of each variety.

Key Points

Base Ingredients: Combos contain a shell made of wheat flour and fillings based on dairy product solids and vegetable oil.
Common Additives: Maltodextrin, modified corn starch, and leavening agents are used for texture and structure.
Cheddar Cheese Flavor: Features a specific blend of cheddar, Parmesan, Romano, and Bakers cheeses for its signature taste.
Pizzeria Flavor: Gets its zesty taste from tomato powder, onion, garlic, and specific spices like oregano.
Allergen Information: All varieties contain common allergens including wheat, milk, and soy.
Flavor Customization: Each Combos flavor uses a unique combination of seasonings and flavorings to achieve its distinct profile beyond the basic shell and filler ingredients.

Combos have long been a popular stuffed snack, but the specific ingredients can differ depending on the flavor and shell type. Understanding the components can provide insight into the product's flavor profile and nutritional content. The snack consists of two main parts: the baked shell and the savory filling. While some foundational ingredients are common across most variations, the unique combination of seasonings and cheese types is what gives each Combos flavor its signature taste.

The Base Ingredients: Shell and Creamy Filling

The fundamental components of most Combos varieties are what give the snack its structure and core flavor. The shell, whether a pretzel or a cracker, is primarily composed of flour, while the filling relies on dairy products and fats for its creamy texture. Common ingredients across varieties include wheat flour, vegetable oil, dairy product solids, whey, and maltodextrin.

Flavor-Specific Ingredients

Beyond the base, each flavor of Combos contains a unique blend of ingredients to create its distinct profile. Cheddar Cheese Pretzel Combos utilize a cheese blend. Pizzeria Pretzel Combos include ingredients like tomato powder and spices. Nacho Cheese Pretzel Combos feature ingredients like onion and garlic powder and cayenne red pepper.

Understanding the Ingredient Panel

Ingredients are listed by weight, so wheat flour, oils, and dairy products are typically listed first. Flavor ingredients are often in smaller quantities and listed later. Many Combos products contain bioengineered food ingredients.

Common Allergens

Combos contain common allergens including wheat, milk, and soy due to their ingredients. Always check the packaging for allergen information.

Ingredient Comparison: Pretzel vs. Cracker Combos

A comparison of Cheddar Cheese Pretzel Combos and Cheddar Cheese Cracker Combos shows some differences in ingredients, such as the specific types of oils and dairy used. A full comparison can be seen on {Link: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/COMBOS-Pizzeria-Pretzel-Snacks-6-3-Ounce/dp/B004SKIUI2} and {Link: Shoppers Food https://shop.shoppersfood.com/store/shoppersfood/products/226427-combos-cheddar-cheese-cracker-baked-snacks-6-3-oz}.

Conclusion

The ingredients in Combos consist of a baked shell and a savory filling, varying by flavor. The base includes wheat flour and vegetable oil, with fillings primarily made from dairy solids and fats. Specific flavors like cheddar cheese use cheese blends, while pizzeria varieties feature tomato and spice mixes. Due to ingredients like wheat, milk, and soy, Combos contain common allergens, so checking packaging is advised. The combination of these core and flavor-specific components creates the distinctive taste and texture of Combos snacks. For more information on food product composition, sources like the FDA are reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Combos snacks are typically made with vegetable oil, which includes palm kernel oil and/or palm oil. Some cracker varieties may also contain corn oil.

Yes, many Combos flavors, including the Cheddar Cheese varieties, are made with a blend of real cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano, according to the official ingredients list.

Yes, Combos use artificial colors to achieve the desired hue for their fillings. For example, many varieties contain Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake.

Maltodextrin is a food additive derived from starch. In Combos, it is used as a bulking agent, binder, and flavor carrier to improve the texture and consistency of the filling.

Most Combos flavors are considered vegetarian, as they do not contain meat or fish. However, they do contain dairy products. Pizzeria flavors with beef fat may not be suitable for all vegetarians.

No, people with celiac disease should not eat Combos. The snacks are made with wheat flour for their shells and therefore contain gluten.

Common allergens found in Combos include wheat, milk, and soy. It is always important to check the specific product's packaging for a complete and current list of allergen warnings.