The Core Components of a Cheez-It
At the heart of the original Cheez-It cracker are three primary components: the dough, the cheese, and the oil. While the ingredient list can seem long, it's these core elements that create the signature flavor and flaky, crunchy texture that snackers have enjoyed for over a century.
The Dough and Oil Base
The foundation of the cracker is a simple dough made from enriched flour. This includes wheat flour fortified with vitamins and minerals like niacin, reduced iron, and B vitamins (thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid). This basic dough is mixed with a vegetable oil blend, which often includes high oleic soybean, soybean, palm, and/or canola oil. TBHQ, or tertiary butylhydroquinone, is added as a preservative to these oils to ensure freshness.
The Real Aged Cheese
The defining characteristic of a Cheez-It is its cheesy flavor, which comes from real aged cheese. For the Original variety, this cheese is made with skim milk, which is then processed with cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. A hint of paprika and annatto extract color is also added to achieve the iconic orange hue, which has long been a visual cue for its cheesy taste. It's the aging process that helps develop the cracker's rich, savory taste before it is mixed into the dough.
A Closer Look at the Flavor Enhancers
While flour, cheese, and oil are the stars, a supporting cast of minor ingredients plays a crucial role in shaping the final taste profile. These ingredients, listed as "Contains 2% or less of..." on the packaging, include:
- Salt: A foundational seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Paprika: Provides a subtle, savory warmth and contributes to the overall color.
- Yeast: Used in the proofing process to help the dough ferment and develop more complex flavors before baking.
- Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier that helps bind the ingredients together for a smoother consistency.
The Science of the Crunch and Flavor
Beyond the ingredients, the manufacturing process itself is a key part of the Cheez-It equation. After the dough is mixed and proofed for up to 24 hours, it is rolled into a thin sheet. This sheet is then stamped with the square shape and the recognizable single "docker hole" in the center. The hole serves a vital purpose: releasing air and moisture to prevent puffing and ensure a consistently flat, crispy cracker. A final layer of salt is added before the sheet is baked in a long, high-temperature oven. The crackers are then broken apart by a machine and sent for packaging.
Comparison: Original Cheez-It vs. Cheez-It Grooves Sharp White Cheddar
To illustrate how different ingredients create distinct products, here is a comparison of the Original Cheez-It and the Grooves Sharp White Cheddar variety.
| Ingredient | Original Cheez-It | Grooves Sharp White Cheddar |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Enriched wheat flour | Enriched wheat flour, rice flour |
| Oil | Soybean, palm, and/or canola oil with TBHQ | Soybean oil with TBHQ |
| Cheese | Made with skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes; annatto extract color | White cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes) |
| Flavorings | Salt, paprika, yeast, soy lecithin | Salt, sugar, whey, leavening, MSG, buttermilk, yeast extract, citric acid |
| Added Color | Annatto extract, paprika extract | Annatto extract, paprika extract |
As seen in the table, while both rely on real cheese, the Grooves variety incorporates a broader array of flavorings and adds rice flour for a different texture.
The “Bioengineered” Label and Vegan Concerns
Recent packaging for Cheez-It crackers notes that they contain a "bioengineered food ingredient". This ingredient is likely the vegetable oil, specifically derived from genetically modified crops like soybeans. It's important to note that this is a separate consideration from any health or safety issues, and the use of such ingredients is disclosed on the product packaging.
Furthermore, because Cheez-Its are made with 100% real dairy cheese, they are not vegan. For plant-based snackers, alternative recipes or products that use non-dairy cheese substitutes are available, though they will not replicate the exact Cheez-It flavor profile.
Conclusion
So, what is a Cheez-It made of? It's a precise combination of enriched flour, aged cheese derived from skim milk, vegetable oil, and a specific blend of flavorings like salt and paprika. The magic, however, lies not just in the ingredients themselves, but also in the manufacturing process. The dough is fermented, carefully rolled, and precisely baked to produce the light, crispy texture and deep, cheesy flavor that has made the cracker an American snacking staple since 1921. The next time you reach for a handful, you'll know that you're enjoying a carefully crafted product with a surprisingly layered history. For more information, you can check out the Cheez-It official FAQ page.
