Cheez-It: the American real-cheese cracker

Cheez-It is THE American cheese cracker — those small crunchy squares (technically slight rectangles) baked golden, made with 100% real cheese since 1921. Not a chip, not a biscuit, not a rice cake: something in between, with that melted cheddar flavor that hooks you and that crunch that makes stopping at a handful very difficult. Born in Dayton, Ohio, they've crossed a century without changing much about their core formula. Now available in Original, White Cheddar, Extra Toasty, Hot & Spicy and dozens of other varieties, they're the essential snack in every American pantry.

Where does Cheez-It come from?

March 31, 1921, Dayton, Ohio. Weston Green, founder of the Green & Green Company, launches a new cheese cracker described as a "Baked Rarebit" — a nod to the Welsh dish of melted cheese on toast. The Cheez-It name is filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office on May 23, 1921. The cracker takes off immediately.

In 1932, Sunshine Biscuits acquires Green & Green and makes Cheez-It a national brand. Keebler acquires Sunshine in 1996, then Kellogg's buys Keebler in 2001. In 2023, Kellogg's snack division becomes Kellanova — since acquired by Mars. The recipe itself hasn't moved an inch.

What does Cheez-It taste like?

Bold cheddar, slightly salty, with a crunchy texture that stands apart from regular chips. There's an underlying buttery note and a light caramelization from the baking process — that's what sets them apart from puffed or artificially cheese-flavored crackers. The Extra Toasty variety pushes this even further: darker, more caramelized, crunchier.

Cheez-It varieties to discover

Cheez-It Original — the classic cheddar, the starting point since 1921.
Cheez-It White Cheddar — milder, slightly creamier, for white cheddar fans.
Cheez-It Extra Toasty — more toasted, more caramelized, crunchier.
Cheez-It Hot & Spicy — the heat that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Cheez-It Snap'd — the ultra-thin, ultra-crunchy version for texture fans.

Frequently asked questions

Are Cheez-Its square or rectangular?

Technically rectangular (about 26 × 24mm) — but the difference is so small that everyone calls them "the little squares." And yes, there's a small hole in the center, which allows for even baking.

Really made with 100% real cheese?

Yes, it's actually their main marketing claim: "Made with 100% real cheese." That's what gives them that authentic cheddar flavor you won't find in artificially cheese-flavored crackers.