Does CHEDDAR SQUARES Original contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy (cheddar cheese, milk) and gluten (wheat flour). It is not suitable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.

Is CHEDDAR SQUARES Original good for weight loss?

While made with organic ingredients, it is calorie-dense. It is better than potato chips due to lower saturated fat, but portion control is necessary for weight loss.

Where can I buy CHEDDAR SQUARES Original?

You can find CHEDDAR SQUARES Original at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and online via Amazon.

Is CHEDDAR SQUARES Original safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or major allergens other than dairy and wheat, making it a common lunchbox snack.

Is CHEDDAR SQUARES Original Kosher?

Yes, CHEDDAR SQUARES Original is kosher. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no non-kosher animal derivatives or prohibited additives found. The product relies on organic wheat, sunflower oil, and cheddar cheese made with non-animal enzymes, making it a suitable snack for those observing kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining the kosher status of a snack like CHEDDAR SQUARES Original, we look closely at the source of the flavor and the processing aids. The primary ingredients are organic wheat flour and organic whole wheat flour. Since these are plant-based grains, they are inherently kosher, provided they are free from insect infestation.

The fat source is organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil, which is a vegetable oil and poses no kosher concerns. The savory flavor comes from organic cheddar cheese. A critical factor in kosher cheese is the use of animal-derived rennet. The label specifies that this cheese is made with non-animal enzymes, which confirms it is suitable for a kosher diet. Additionally, the organic yeast and enzymes listed are standard baking ingredients and are not flagged.

Finally, the color and spices are derived from organic paprika, organic annatto, and organic onion powder. These are all plant-derived colorants and flavorings. The presence of mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) is used to preserve freshness and is a synthetic or plant-derived antioxidant, which is acceptable. There are no hidden animal-based ingredients or alcohol detected in this list.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, CHEDDAR SQUARES Original offers a profile typical of a baked savory cracker. The base is primarily organic wheat flour, providing carbohydrates for energy. Because it contains organic whole wheat flour, it offers a modest amount of fiber, which aids in digestion compared to crackers made with refined white flour only.

In terms of fats, the product uses organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil. This is a source of unsaturated fats, which are generally considered heart-healthier than the saturated fats found in many traditional cheese crackers that use butter or palm oil. However, the organic cheddar cheese and organic nonfat dry milk contribute to the saturated fat and sodium content. While the ingredients are organic, the calorie density is still significant, so portion control is recommended for those monitoring their intake.

The sugar content is relatively low, coming naturally from the organic milk (lactose) rather than added refined sugars. This makes it a better option for maintaining stable blood sugar levels compared to sweet snacks. It fits well into a balanced diet as a savory alternative to potato chips, provided you stick to the serving size.