Is Cheez-It Crackers Snack Mix Double Cheese Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look for the 'red flag' ingredients that often disqualify snacks from being kosher. In the case of Cheez-It Crackers Snack Mix Double Cheese, the ingredient list is surprisingly clean from a kosher perspective. The primary components are enriched flour, various vegetable oils, and cheese.

The most critical aspect of this product is the dairy content. It contains skim milk, whey, butter, and multiple types of cheddar cheese. Under kosher law, cheese must be made with rennet derived from kosher sources. Since this product is widely distributed and labeled as containing dairy, it is safe to assume the cheese cultures and enzymes used are kosher-compliant.

We also need to check for hidden non-kosher additives. You will often find gelatin in snacks (used in marshmallows or as a stabilizer), but it is absent here. Similarly, red dye no. 40 is a common non-kosher culprit, but this mix uses Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, which are generally kosher-certified. The presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and natural flavors is standard in savory snacks and does not inherently violate kosher rules. There are no animal-derived fats like lard listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cheez-It Crackers Snack Mix Double Cheese is a calorie-dense snack. A standard serving contains approximately 140 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. The mix relies on vegetable oils (soybean, canola, palm) to achieve its texture.

Sugar content is moderate compared to sweet snacks, but the mix does contain corn syrup and sugar, which contributes to the overall carbohydrate count. The sodium content is relatively high due to the salt and cheese, which is typical for savory snack mixes. It provides a quick energy boost but should be eaten in moderation if you are monitoring your sodium or saturated fat intake.