Does Cheez-It contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, Cheez-It contains both. It is made with wheat flour (gluten) and cheese made with skim milk (dairy).

Is Cheez-It good for weight loss?

It is not ideal for weight loss. While low in sugar, the high refined carb content and low fiber mean it is not very satiating.

Where can I buy Cheez-It?

Cheez-It is widely available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and most convenience stores.

Is Cheez-It safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or major allergens other than wheat and milk.

Is Cheez-It Halal?

Yes, Cheez-It is considered halal. After a thorough review of the ingredient label, we found no alcohol, pork derivatives, or animal rennet that would violate Islamic dietary laws. While the cheese is made with skim milk and standard enzymes, it does not contain the haram additives often found in other snack foods. Here is the detailed breakdown.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a snack is halal, we look for specific red flags: alcohol-based flavorings, pork fat (lard), and enzymes derived from forbidden sources. The standard Cheez-It cracker is surprisingly clean regarding these issues. The primary ingredient is Enriched Flour, which is simply wheat flour fortified with vitamins. This is perfectly halal.

The fat source is a blend of vegetable oils including soybean and canola oil. Unlike some crackers that use lard, Cheez-It relies entirely on plant-based fats. The cheese flavoring is derived from cheese made with skim milk. The ingredients list specifies the use of cheese cultures and enzymes. In the United States, the enzymes used in cheese making are typically microbial (vegetarian) or derived from animal sources that are considered halal (like beef rennet, provided the animal was slaughtered correctly). However, because the manufacturer does not specify the source of the enzymes, most halal certifying bodies rely on the absence of specific haram markers to deem it acceptable.

Finally, the color additives are annatto extract and paprika extract, both of which are plant-derived and halal. There are no artificial dyes like Red 40 mentioned in the original formulation, and the preservative TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant that is permitted.

Nutritional Value

While Cheez-It passes the halal test, it is important to look at the nutritional profile. A standard serving (about 27 crackers) contains roughly 150 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats. The crackers are low in sugar (less than 1g), which is a plus compared to sweet snacks, but they are relatively high in sodium (around 230mg per serving).

If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, Cheez-It may not fit your limits due to the enriched wheat flour. However, for a general diet, it provides a quick source of energy. The fat content is moderate, but it is important to note that it contains soy lecithin, a common emulsifier that is generally safe but derived from soy.