Cheez-It

Introduction

Cheez-It was founded in 1921 by the Green and Green Company in Dayton, Ohio. The brand was created with the intention of offering snack enthusiasts a unique, cheesy cracker experience. From its inception, Cheez-It stood apart by embracing simple ingredients and a distinct square shape, aiming to satisfy the cravings of cheese lovers everywhere. With decades of history, the brand has grown to become an iconic snack choice, recognized across the United States and beyond.

The philosophy behind Cheez-It revolves around quality and authenticity. The brand emphasizes the importance of using 100% real cheese in its products, which adds a depth of flavor and ensures that customers enjoy a genuine cheese experience with every bite. Cheez-It seeks to bring joy to snack time, whether it be for a quick on-the-go option, a party snack, or a cheesy treat during a cozy night in. This commitment to flavor and quality has helped foster a loyal fan base over its long history.

What makes Cheez-It special is its ability to innovate while staying true to its roots. The brand has introduced various product lines that cater to diverse consumer preferences without compromising on its signature taste. Whether through the classic original flavor or the introduction of zesty combinations in products like Cheez-It Duoz and Cheez-It Grooves, the brand continues to excite and entice cheese lovers. Each offering maintains the hallmark of Cheez-It’s quality craftsmanship and cheesy goodness, setting the brand apart in the snack food aisle.

Signature Products

Cheez-It’s product lineup showcases its dedication to delivering delightful cheesy snacks. Each option represents a playful take on flavors and textures, reinforcing the brand's commitment to being a go-to snack choice.

• Cheez-It® Original : The classic cheesy cracker made with 100% real cheese, beloved for its simple yet satisfying flavor.
• Cheez-It Duoz® : A double flavor cracker merging two distinct tastes for a unique snacking experience.
• Cheez-It Grooves® : An innovative cracker with a ridged texture, available in special flavors for added crunch and flavor.
• Cheez-It® Snap’d® : A thinner, crispier version of the classic cracker that adds a new dimension to the Cheez-It experience.
• Cheez-It® Extra Cheesy : An even cheesier version of the beloved original, catering to those who can’t get enough cheese.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Cheez-It

• Canola : Canola is a type of vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the canola plant. It is used in Cheez-It ingredients for its mild flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for baking. The choice of canola oil helps to create a crispy texture in the final product.
• Citric Acid : Citric acid is a natural preservative found in citrus fruits that adds a sour flavor. In Cheez-It ingredients, it acts as both a flavor enhancer and a preservative, helping to maintain the freshness of the crackers while contributing to a tangy taste profile.
• Corn : Corn is a staple ingredient derived from the kernels of corn plants. It is primarily used in Cheez-It ingredients to create the base for the crackers, providing essential structure and a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese flavor.
• Lactic Acid : Lactic acid is an organic acid that can be derived from fermented foods. In the context of Cheez-It ingredients, it serves as a flavoring agent and helps to enhance the overall taste and texture of the crackers while balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Milk : Milk is a dairy product rich in nutrients. In Cheez-It ingredients, it contributes to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the cheese used in the crackers, ensuring that they deliver a genuine cheese experience.
• Monosodium Glutamate : Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that intensifies the savory taste of food. In Cheez-It ingredients, it is used to amplify the cheese flavor, making the crackers taste more indulgent and appealing to consumers.
• Oat : Oats are whole grains that provide fiber and texture. In Cheez-It ingredients, they can add a distinctive crunch and improve the overall nutritional profile of the crackers, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
• Salt : Salt is a vital ingredient that enhances flavor and preserves food. In Cheez-It ingredients, it improves the overall taste, making the crackers more enjoyable and providing balance to the rich cheese flavor.
• Soybean : Soybean oil is derived from soybeans and is commonly used as a cooking oil. In Cheez-It ingredients, it is used to help achieve the desired texture and to keep the crackers crispy, while also adding a subtle flavor note.
• Sugar : Sugar is a sweetener that balances flavors in food. In Cheez-It ingredients, it contributes a slight sweetness to counterbalance the savory cheese, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the crackers.
• Vegetable Oil : Vegetable oil is a blend of different plant-based oils. In Cheez-It ingredients, it is used for frying and baking, helping to achieve the characteristic crispiness while allowing the flavors to shine through.
• Whey : Whey is a byproduct of cheese production, rich in protein. In Cheez-It ingredients, it enhances the cheesy flavor and adds nutritional value, ensuring that the crackers maintain a rich cheese taste.
• Yeast : Yeast is a microorganism used in baking to help leaven bread and baked goods. In Cheez-It ingredients, it contributes to the texture of the crackers, imparting a light and airy feel that complements the cheese flavor.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Cheez-It

Pesticide Use:

The use of pesticides is common across several ingredients such as canola, corn, oat, soybean, and sugar. This practice can lead to environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. Pesticides can also affect human health, as they might persist in food products. For instance, the extensive use of neonicotinoids in canola cultivation has been associated with a decline in bee populations, which are crucial for pollination and ecosystem health.

Genetic Modification:

Genetic modification is prominently noted in canola and corn production, with soybeans often also genetically modified. While these practices can increase yield and resistance to pests, they raise environmental concerns such as reduced biodiversity and unintended harm to other organisms. Socially, genetic modification can lead to the monopolization of seeds by large corporations, impacting small-scale farmers' independence.

Water Usage:

High water consumption is a concern for ingredients like corn, soybeans, and sugar. Irrigation for these crops can deplete local water resources, affecting both local communities and ecosystems. For example, the irrigation of sugarcane fields in regions with scarce water resources can lead to conflicts over water rights and negatively affect local flora and fauna that depend on these water resources.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Greenhouse gas emissions are particularly significant for ingredients like milk and vegetable oil. The dairy industry is a major contributor to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural practices involved in producing vegetable oils often lead to deforestation, particularly in the case of palm oil, significantly contributing to global warming.

Deforestation:

Deforestation related to soybean, sugar, and vegetable oil production is a major concern. Deforestation can lead to habitat loss, carbon emissions, and disruption of water cycles. For instance, in the Amazon, soybean farming has been a major driver of deforestation, leading to significant biodiversity loss and impacting indigenous communities' livelihoods.

Chemical Waste:

Ingredients like citric acid and monosodium glutamate undergo extensive industrial processing, which can result in chemical waste. This waste, if not managed properly, can contaminate local water supplies and soil, posing risks to both ecosystems and human settlements nearby.

These issues are integral to the supply chain of the brand and must be considered holistically to identify sustainable practices that mitigate environmental degradation, social injustice, and resource overutilization.