Have you ever found yourself absentmindedly reaching for a bag of Cheetos, only to regret it later? I’ve totally been there!
While there is no doubt that Cheetos are delicious, they don’t fill up or provide much nutritional value.
Even worse, they are loaded with artificial additives, which can wreak havoc on your health if eaten regularly.
As a result, I started searching for ways to get my cheesy crunch fix in a healthier way.
And you know what? I’ve found some amazingly tasty alternatives to Cheetos that give the same level of satisfaction.
And the best part? Your body feels good after enjoying them!
But before getting to the list, let’s address an important question.
Read also: 10 Healthy Alternatives to Doritos You Must Try
Why do you need alternatives to Cheetos?
If you’re looking to kick out Cheetos, you may already be aware of the reasons behind this.
However, if you don’t, here are some key reasons why finding healthier alternatives to Cheetos is so important:
- Cheetos are high in fat.
- Cheetos are high in sodium.
- Cheetos are low in protein and fiber.
- Cheetos are Loaded with artificial flavors.
- Cheetos are loaded with artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
- Cheetos contain MSG.
- Cheetos are not vegan.
8 Healthy Alternatives to Cheetos
1. Hippea chickpea puffs
Hippea chickpea puffs are one of the healthiest alternatives to Cheetos on this list that you can go for.
These puffs are made from organic chickpeas as the main ingredient. The chickpeas are milled into flour and then puffed into lightweight, crunchy little puffs.
Unlike Cheetos laden with artificial flavors, Hippea chickpea puffs get their mouthwatering flavors from natural flavors and spices.
A serving of Hippea chickpea puffs contains around 130 calories, 4.5g of fat, 4g of plant-based protein, 3g of fiber, and 210mg of sodium.
Even better, these puffs come in various satisfying flavors like Vegan white cheddar, Nacho vibes, and Sriracha sunshine.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Low in calories and fat.
- High in protein and fiber.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free, vegan and Non-GMO.
2. Iwon organics protein puffs
Iwon Organics Protein Puffs are not your ordinary puffs; they’re a powerhouse of nutrition.
These puffs are made with a blend of organic plant-based protein sources such as green peas, brown rice flour, and pea protein as the main ingredient.
Reviewers say these puffs are crispy and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
A serving (28g) of Iwon organic protein puffs contains around 120 calories, 5g of fat, 7g of plant-based protein, 3g of fiber, and 170mg of sodium.
If you are looking for high-protein snacks, these are the solid ones.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Made with organic ingredients.
- Low in calories, fat, and sodium.
- High in protein and fiber.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free, vegan and Non-GMO.
3. Peatos puffs
Peatos puffs are popular Cheetos substitutes that anyone can go for.
These puffs have an uncanny similarity in taste and texture to Cheetos, without any harmful ingredients.
These puffs are made from a blend of pulse flour such as peas and lentils and have a good profile with macro-nutrients.
Unlike Cheetos, Peatos Puffs get their colors from real spices instead of artificial dyes.
A serving(28g) of Peatos puffs contains 140 calories, 9g of fat, 4g of protein, 3g of fiber, and 170mg of sodium.
Moreover, Peatos puffs come in a Fiery Lime flavor that can be a perfect spicy, hot Cheetos alternative for those who like heat.
Furthermore, Peatos also come in different shapes, such as Rings and Curls.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Low in calories and sodium.
- Good source of protein and fiber.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free, vegan and Non-GMO.
4. Barbara’s Original Cheese Puffs
Barbara’s original cheese puffs are made from yellow cornmeal blended with real aged cheddar and blue cheese.
Unlike Cheetos, which are fried in unhealthy oils, Barbara’s uses expeller-pressed high oleic oils.
For colors, these cheese puffs use natural ingredients like Annatto and paprika extracts.
A serving (28g) of Barbara’s original cheese puffs contains 150 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 160mg of sodium.
Barbara’s also comes in other flavors like White Cheddar and Jalapeno cheese.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Low in sodium.
- Use of less inflammatory oils.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free and Non-GMO.
Downsides
- Similar fat content to Cheetos.
- No fiber.
- Not vegan.
5. Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs
Pirate’s Booty cheese puffs are one of the highly-rated puffs on the Amazon.
These puffs are made with a blend of corn and rice flour mixed with just the right amount of white cheddar cheese for a light and super crunchy snack.
Unlike Cheetos, Pirate’s Booty contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
These puffs are baked using a blend of expeller-pressed Sunflower Oil and non-GMO Canola Oil rather than deep-fried like Cheetos.
This removes a lot of the heavy grease you find in some puffs.
A serving (14g) of Pirate’s Boost aged white cheddar cheese puffs contains 70 calories, 3g of fat, 1g of protein, and just 95mg of sodium.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Baked and not fried.
- Low in fat, calories, and sodium.
- Use of less inflammatory oils.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free and Non-GMO.
Downsides
- Low in protein.
- No fiber.
- Not vegan.
6. LesserEvil Organic Paleo Puffs
LesserEvil’s Paleo Puffs are a fantastic better-for-you vegan alternative to Cheetos.
These grain-free puffs are made from simple and organic ingredients like Cassava flour, Coconut oil, Tapioca starch, and sweet potato powder.
A serving (28g) of LesserEvil organic paleo puffs contains 130 calories, 6g of fat, 1g of fiber, and 190mg of sodium.
These Paleo puffs come in different flavors such as No cheese cheesiness, Himalayan pink salt, and fiery hot.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Made from organic ingredients.
- Baked and not fried.
- No use of vegetable oils.
- Low in fat, calories, and sodium.
- No MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
- Gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO, and Paleo certified.
Downsides
- Low in protein.
- No fiber.
7. Annie’s organic smile puffs
Annie’s smile puffs are a delicious substitute for Cheetos made with wholesome organic ingredients.
These puffs are made from organic yellow corn, expeller-pressed vegetable oils, and real cheddar cheese flavoring.
For color, these puffs use annatto extract. No dyes!
Although these puffs are similar to Cheetos in terms of nutrition, they are better because they contain no MSG, artificial flavors, or colors.
A serving (30g) of Annie’s organic smile puffs contains 160 calories, 9g of fat, 2g of protein, 1g of fiber, and 220mg of sodium.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Made from organic ingredients.
- Baked and not fried.
- Use of less inflammatory oils.
- No MSG, artificial flavors or colors.
- Gluten-free and Non-GMO.
Downsides
- Low in protein.
- High in sodium.
- No fiber.
- Not vegan.
8. Schoolyard Snacks high protein puffs
Are you a protein lover?
If yes, these high-protein cheesy baked puffs are about to become your new favorite snack!
Schoolyard Snacks high protein puffs are airy, cheese-flavored bites made with milk protein isolate to deliver a whopping 15g per serving.
That’s way more protein than you’ll find in any traditional cheese puffs.
Not only are these puffs protein-packed, but they’re also low carb with only 2g net carbs per serving, making them perfect for keto dieters.
However, these puffs are high in sodium and not an ideal choice for those limiting salt intake.
A serving (26g) of Schoolyard snacks high protein puffs contain 115 calories, 5g of fat, 15g of protein, and 300mg of sodium.
How are these better than Cheetos?
- Baked and not fried.
- Low in calories, fat, and carbs.
- Extremely high in protein.
- Good source of calcium.
- No MSG, artificial flavors or colors.
- Gluten-free, Non-GMO, and Keto friendly.
Downsides
- High in sodium.
- No fiber.
- Not vegan.
Final words
Cheetos may be tempting, but they do nothing good for your health.
The alternatives I’ve listed above are the ones you can eat without feeling guilty. Yes, these healthy swaps may come at a slightly higher price point than Cheetos, but they are worth it for using nutritious whole-food ingredients.
Experiment with these alternatives to find the one that suits your taste buds.
So next time you’re in the snack aisle, bypass the neon orange Cheetos and go for one of these feel-good alternatives.
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