Do you love the taste of Cheez-Its but not all the not-so-healthy ingredients it has? If yes, you are not alone.
Cheez-Its are a popular brand of baked cheese crackers made by the Kellogg Company. They are small, square-shaped crackers that have a crispy and crunchy texture.
However, while these crunchy little squares taste delicious, they are not very healthy.
As a result, I have compiled a list of 11 healthy alternatives to Cheez-Its in this post.
These alternatives are made from whole grain, are low in sodium, contain little to no added sugar, and are free from artificial additives, making your snacking guilt-free.
But first, let’s address an important question.
Read also: 10 Healthy Alternatives to Doritos You Must Try
Why do you need alternatives to Cheez-Its?
Here are the top reasons why Cheez Its alternatives are worth considering.
- They are made with refined grains (enriched flour).
- They contain less healthy soybean and palm oil.
- They are low in fiber.
- They are high in sodium.
- They contain TBHQ, which has been linked with health risks.
- They contain MSG making them addictive.
- Some flavors include artificial flavors and colors.
- They contain soy lecithin, which is mostly made from genetically modified soy.
- They are not vegan.
11 Healthy Alternatives to Cheez-Its
1. Triscuits
Triscuits are 100% whole wheat grain crackers holding their own in the snacking world for over a century.
These are one of the healthiest alternatives to Cheez-Its out there.
Unlike Cheez-Its, Triscuits are made with simple, pronounceable ingredients: whole-grain wheat, canola oil, and sea salt.
Additionally, these are lower in fat, sodium, and calories compared to Cheez-Its.
Moreover, these are a good source of protein and fiber and come in various tempting flavors.
A serving(30g) of Triscuits (original) provides 130 calories, 3.5g of fat, 170mg of sodium, 4g of fiber, and 3g of protein.
You can’t go wrong with these unless you absolutely hate Triscuits.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with 100% whole grain wheat.
- Good source of protein and fiber.
- Low in sodium.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Most of the flavors are 100% vegan.
- Non-GMO and Kosher
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Not gluten-free
2. Mary’s gone crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers are a popular brand of gluten-free crackers.
These crackers are made with organic ingredients like brown rice, quinoa, flax, and sesame seeds.
This gives them a crunchy texture and nutty, seed-like flavor.
These also contain a blend of herbs and spices to make them more tempting.
A serving(30g) of Mary’s Gone crackers (original) provides 140 calories, 5g of fat, 180mg of sodium, 3g of fiber, and 4g of protein.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with 100% whole grain.
- Good source of protein and fiber.
- Low in sodium.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher.
3. Annie’s organic white cheddar bunnies
If you are looking for kid-friendly crackers, these might be the finest option.
Annie’s organic white cheddar bunnies are bunnies-shaped crackers made with organic ingredients, including whole wheat flour.
These are made with real cheese derived from cows raised without antibiotics or synthetic hormones, which is good.
In fact, these are not only a healthier substitute to Cheez-Its but also to the goldfish crackers.
A serving(30g) of Annie’s organic white cheddar bunnies provides 160 calories, 8g of fat, 150mg of sodium, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with organic ingredients.
- Good source of protein.
- Low in sodium.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO and certified organic.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Average fiber.
- Not gluten-free and vegan.
4. Simple Mills almond flour crackers
Simple Mills crackers are grain-free crackers made from a blend of nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.
These crackers taste amazing and are packed with protein and fiber derived from almond flour and seeds.
In addition, unlike Cheez-Its, which use synthetic TBHQ for freshness, these crackers uses rosemary extract, which is natural and healthier.
However, these crackers are high in sodium. But, if eaten moderately, there should be no problem.
A serving(30g) of Simple Mills almond flour crackers (cracked black pepper) provides 150 calories, 8g of fat, 230mg of sodium, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein.
Furthermore, these come in various flavors, such as cracked black pepper, farmhouse cheddar, rosemary & sea salt, and more.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with nut and seed flour.
- Good source of protein and fiber.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and paleo.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- High in sodium.
5. Flackers Flaxseed Crackers
Flackers Flaxseed crackers are one of the most nutritious alternative to Cheez-Its you can grab out there.
These crackers are made from organic ingredients, with flax seeds as the main ingredient, and are an excellent source of protein and fiber.
A serving(30g) of Flackers flaxseed crackers provides 7 to 9g of fiber and 5 to 6g of protein, depending on the flavor.
Additionally, these come in multiple tempting flavors such as Sea salt, Everything, Rosemary, Savory, etc.
Wait! That’s not all.
If you are on a keto-diet, these are the only crackers on this list suitable for you, containing just 3g of net carbs per serving.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made from organic ingredients, including flax seeds.
- Excellent source of protein and fiber.
- Good source of Iron.
- Low in sodium.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and keto friendly.
6. Crunchmaster multi-grain crackers
Crunchmaster multi-grain crackers are made with wholesome ingredients like brown rice, corn, oat fiber, and seeds like flaxseed and sesame.
This creates a hearty, nutty cracker bursting with nutrients.
Unlike Cheez-Its, which are made with soybean and palm oil, these crackers use healthier olive oil.
Although very little, these crackers do contain some sugar. Just 2g!
A serving(30g) of Crunchmaster multi-grain crackers (sea salt) contains 120 calories, 3.5g of fat, 150mg of sodium, 2g of fiber, and 2g of protein.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with good ingredients like brown rice, corn and seeds.
- It uses olive oil.
- Low in calories, fat and sodium.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Average source of protein and fiber.
7. Nut Thins
Nut thins are popular gluten-free rice crackers made by Blue Diamond Growers.
As the name indicates, these crackers are packed with various nuts such as almonds, pecan, etc.
Unlike Cheez-Its, which are made up of hydrogenated oils, Nut thins are made with better safflower oil.
In addition, these don’t have any weird stuff like artificial flavors, corn syrup, or TBHQ.
A serving(30g) of Nut thins (original) contains 130 calories, 2.5g of fat, 115mg of sodium, 1g of fiber, and 3g of protein.
Furthermore, these comes in various flavors, such as sea salt, pepper jack, smokehouse, cheddar, pecan, and more.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with rice and almonds.
- Use of better safflower oil.
- Low in sodium.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Gluten-free and Kosher.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Most of the flavors are not vegan.
- Low in fiber.
8. Good thins
Good Thins is a brand of crackers made simply with whole grain corn or rice as the main ingredient instead of refined flour.
The thin, round, or square shape of Good Thins gives them a satisfying crisp texture for snacking.
The cool thing? These crackers use high oleic safflower oil rather than inflammatory oils like soybean or palm in Cheez-Its.
A serving (31g) of Good Thins (simply salt) contains 130 calories, 1.5g of fat, 85mg of sodium, 0g of fiber, and 2g of protein.
Even though these crackers are not high in protein or fiber as some other crackers, they are still a better option than Cheez-Its.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with whole grain corn or rice.
- Use of less inflammatory oil.
- Low in calories, fat, and sodium.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, Gluten-free.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Low in protein and fiber.
9. Organic Bin Bin Rice Crackers
Organic Bin Bin Rice crackers are made using organic ingredients like rice flour, sunflower oil, and salt.
Nothing weird!
These round-shaped crackers are low in calories and sodium, making them suitable for those with heart-related problems.
However, these crackers lack fiber and contain little added sugar. But still, these are healthier options than Cheez-Its.
A serving (26g) of Organic bin bin rice crackers contains 130 calories, 4.5g of fat, 65mg of sodium, 3g of sugar, 0g of fiber, and 2g of protein.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with organic ingredients, including rice.
- Low in calories and sodium.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO and Gluten-free.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Low in protein
- No fiber.
- Expensive.
10. Every Body Eat Thins
Every body eat thins are paper-like thin crackers made with brown rice flour at the base.
Unlike Cheez-Its, which use vegetable oils, these crackers use extra virgin olive oil to get perfectly crisp.
Then they add just a pinch of spices like paprika, garlic, sea salt, and white pepper to give them a subtle kick.
That’s it. No weird artificial flavors or anything you can’t pronounce.
A serving (30g) of Every body eat thins (Cheese-less) contains 130 calories, 4g of fat, 140mg of sodium, 2g of fiber, and 3g of protein.
Moreover, these thin crackers come in fun flavors like Cheese-Less, Chive and Garlic, and Sea Salt.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with brown rice flour.
- Low in calories, fat, and sodium.
- Good source of protein.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Average in fiber.
- Expensive.
11. Wasa wholegrain Crispbread
Wasa Whole Grain Crispbread is a type of Swedish flatbread widely recognized for its crunchy texture and simple ingredients.
These crispbreads are made from whole-grain rye flour, yeast extract, and salt. These are free from any kind of oils.
A serving (1 slice or 13g) contains 30 calories, 0g fat, 1g protein, 3g fiber, and just 50mg sodium.
Moreover, Wasa crispbread comes in flavors like light rye, multigrain and sourdough.
Here’s how these outshine Cheez-Its:
- Made with whole grain rye flour.
- Low in sodium.
- Good source of fiber.
- No use of hydrogenated oils.
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Non-GMO, kosher and vegan.
Some limitations to keep in mind:
- Not gluten-free (but also available in gluten-free varieties).
Final words
There are so many tasty ways to snack healthy instead of eating Cheez-Its all the time.
The list I’ve shared above are some of the healthiest alternatives you can find online or in stores. Yes, a few might be a bit pricier, but they are worth your health.
So next time a Cheez-Its craving hits, don’t reach for the box.
Instead, try out one of these healthy alternatives.
Who knows, you may find a new favorite snack!
Found this information helpful? Share it.
Here are a few other posts that might also be helpful for you.
