Cached · 10/4/2026 Share

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Cheetos · snack

Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks

Name: Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks
Brand: Cheetos

A highly processed, salty snack with refined corn, refined oils, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers that offers little nutritional value.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreePalm Oil-Free

score

/ 100

Ingredient Breakdown

2 red · 7 amber · 1 green

Calories

Approximately 550 kcal per 100g

Serving

28g (about 21 pieces)

Sugar

Less than 1g per serving (about 1% daily value)

Sat. Fat

About 1.5g per serving (about 8% daily value)

Contains artificial dyes (Yellow 5 and Yellow 6) that may affect hyperactivity in sensitive children

Contains milk, so it is unsuitable for people with dairy allergies

Highly processed, calorie-dense, and easy to overeat

Contains MSG and other flavor enhancers that may trigger sensitivities in some people

Ingredients vary by country and product version, so check your local label

Full Analysis

Ingredients (10)

Enriched Corn Meal

aka Refined corn flour

The corn is stripped of its bran and germ, removing most fiber and nutrients. It is then fortified with some vitamins and iron, but it remains a refined starch.

Daily Intake — Refined carbohydrate with little fiber; spikes blood sugar faster than whole grains

MODERATE

Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil)

Controversial

aka Refined seed oils

Refined seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids. They are not harmful in moderation, but they add up quickly in fried snacks and add many calories.

Daily Intake — Contributes roughly 10g of total fat per serving (about 13% of daily value)

MODERATE

Cheese Seasoning (Whey, Cheddar Cheese, Natural and Artificial Flavor)

aka Powdered cheese flavoring

It contains real dairy but in a highly processed powdered form, blended with flavorings. Not a significant source of nutrients.

Daily Intake — Adds sodium and may contain dairy allergens

MODERATE

Salt

aka Sodium chloride

Salt is safe in moderation, but snacks like this make overeating easy, pushing sodium intake high, which is linked to high blood pressure.

Daily Intake — A serving has about 250-270mg sodium (roughly 11% of daily limit)

MODERATE

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

E621 Controversial

aka Flavor enhancer

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA consider MSG safe, though some people report sensitivity. It boosts savory taste and encourages overeating.

Daily Intake — Adds sodium and makes the snack more craveable

MODERATE

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)

E110 Controversial

aka Artificial orange dye

Linked in some studies to hyperactivity in sensitive children. In the EU, foods containing it require a warning label. It is purely cosmetic.

Daily Intake — Synthetic dye with no nutritional purpose

HIGH RISK

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)

E102 Controversial

aka Artificial yellow dye

Can cause allergic-type reactions in some people and has been associated with hyperactivity in children. It is used only for color.

Daily Intake — Synthetic dye with no nutritional purpose

HIGH RISK

Maltodextrin

aka Corn-derived carbohydrate filler

A highly processed carbohydrate used as a carrier for flavorings. It can raise blood sugar rapidly and offers no nutrition.

Daily Intake — High glycemic index, comparable to or higher than table sugar

MODERATE

Citric Acid

E330

aka Natural acidulant

Naturally found in citrus fruits and widely recognized as safe. It is used here for tang and as a mild preservative.

Daily Intake — None at typical amounts

SAFE

Disodium Inosinate / Disodium Guanylate

E627 / E631

aka Flavor enhancers

Used alongside MSG to boost savory flavor. Generally regarded as safe, but they are purine-derived, which matters for people prone to gout.

Daily Intake — Should be avoided by people with gout

MODERATE

Upgrade Your Pantry

Healthier alternatives

Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies

Made with organic ingredients, no artificial dyes, and a simpler ingredient list

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Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Higher in protein and fiber, which keeps you full longer

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Simply Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar

A cleaner formulation from the same brand, with no artificial colors or flavors

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Whisps Cheese Crisps

Made from baked cheese only, with high protein and no carbs

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Fun Fact

Cheetos were invented in 1948 by Frito-Lay, and the orange dust left on your fingers is so iconic that the brand's mascot, Chester Cheetah, built a whole marketing identity around it.

Made by Frito-Lay (PepsiCo)

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