Last Updated on April 8, 2026 by Brian Kay
Photo by Cole Kachejian
There’s something about opening a fresh box of Cheez-Its that immediately takes you back. It’s one of those snacks that has been around forever, but with so many new flavors on the shelves today, it’s no longer just about the original. That’s what made this taste test interesting: putting nine different Cheez-It flavors head-to-head to see which one actually delivers and which ones fall short.
Cheez-It crackers trace their origins back to 1921, when they were first introduced by the Green & Green Company in Dayton, Ohio. The brand was later acquired by Sunshine Biscuits before eventually becoming part of Kellogg’s, which continues to produce and expand the line today. What started as a simple baked cheese cracker has grown into a wide range of varieties, from classic cheddar to bold, flavor-driven options designed to appeal to changing tastes. Despite all the variations, the core identity of Cheez-It remains the same, a baked cracker made with real cheese, known for its crisp texture and distinct flavor.
For this review, nine different Cheez-It flavors were tested one by one, all in real time, with no script and no second takes. Each flavor was judged on taste, balance, and overall impact.
Original Cheez-It
The Original flavor set the baseline right away. That familiar taste is instantly recognizable, the kind of cracker most people grew up with. It still holds up, delivering exactly what you expect, but compared to some of the newer flavors, it doesn’t try to do anything extra. It came in at a solid 7 out of 10.
White Cheddar Cheez-It
White Cheddar has been around for a long time, and it shows why it continues to stick around. There’s a slightly sharper flavor compared to the Original, giving it a bit more personality. It edged ahead with a 7.5, just enough to take an early lead.
Zesty Cheddar Ranch Cheez-It
The groove-style Zesty Cheddar Ranch added a different texture along with the flavor. This one delivered a noticeable kick without going too far, making it one of the more enjoyable variations early on. It earned a 7.9, putting it right near the top.
Extra Toasty Cheez-It
At first glance, the Extra Toasty version looks like it should bring something new, slightly darker, a little more seasoned. But once tasted, the difference wasn’t as strong as expected. It stayed very close to the Original in both flavor and impact, finishing with the same score of 7.
Italian Four Cheese Cheez-It
This was the first flavor to really step out and take control. The blend of cheeses in the Italian Four Cheese gave it a fuller taste that stood apart from the earlier entries. It became the first to break into the eights, taking the lead with an 8 out of 10.
Pepper Jack Cheez-It
Pepper Jack hinted at heat, but the flavor didn’t fully come through the way it needed to. There was a slight kick, but not enough depth to make it stand out. It dropped down to a 6 out of 10, becoming one of the weaker entries in the group.
Hot Honey Cheez-It
Hot Honey brought a mix of sweet and mild heat. It didn’t overpower, but it also didn’t quite separate itself from the pack. It landed at a 6.7, sitting in the middle without making a strong push toward the top.
Buffalo Wing Cheez-It
The Buffalo Wing flavor made an impact immediately. The aroma hit as soon as the box opened, and the taste followed through with a strong, recognizable buffalo sauce profile. It wasn’t overly spicy, but it delivered enough heat and flavor to stand out clearly from the rest. This one jumped to the top with a 9 out of 10.
Hot and Spicy Cheez-It
The final flavor, Hot and Spicy, brought a different kind of heat. It hit harder on the first bite, but didn’t have the same overall balance as the Buffalo Wing version. It was solid, but it couldn’t challenge the leader, finishing with a 7.5.
Final Results
When the rankings were complete, Buffalo Wing came out on top with a score of 9. Italian Four Cheese secured second place with an 8, while the other flavors filled in behind it with varying degrees of success. The Original and Extra Toasty stayed consistent but didn’t stand out, while Pepper Jack and Hot Honey struggled to make a strong impression.
Cheez-It continues to evolve beyond its original formula, and while not every new flavor hits the same level, the variety shows how far the brand has expanded since its early days. The Buffalo Wing flavor proved that when it works, it really works.
Before you go, watch the full video below to see how each of these played out in real time. Every reaction, every score, and every moment is captured as it happened, giving you a clear look at which Cheez-It flavors are actually worth picking up.
