For years, gluten-free snackers have had to skip one of the snack aisle’s most iconic crackers. Well now that’s finally changing.
Just in time for National Cheese Lover’s Day, the folks behind Cheez-It are getting ready to launch its first-ever gluten-free version, driven by what the brand calls overwhelming consumer demand. As Food & Wine reports, it’s billed as a direct response to one of the “most highly requested innovations” in the century-old cracker’s history, and Cheez-It promises big flavor and texture in its first gluten-free offering.
They’re slated to roll out in early February at a suggested price of $4.49, but some shoppers claim they’re already popping up on shelves. “The taste difference is absolutely marginal,” creator Zach Ciampa (@snachwithzach) says in a side-by-side taste test.
Taking Time to Get it Right
How exactly did the development team capture the cheesy goodness of that original baked square? The key is a blend of gluten-free rice, sorghum, and yellow corn flours, according to a product listing on Cheez-It’s website, in a recipe that has actually been approved by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.
“Cheez-It fans have been asking for a gluten-free option for years, and we’re thrilled to finally deliver it — with the same irresistible taste they love,” says Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director for Cheez-It. “We took the time to get it right, working carefully on the recipe and process to ensure gluten-free snackers can enjoy the same cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch without compromise.”
Responding to Market Demand
There’s certainly a hunger for a cheesy, crunchy mass-market cracker: Countless copycat recipes are all over the internet, with fans busting out their air fryers and baking sheets to make a similarly savory cheese crisp. That’s a bit more labor-intensive than reaching into a bag of Cheez-Its — so naturally, this launch is a welcome sight.
Cheez-It confirmed the development in July of last year, which drew boundless fanfare from fellow gluten-free brands and shoppers alike. The rollout has already made a big splash on r/glutenfree, a Reddit community dedicated to finding and reviewing gluten-free snacks. Users say they’ve already spotted the gluten-free crackers at stores like Meijer and Target, and the initial reception has been overwhelmingly positive.
More In Store for the Cheez-It’s Lineup
Four other innovations are headed to Cheez-It lineup in 2026. Let’s start with the Ultimate Snack Mix, which combines four existing Cheez-It flavors with salted pretzel squares. There’s also the Cheez-It Crunch, a new baked cracker available in three flavors (Kick’n Nacho Cheese, Zesty Jalapeño Cheddar, and Sharp White Cheddar). The brand then expands its Snap’d lineup with a smoky Honey BBQ flavor, while the Grooves line receives a taco-inspired Loaded Nacho flavor. Cheez-It confirms the rollout begins in February.
With demand already high and more innovations on the way, Cheez-It’s gluten-free debut signals a broader push to win over every kind of snacker.
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