Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks 2.25z
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks scores 38/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content. This Cheetos product offers minimal nutritional benefits.
FoodScore: 38/100 (Poor) due to ultra-processing and high sodium.
Contains 1039 mg of sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to daily limits.
Provides 7.14g of protein and 3.61g of fiber per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed snack.
Best consumed in small, infrequent portions as an occasional snack.
Scores -3 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1039.29mg
45% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Folate)+4
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.4g)-4
Sodium (1039.3mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 38
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks receives a FoodScore of 38 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. The product's high sodium content, at 1039.29 mg per 100g, is another major factor contributing to its low score, leading to a substantial penalty. Additionally, the presence of 5.36g of saturated fat per 100g further impacts the score negatively. While the product does receive minor bonuses for its 7.14g of protein and 3.61g of fiber, along with some micronutrients like Vitamin A and Folate, these are not sufficient to offset the penalties. The ingredient list includes Monosodium Glutamate and artificial colors, common in ultra-processed items. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, Cheetos offers considerably less nutritional density and a higher degree of processing.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheetos crunchy cheddar and jalapeno flavored snacks 2.25z actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides some dietary fiber
This Cheetos product contains 3.61g of fiber per 100g. While not a primary source, fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. Including fiber in the diet supports regular bowel movements and can help manage blood sugar levels. For an occasional snack, this amount can be a minor contribution to daily fiber intake.
Source of certain micronutrients
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks provides 40% DV of Vitamin A and 22% DV of Folate per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune function, while Folate plays a key role in cell growth and development. These micronutrients are added through enrichment of the corn meal, which is a common practice in processed grain products to enhance their nutritional profile.
Contains protein
With 7.14g of protein per 100g, this snack contributes a modest amount of protein to the diet. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and for the production of enzymes and hormones. While not a high-protein food, this amount can add to overall daily protein intake when consumed as part of a varied diet.
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks scores 38/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content. This Cheetos product offers minimal nutritional benefits.
How to eat it
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks are typically consumed directly from the bag as a standalone snack. They are often eaten between meals or as part of a casual gathering. Due to their flavor profile, they are not commonly paired with other foods to enhance nutritional value.
To mitigate the high sodium content, pair a small portion of Cheetos with fresh, unsalted vegetables like cucumber slices or carrot sticks.
Consider portioning out a small serving into a bowl rather than eating directly from the bag to help control intake.
For a more balanced snack, combine a small amount of this product with a protein source such as a handful of unsalted nuts or a hard-boiled egg.
Use Cheetos as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your daily snack routine to manage sodium and saturated fat intake.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high sodium content in Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks, which is 1039.29mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those on a sodium-restricted diet should consume this product sparingly. The ingredient list also includes Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and artificial colors like Yellow 6 and Yellow 5, which some individuals may choose to limit in their diet. The product contains milk ingredients (whey, buttermilk, Romano cheese, cheddar cheese, sodium caseinate), making it unsuitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Is Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks healthy?
Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks scores 38/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. This indicates it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content are the primary reasons for this rating, despite some minor contributions of fiber and certain micronutrients.
How does Cheetos compare to other snack chips?
Compared to other snack chips like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, Cheetos Crunchy Cheddar and Jalapeno Flavored Snacks has a similar ultra-processed classification. While both are high in sodium and fat, the specific nutrient profiles will vary. Cheetos may offer slightly more protein and fiber due to its corn-based composition, but both should be considered occasional indulgence snacks.
What is 'Enriched Corn Meal' in Cheetos?
Enriched Corn Meal refers to corn meal that has had certain nutrients added back after processing. In Cheetos, it's enriched with ferrous sulfate (iron), niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. This process aims to restore some of the vitamins and minerals lost during the milling of corn.
What is a reasonable portion size for Cheetos?
The product is sold in a 2.25oz (approximately 64g) bag. A reasonable portion size for an occasional snack might be half of this bag, or about 1 ounce (28g). This helps to manage intake of sodium and saturated fat, aligning with dietary guidelines for discretionary calories.
Can Cheetos be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, Cheetos can be included in a balanced diet, but only in moderation and infrequently. It is best viewed as a treat rather than a staple snack. To maintain a balanced diet, prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for the majority of your intake and limit ultra-processed snacks like this.