Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot 2.375 Ounce Plastic Bag
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot scores 32/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium and saturated fat content. This product offers minimal nutritional benefits.
FoodScore: 32/100 (Poor), indicating a low nutritional density.
Contains 892.86mg sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to daily limits.
Provides 3.61g of fiber per 100g, a small bonus for a snack.
Classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed), similar to many packaged snack foods.
Best consumed infrequently and in small portions due to its nutritional profile.
Scores -9 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
3.57g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
892.86mg
39% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (5.4g)-4
Sodium (892.9mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 32
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot receives a FoodScore of 32 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 also faces penalties for its high content of saturated fat, at 5.36g per 100g, and its substantial sodium level of 892.86mg per 100g. These factors contribute negatively to its overall nutritional evaluation. While the product does contain 3.61g of fiber per 100g, offering a minor positive contribution, this is outweighed by the penalties. The ingredient list includes Enriched Corn Meal and Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil) as primary components, along with various flavor enhancers and artificial colors. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, such as plain nuts or fruit, Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot provides fewer beneficial nutrients and a higher concentration of components that should be limited in the diet.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheetos crunchy flamin' hot 2.375 ounce plastic bag actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Iron
This product contributes a modest amount of iron, with 1.29mg per 100g, which is 7% of the Daily Value. While not a primary source, this can contribute to daily iron intake, a mineral essential for oxygen transport and preventing iron deficiency. For individuals seeking to meet their iron needs, incorporating a variety of iron-rich foods is generally recommended.
Offers a Small Amount of Fiber
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot contains 3.61g of fiber per 100g. Fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While this amount is not substantial, it is a positive attribute for a snack food that might otherwise offer very little fiber. Including fiber in the diet supports regular bowel movements and overall gut function.
Convenient and Readily Available Snack Option
As a packaged snack, this product offers convenience and accessibility for quick consumption. It can serve as an occasional option when other whole-food snacks are not available or practical. The individual packaging also helps with portion control, though the entire 2.375 ounce bag is often consumed as a single serving. This convenience can be a factor in busy lifestyles.
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot scores 32/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium and saturated fat content. This product offers minimal nutritional benefits.
How to eat it
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot is typically consumed directly from the bag as a standalone snack. It is often eaten between meals or as part of a casual gathering. Given its intense flavor profile and high sodium content, it is generally consumed in smaller portions than the entire bag.
To improve the nutritional balance, pair a small portion of Cheetos with a source of protein and fiber, such as plain Greek yogurt or sliced vegetables.
Consider sharing a bag to naturally reduce your individual portion size and manage intake of sodium and saturated fat.
Alternate this snack with whole-food options like fruit, nuts, or air-popped popcorn to diversify your nutrient intake.
Be mindful of the sodium content if you are monitoring blood pressure; choose lower sodium snacks more frequently.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that warrant attention. The presence of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Disodium Inosinate, and Disodium Guanylate are flavor enhancers that some individuals may choose to limit. The ingredient list also includes Artificial Color [Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 5], which some consumers prefer to avoid due to potential sensitivities, particularly in children. The product explicitly states 'CONTAINS MILK', indicating it is not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies. Given its high sodium content, individuals on a sodium-restricted diet should consume this product infrequently and in very small quantities.
Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot scores 32/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, indicating it is not considered a healthy food choice. Its classification as an ultra-processed food, combined with high levels of sodium and saturated fat, contributes to this low score. While it offers a small amount of fiber and iron, these do not outweigh the less desirable nutritional aspects.
How does Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot compare to other snack chips?
Compared to other snack chips like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot has a similar ultra-processed classification. Its sodium content is notably high, and it contains saturated fat. Many snack chips share similar nutritional profiles, emphasizing the importance of portion control and infrequent consumption across the category.
What is 'Enriched Corn Meal' in Cheetos?
Enriched Corn Meal is a key ingredient in Cheetos. It refers to corn meal that has had certain B vitamins (niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron (ferrous sulfate) added back after processing. This enrichment helps restore some of the nutrients lost during the milling of corn.
What is a reasonable portion size for Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot?
A reasonable portion size for Cheetos Crunchy Flamin' Hot would be a small handful, rather than consuming the entire 2.375 ounce bag. Given its high calorie, sodium, and fat content, moderation is key. Limiting intake to occasional small servings can help manage its impact on your overall diet.
Are the artificial colors in Cheetos a concern?
The artificial colors, such as Red 40 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake, are approved for use by the FDA. However, some individuals, particularly parents, choose to limit or avoid artificial colors in their diet due to concerns about potential links to hyperactivity in some children. It is a personal dietary choice based on individual sensitivities.