CHEETOS Crunchy receives a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
CHEETOS Crunchy scores 40/100 (Poor) on the FoodScore scale.
This product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
A 100g serving contains 785.71mg of sodium, contributing to its low score.
Compared to a whole-food snack, CHEETOS Crunchy offers less nutritional density.
Consider this product for occasional consumption in small portions.
Scores -11 points above the snack category average (51/100 across 54 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
785.71mg
34% 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 (785.7mg)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 40
CHEETOS Crunchy earns a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, largely due to its ultra-processed nature (NOVA class 4), which incurs a significant penalty. While it receives minor bonuses for its fiber content (3.6g per 100g) and protein (7.1g per 100g), these are outweighed by several nutritional concerns. The product contains 5.36g of saturated fat per 100g, which negatively impacts its score. Its sodium content is particularly high at 785.71mg per 100g, contributing to a penalty. The ingredient list includes vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) as a primary component, which, when concentrated in an ultra-processed food, incurs an additional penalty. CHEETOS Crunchy also provides some micronutrients, specifically 40% DV of Vitamin A and 22% DV of Folate per 100g, offering small positive contributions. However, when compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this product provides fewer beneficial nutrients and more components associated with a lower FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheetos crunchy actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Fortified Micronutrients
CHEETOS Crunchy is made with enriched corn meal, which means it has been fortified with certain vitamins and minerals. Specifically, a 100g serving provides 40% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A and 22% of the Daily Value for Folate. These nutrients are added during processing to enhance the nutritional profile of the corn meal, which is a common practice in many grain-based products to address potential dietary deficiencies.
Provides Some Protein and Fiber
Despite being a snack food, CHEETOS Crunchy offers a modest amount of protein and fiber. A 100g serving contains 7.14g of protein and 3.61g of fiber. While these amounts are not exceptionally high, they contribute to the overall nutrient intake and can help provide some satiety when consumed as part of a balanced diet. These nutrients are primarily derived from the corn meal base.
Convenient Snack Option
For individuals seeking a convenient and readily available snack, CHEETOS Crunchy can fit into a varied diet. Its shelf-stable nature and widespread availability make it an easy option for on-the-go consumption. When balanced with nutrient-dense foods, it can serve as an occasional treat without significantly disrupting overall dietary patterns.
CHEETOS Crunchy receives a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content.
How to eat it
CHEETOS Crunchy is typically consumed as a standalone snack, often in a single sitting. It is a common choice for casual snacking between meals or as part of a packed lunch. Due to its flavor profile, it is rarely paired with other foods to enhance its nutritional value.
To manage sodium intake, consider pairing a small portion of CHEETOS Crunchy with unsalted vegetables like cucumber slices or carrot sticks.
If you enjoy the flavor, use a small amount of crushed CHEETOS Crunchy as a topping for salads or baked potatoes to add texture and flavor without consuming a full serving.
Practice mindful eating by portioning out a small amount into a bowl rather than eating directly from the bag to help control intake.
Consider alternating with whole-food snacks such as fruit, nuts, or plain popcorn to diversify nutrient intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with milk allergies should avoid CHEETOS Crunchy due to the presence of cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, and buttermilk in the salsa con queso seasoning. The product also contains monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer that some individuals may choose to limit in their diet. While generally recognized as safe, some people report sensitivity to MSG. The use of natural and artificial flavor in the seasoning blend is common in ultra-processed foods, and the specific components of these flavors are not disclosed. For those monitoring sodium intake, the high sodium content of this product warrants caution, especially for individuals with hypertension or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet.
CHEETOS Crunchy receives a FoodScore of 40/100 (Poor). It is classified as an ultra-processed food and is high in sodium and saturated fat. While it provides some fortified micronutrients like Vitamin A and Folate, it is not considered a nutrient-dense food for regular consumption. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
How does CHEETOS Crunchy compare to other snack chips?
Compared to other snack chips like Lay's Classic Potato Chips, CHEETOS Crunchy has a similar ultra-processed classification. Nutritional profiles can vary, but both typically contribute significant sodium and fat to the diet. For a more nutrient-dense snack, consider options like air-popped popcorn or baked vegetable chips with minimal added salt.
What is 'enriched corn meal' in CHEETOS Crunchy?
Enriched corn meal is corn meal that has had specific nutrients added back after processing. In CHEETOS Crunchy, these include ferrous sulfate (iron), niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. This fortification helps to restore some of the vitamins and minerals lost during the milling process.
What is a reasonable portion size for CHEETOS Crunchy?
The declared serving size for CHEETOS Crunchy is 1 ounce. This is a small portion, and it's easy to consume more. To manage intake, consider portioning out a single serving into a small bowl to avoid overconsumption and to keep track of your overall calorie, sodium, and fat intake.
Are there any artificial colors in CHEETOS Crunchy?
The ingredient list for CHEETOS Crunchy does not explicitly list artificial colors like Yellow 5 or Yellow 6. However, it does contain natural and artificial flavor, which can sometimes include color components not separately declared. The vibrant orange color is primarily derived from the cheese seasoning ingredients.
Can CHEETOS Crunchy be part of a weight management plan?
Due to its calorie density (571.43 calories per 100g) and classification as an ultra-processed food, CHEETOS Crunchy should be consumed sparingly if you are managing your weight. Small, controlled portions can be included occasionally, but it is not a food that supports satiety or nutrient intake for weight loss goals effectively.