Cheez-It Enters Free-From Category with First-Ever Gluten-Free Cracker Launch

The flagship cracker brand Cheez-It® has announced a major strategic entry into the "free-from" snacking segment, unveiling Cheez-It Original Gluten Free crackers.

The launch is described by the company as one of the most highly requested innovations in its history, designed to extend the brand's reach to the gluten-free community without compromising on the signature "salty, crunchy, cheesy" profile.

Product Formulation and R&D

Cheez-It Original Gluten Free is crafted with 100% real cheese, a core formulation requirement to maintain the brand's sensory identity. The R&D process focused heavily on replicating the texture and tang of the original wheat-based cracker, ensuring a "no compromise" experience for lapsed fans or new consumers with dietary restrictions.

Commercial Details:

Format: 9 oz. box.
Pricing: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $4.49.

Cara Tragseiler, Senior Brand Director for Cheez-It, commented on the development timeline:

"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 flavour and satisfying crunch without compromise. Now, even more fans can finally enjoy the Cheez-It experience they've been waiting for."

The 2026 Innovation Lineup

Alongside the gluten-free debut, Cheez-It has announced a broader wave of product innovations for 2026, focusing on texture variation and bold flavour profiles.

Cheez-It Ultimate Snack Mix A "multi-textural" blend designed for sharing. It combines four existing Cheez-It formats (Original, White Cheddar, Snap'd Double Cheese, and Grooves Sharp White Cheddar) with salted square pretzels in a single package.

MSRP: $4.49.

Cheez-It Crunch A 3D-shaped snack delivering a "crispier crunch" and edge-to-edge flavour. Previously available in limited formats, this line is now rolling out nationwide in full-size 6.5 oz bags.

Flavours: Kick'n Nacho Cheese, Zesty Jalapeno Cheddar, Sharp White Cheddar.
MSRP: $4.49.

Cheez-It Snap'd Honey BBQ An extension of the thin, crispy Snap'd line. This SKU features a sweet and smoky blend of honey, tomato, hickory, and cheddar cheese.

MSRP: $4.49.

Cheez-It Grooves Loaded Nachos A ridged cracker designed to mimic a loaded taco experience, combining toasted corn tortilla notes with savoury taco seasonings and beefy flavour cues.