Cheese nips have been a beloved snack for decades. Their mild cheddar cheese flavor and light, crispy texture made them the perfect snack to pair with soup or eat by the handful. But when Mondelez International discontinued cheese nips in 2018, fans were left searching for a replacement that could satisfy their cravings.
If you're missing the taste of cheese nips, you're not alone. Many snackers have tried alternatives from major brands like Cheez-Its and Ritz but found them lacking the distinctive flavor and texture they loved. The good news is, there are some worthy cheese nip alternatives out there that can come close to the original.
Factors to Consider When Finding a Cheese Nips Replacement
When searching for an alternative to cheese nips, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Cheese Flavor
This is likely the most important element. Cheese nips had a mild, mellow cheddar cheese flavor that built as you ate them. Many want a replacement that has a similar cheese taste without being overly sharp or artificial.
Crunch and Texture
The joy of cheese nips was their crispy, crunchy bite that shattered in your mouth. Seek out alternatives with a light, crisp texture rather than a dense cracker crunch.
Shape and Size
Cheese nips were small, 1-inch square crackers. Look for similar sized pieces to get that snacking satisfaction. Round or oblong shapes won't quite scratch the itch.
Simple, Quality Ingredients
Avoid replacements overloaded with preservatives or artificial flavors. Cheese nips had simple, familiar ingredients like flour, oil, and cheddar cheese.
Price Point
Cheese nips were an affordable pantry staple, ranging from $2-4 per box. Try to find replacements available at a comparable budget-friendly price point.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you find the closest match to satisfy your cheese nip cravings. Now let's explore some tasty alternatives.
Top Contenders for Recreating the Cheese Nips Experience
Here are some of the top brands and products to try if you're seeking a substitute for discontinued cheese nips:
1. Ritz Cheese Crispers
After the demise of cheese nips, Ritz swooped in with their take on the cheese cracker in 2019. Ritz Cheese Crispers are made with potato flour to give them a crispy, light texture similar to cheese nips.
- Taste: Mild cheddar flavor very close to cheese nips. Not artificial tasting.
- Texture: Light and crispy with a delicate crunch.
- Shape/size: Perfectly 1-inch square shape.
- Ingredients: Potato flour, wheat flour, cheddar cheese, oil.
- Price: Approximately $3 per 9 oz box.
They nail the flavor and texture, making them one of the closest overall matches we tried. The addition of potato flour gives them an airy crispness like the original.
2. Better Cheddars
Better Cheddars have been around since the '80s but still offer a tasty cheddar cracker alternative. The small square shape and crispy bite make them reminiscent of cheese nips.
- Taste: Sharp, tangy cheddar flavor
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy but can crumble easily
- Shape/size: 1-inch squares
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, soybean oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Approximately $3 per 8 oz box.
The sharp cheddar taste is more intense than cheese nips, but Better Cheddars offer a nostalgic choice for those missing the classic snack.
3. Cheez-It Original
Going with the OG cheez-it may seem obvious, but the original baked snack cracker has a similar mild cheese flavor and crunchy texture as cheese nips in a square shape.
- Taste: Mild, mellow cheese - less sharp than other Cheez-It varieties
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy
- Shape/size: 1-inch squares
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, sunflower and/or canola oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Approximately $3 per 12.4 oz box.
They may not be an exact dupe, but Cheez-Its offer the classic cheese cracker experience many cheese nip devotees are craving.
4. Trader Joe's Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Trader Joe's makes their own version of bite-sized square cheddar crackers. They have a simple ingredient list and mellow cheese flavor reminiscent of cheese nips.
- Taste: Mild, not super sharp cheddar
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy
- Shape/size: Approximately 1-inch squares
- Ingredients: Unbleached wheat flour, canola oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: About $2 per 6 oz box.
Fans of TJ's snacks swear these are the closest match for cheese nips, and they come at an affordable price point.
5. Goldfish Cheddar Crackers
Okay, hear us out. While iconic Goldfish crackers are not a square shape, their small size, crispy crunch, and mild cheddar cheese flavor make them a contender.
- Taste: Mellow cheddar cheese flavor
- Texture: Perfectly airy and crunchy
- Shape/size: Small, bite-sized pieces
- Ingredients: Whole grain wheat flour, unbleached enriched wheat flour, vegetable oils, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Around $2 per 6.6 oz pouch.
The cute fish shape may be different, but the Goldfish snacking experience can fill the cheesy cracker void left by cheese nips.
Key Takeaway: Look for similar cheese flavor, crispy texture, small cracker size, and simple ingredients when searching for a cheese nips alternative. Top contenders include Ritz Cheese Crispers, Better Cheddars, Cheez-It Original, Trader Joe's, and Goldfish crackers.
How Other Popular Brands Compare
Of course, there are lots of cheddar cheese cracker options beyond the top choices highlighted above. Here's a look at how some other major brands stack up against cheese nips:
Cheese Nips
Let's address the elephant in the room. Mondelez does still make cheese nips...but only in Canada now. Some resourceful snackers have resorted to ordering them online from Amazon or other retailers that import the Canadian version.
- Taste: Identical mild cheddar flavor
- Texture: Crisp and crumbly
- Shape/size: 1-inch square
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, sunflower oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Around $3 per 11.5 oz box when ordered online.
Obviously, these are going to be the closest match since they're the real deal. But the limited online availability and higher cost makes getting your hands on them challenging.
Cheez-It Snap'd
These extra-thin, crispy Cheez-Its don't mimic the texture of cheese nips.
- Taste: Sharp, acidic cheese flavor
- Texture: Super crispy and crunchy
- Shape/size: Square with ridges
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, sunflower and/or canola oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Approximately $3 per 8.1 oz box.
The "snap" factor is satisfying, but the texture and strong cheese taste doesn't compare to cheese nips.
Cheez-It Grooves
Another modern Cheez-It innovation, Grooves have deeper ridges and a heartier crunch.
- Taste: Strong, sharp cheddar flavor
- Texture: Harder, denser texture
- Shape/size: Square with grooved ridges
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, sunflower and/or canola oil, cheddar cheese, salt.
- Price: Around $3 per 11.3 oz box.
These are satisfying with their wavy shape and bold cheddar punch, but don't mimic cheese nips in flavor or light crispness.
Cheez-It Duoz
Duoz Cheese and Cheddar combine two Cheez-It varieties in one bag.
- Taste: Sharp cheddar and parmesan flavors
- Texture: Classic Cheez-It crispy crunch
- Shape/size: Rectangular duos
- Ingredients: Enriched flour, sunflower and/or canola oil, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt.
- Price: Approximately $3 per 7.75 oz box.
The mixed shape and bolder cheese blend make these too far afield from cheese nips to be a replacement.
Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
The cute bunny shape doesn't deliver the right snacking texture.
- Taste: Mild cheddar flavor
- Texture: Crisp with crumbly edges
- Shape/size: Rounded bunny shape
- Ingredients: Organic wheat flour, expeller pressed canola oil, organic cheddar cheese, sea salt.
- Price: Around $3 per 6 oz box.
The organic appeal and mellow cheddar taste are nice, but the shape and fine crumbly texture are not similar enough to cheese nips.
As you can see, the options abound for cheddar cheese crackers. But small differences in texture and flavor can make certain ones a closer match to satisfy your cheese nip cravings.
Other Factors that Make a Cheese Cracker More "Snackable"
Beyond taste and texture, there are a few other elements that can enhance a cheese cracker's snackability. Here's what to look for if you want that perfect munchable experience:
Satisfying Crunch Sound
There's something so satisfying about crackers that audibly crunch when you bite into them. A good cracker snap adds to the snacking pleasure.
Ability to "Mindlessly Snack"
You want something you can grab by the handful and munch on without thinking. The cracker should allow zoned-out snacking.
Low Crumb Factor
Crumbs can be annoying. Seek out crackers that break into chunks rather than leaving lots of messy crumbs.
Variety of Flavors
Having the option to switch up flavors can keep your snacking exciting. Bonus if a brand offers flavor packs.
Individual Packaging
For lunch boxes or on-the-go, individual packs with built-in portion control can be helpful for grabbing and going.
Pairing Potential
Look for crackers versatile enough to pair with dips, cheeses, or eat alone. Maximum snackability!
Considering these factors in addition to taste and texture can lead you to the perfect cheese nip alternative to satisfy all your snacking requirements.
Key Takeaway: For maximum snackability, look for crackers with a satisfying crunch, ability to eat mindlessly, low crumbs, flavor variety, individual packaging, and versatility to pair with dips or eat alone.
Tips for Finding Cheese Nip Replacements
Here are some helpful tips for locating satisfying cheese nip alternatives in stores or online:
- Search major grocery stores - Scan snack aisles at large chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, etc. Likely to have leading cracker brands.
- Check warehouse clubs - Sam's Club, Costco, and BJ's sometimes carry bulk packs of cheese crackers at discounted prices.
- Try convenience stores - Quick shops and gas stations may have individual cracker packs when you need a snack on the go.
- Look at dollar/discount stores - Stores like Dollar General or 99 Cents Only may have cheaper cheese cracker options.
- Scour online retailers - Places like Amazon, Boxed.com, and Vitacost sell many crackers and ship to your door. Helpful for finding niche brands.
- Don't overlook natural grocers - Stores like Sprouts or Natural Grocers have healthy and organic cracker brands.
- Check manufacturer websites - Order online directly from brands like Cheez-It, Ritz, and Goldfish.
- Search ethnic grocery stores - International markets sometimes have unique cheese cracker varieties.
- Browse online snack subscriptions - Services like Snack Crate or Graze can deliver new cracker selections monthly.
Being open to trying new stores and websites can help you discover your new favorite cheese nip substitute. And don't be afraid to think outside the (cracker) box!
FAQs
Are cheese nips really discontinued forever?
As of now, the original cheese nips are discontinued in the United States with no plans announced to bring them back. However, they are still available in Canada under the Christie brand name. Some hold out hope they may return to US shelves one day.
Why are so many cheese cracker brands square shaped?
The iconic square shape of crackers like Cheez-Its and cheese nips have made that the expected default shape for all cheese crackers. Crackers like Better Cheddars followed suit with the classic square to fit the idea of a cheese cracker.
Are homemade cheese crackers a good alternative?
You can certainly find recipes online to make cheese crackers at home. However, recreating the flavor, texture, and convenience of beloved store-bought brands is extremely difficult. Most find the homemade versions don't fully satisfy their cravings.
How long do cheese crackers stay fresh after opening?
Most cheese cracker packages recommend consuming within 2-3 months of opening for best taste and texture. Sealing the package tightly can help extend freshness. The crackers won't spoil immediately after opening, but may start to lose their signature crispness over time.
Can you freeze cheese crackers?
Freezing is not recommended by manufacturers, as it can cause cheese crackers to lose their crunchy texture. If you do freeze them, allow the package to come fully to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation. The crackers may emerge a little limp and soft.
Are cheese crackers gluten free?
Some cheese cracker brands like Cheez-Its are made with wheat flour, making them not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free options available like Good Thins or gluten-free Cheez-Its. Just be sure to double check labels.
Conclusion
While we may never see the original cheese nips on US shelves again, there are some worthy contenders that can take their place in your snack lineup.
Every cheese cracker offers slight differences in taste, texture, and snacking satisfaction.
Finding your new go-to will require embarking on your own sampling to discover which replacement provides the flavors and crunch you crave.