Whether you’re a dedicated cheese puff lover or new to the special snack, today’s plentiful offerings on the market can be confusing. Which one should you choose?
In this article, I have a closer look at two popular options, and I’ll let them fight it out between each other.
In the fight of Cheetos vs Cheez Doodles, what’s better? Which cheese puff will win?
Read on to learn about different flavors, which one has the better prices, nutritional facts, and much more.
Cheetos
Cheetos have been around since 1948 and have been a favorite for many people since childhood.
While the company has changed hands a few times, and the original recipe has changed a bit since then, this classic cheese puff is still a strong competitor.
Let’s have a closer look.
Where Do I Buy Cheetos?
It is hard to find a grocery store that does NOT sell Cheetos. These cheese puffs are easy to find. In addition, you can also find them in stores like Walmart and Target, in convenience stores, and also in most gas stations.
Cheetos also have a store finder in their “Where to buy” section on their website. Just head over there to find a closeby store.
Of course, you can also go online and get Cheetos delivered to your home. Some examples on Amazon are these (all are good choices).
Cheetos Puffs
Cheetos Puffs cheese-flavored snacks are the original cheese puffs. Of course, it’s not the same recipe from 1948, but you wouldn’t notice much difference.
Cheetos Crunchy
Cheetos Crunchy cheese puffs taste nice, but some people think they aren’t crunchy enough. If you’re one of them, then give Cheetos Crunchy a try!
Baked Cheetos
Oven-baked Cheetos are for health-conscious Cheetos lovers who know that no kind of Cheetos is healthy, but at least oven-baked ones are a little less bad for you.
Cheetos Popcorn
Cheetos Popcorn is pretty nice. These Cheetos-flavored popcorn-shaped snacks come in classic and spicy flavors.
What Cheetos Flavors Are Available?
Cheetos is more than just a cheese puff these days. The company behind Cheetos has developed a very impressive range of shapes and flavors. Each of the following categories includes a variety of flavors, from classic cheesy to spicy hot.
- Cheetos Crunchy
- Cheetos Puffs
- Cheetos Popcorn
- Cheetos Mac’n’Cheese (yes, seriously)
- Cheetos Flamin’ Hot (if regular hot isn’t hot enough for you)
- Cheetos Fantastix
- Cheetos Simply
- Cheetos Baked
- Cheetos Variety Packs
Later, we’ll see whether Cheez Doodles also have such an impressive range.
What are the Ingredients in Cheetos?
The classic Cheetos ingredients.
Enriched corn meal (corn meal, ferrous sulfate, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), cheese seasoning (whey, cheddar cheese [milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], canola oil, maltodextrin [made from corn], natural and artificial flavors, salt, whey protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, lactic acid, citric acid, artificial color [yellow 6]), and salt.
That’s a long ingredient list with some ingredients that aren’t very attractive. Later, we’ll see how Cheez Doodles compare against this list.
Are Cheetos Vegetarian or Vegan?
Cheetos aren’t suitable for vegans because of the dairy ingredients and some other animal-derived ingredients.
While most Cheetos flavors are safe for vegetarians, there are some exceptions.
The non-vegetarian Cheetos flavors.
- Crunchy Cheese,
- Cheddar Jalapeno,
- and Flamin’ Hot Cheese
Cheez Doodles
Today, Cheez Doodles are produced by Wise. The original producer was King Kone Corp, and people were first able to buy these cheese puffs in 1964, which makes them a little younger than Cheetos.
Let’s see how they compare to Cheetos.
Where Do I Buy Cheez Doodles?
Like Cheetos, Cheez Doodles can be found in grocery stores and other stores that sell snack foods (Walmart, Target, convenience stores, gas stations), but you’re more likely to find them in Eastern states.
You can also buy Cheez Doodles and other Wise snacks straight from the Wise online shop.
Of course Amazon offers Cheeze Doodle which makes it easy to order it straight to your door. See the Amazon options in the linked flavors below.
What Cheez Doodles Flavors Are Available?
Cheez Doodles don’t come in as many flavors and shapes as Cheetos. The selection is limited to the following.
- Puffed Cheese
- Baked Puff (with flavors like Cheddar, Hot and Honey, Extra Cheesy, Honey BBQ, and White Cheddar)
- Crunchy
- Extra Crunchy
- Cheddar Balls
- Jalapeno Poppers
While each product is quite nice, the lineup can’t compare to what Cheetos offers to customers.
What are the Ingredients in Cheez Doodles?
Let’s see whether Cheez Doodles include just as many ingredients as Cheetos.
Corn meal, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: corn, cottonseed, sunflower, soybean, or canola oil), whey, salt, cornstarch, corn flour, calcium carbonate, buttermilk, cheddar cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes), monosodium glutamate, artificial color, calcium and sodium caseinates (milk derived), butter oil, yellow 6 lake, lactatic acid, yellow 5 lake, and natural flavors.
There’s not much difference here – both snacks aren’t near as simple as a corn chip (with only three ingredients).
Are Cheez Doodles Vegetarian or Vegan?
While Cheez Doodles are safe for vegetarians, vegans should stay away. Each variety contains at least one animal-derived product, so it’s unsuitable for vegans.
Comparison Questions (Cheetos vs Cheez Doodles)
Which Is More Affordable?
If you don’t have a preference yet, the price of each cheese puff might make a difference. Let’s see how much these cheese puffs cost per oz (prices taken from various stores to calculate an average).
| Cheetos | Cheez Doodles | More affordable | |
| Classic cheesy | $0.41 per oz | $0.57 per oz | Cheetos |
| Flamin’ Hot / Hot & Honey | $0.47 per oz | $0.43 per oz | Cheez Doodles |
As you can see, this is a tie, as both have options that are more affordable than the competitor. Cheetos will generally be cheaper, but some Cheez Doodles flavors are better priced, especially if you buy them in bulk (I recommend buying from WISE’s shop as they have great offers).
Which Has The Better Nutritional Values?
While you probably won’t pick cheese puffs for their nutrition, it is interesting to see what you put into your body when eating those, so let’s compare.
| Cheetos | Cheez Doodles | Better | |
| Serving size | 28g | 28g | neither |
| Calories | 160 | 150 | Cheez Doodles |
| Fat | 10g | 8g | Cheez Doodles |
| Sodium | 270 mg | 320 mg | Cheetos |
| Total Carbs | 16g (of which 1g sugar) | 17g (of which 2g sugar) | Cheetos |
| Protein | 2g | 2g | neither |
This round looks like another tie, but considering the pretty high amount of sodium in Cheez Doodles, Cheetos is a tiny bit better – remember: that doesn’t mean they are healthy. Cheetos are also very salty.
Do Cheetos Or Cheez Doodles Have Gluten-Free Options?
Both brands are theoretically safe for people who cannot eat gluten. Cheese puffs are not made from wheat and are generally gluten-free.
However, these products are not certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
While both brands sell classic cheese puffs that only differ because Cheez Doodles are a little saltier, Cheetos is the winner in this fight.
Cheetos has a bigger selection of flavors and is easier to find in all states. However, if you like buying in bulk, the Wise online shop is a very good choice.
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