Famous snack food enters protein-max era: ‘Weirdly, I liked it.’

Cheez-It is buffing up.

The toddler-approved snack is getting a “wellness” makeover as Cheez-It releases a protein-packed version meant to amp up its original nutrient value.

Thew swap comes amidst the latest “protein maxxing” craze driven by GLP-1 patients, who need to preserve muscle mass while losing (and losing, and losing…) fat.

Cheez-It’s newest variation — coined Cheez-It Protein Original — offers snackers seven grams of protein per serving. The original orange cracker has just 3 grams per serving.

That’s about the same amount of protein as two tablespoons of peanut butter, a cooked cup of quinoa or one egg, per Dartmouth Health.

The new protein-forward Cheez-Its, which include real cheese along with wheat protein and milk protein concentrate, are 140 calories, five grams of fat, 260 milligrams of sodium and one gram of fiber.

By comparison, original Cheez-Its hit 150 calories per 30 gram serving, eight grams of fat, 230 milligrams of sodium and one gram of fiber, per Delish.

Delish writer Sean Abrams also tried the cracker himself, reporting that “visually, I honestly couldn’t tell them apart.” He also shared that in terms of taste, the difference between the two crackers was “nothing,” though he later clarified that he did notice a slight change. (No new muscles, though.)

“If I had to find one distinction, the Protein Original seemed a touch less aggressively cheesy—and weirdly, I liked that,” wrote Abrams. “The cheese flavor felt a little more restrained and less like it was trying to hit me over the head, while the crunch and saltiness stayed right where I wanted them.”

Does this mean that health-conscious folks should chuck out their beans, rice and grilled chicken breast?

Not quite, Sonya Angelone, a PhD and registered dietician in San Francisco, told Food & Wine.

“The four grams of added protein isn’t really a significant addition to a diet, and probably not [a good fit] for someone with increased needs,” Angelone said. “It is important to eat enough protein for optimal health — not just the minimum requirement — from nutrient-rich foods eaten throughout the day.”

She also added that it’s best for snackers to consider the new cracker a “snack-sized contribution” toward daily protein goals, rather than leaning on them over whole foods. Still, they do have their advantages.

“This is probably best for someone who already eats Cheez-Its and wants a little more protein in a snack,” she continued. “It is good for someone who needs a shelf-stable snack and doesn’t have many other options.” 

The protein-packed snack hits grocery stores in October, costin a less-than-hefty $4.49 per box.