Cheetos Crunchy
Summary
Cheetos Crunchy scores 3/100. A NOVA 4 ultra-processed corn snack with one of the longest ingredient lists in the salty snack category. Enriched corn meal (stripped and rebuilt with synthetic vitamins), vegetable oil (canola, corn, and/or sunflower — a triple seed oil blend), and whey protein concentrate form the base. The seasoning system is a chemical cocktail: maltodextrin (high-glycemic filler), MSG (monosodium glutamate), artificial flavors, three artificial dyes (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40 — all petroleum-derived), citric acid, and 'natural and artificial flavors.' The cheese flavor comes from real cheddar but it's buried under processed flavor enhancers. Owned by Frito-Lay/PepsiCo.
At a glance
Key ingredients 8
Enriched Corn MealBad
Refined corn stripped of natural nutrients then fortified with synthetic vitamins (ferrous sulfate, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid). A processed base ingredient with a high glycemic index.
See more about Enriched Corn Meal →Vegetable Oil (Canola, Corn, and/or Sunflower Oil)Very Bad
Triple seed oil blend — all three are high in omega-6 fatty acids promoting inflammation. Highly refined, chemically extracted oils with no nutritional benefit.
See more about Vegetable Oil (Canola, Corn, and/or Sunflower Oil) →MaltodextrinVery Bad
High-glycemic index filler (GI 85-105) that spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar. Used as a cheap carrier for the seasoning blend.
See more about Maltodextrin →Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)Bad
Excitotoxic flavor enhancer that overstimulates taste receptors. Linked to headaches, flushing, and appetite dysregulation in sensitive individuals.
See more about Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) →Yellow 6Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye (Sunset Yellow) linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Requires warning labels in the EU.
See more about Yellow 6 →Yellow 5Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye (Tartrazine) linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenicity.
See more about Yellow 5 →Red 40Very Bad
Petroleum-derived artificial dye linked to behavioral issues in children. Banned in several European countries.
See more about Red 40 →Natural and Artificial FlavorsBad
Zero transparency on composition. The artificial flavors are synthetic chemical compounds with no nutritional value.
See more about Natural and Artificial Flavors →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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