I Tried 9 Cheese Puff Brands, and One Surpassed Cheetos

The Ultimate Cheese Puff Taste Test: Discovering the Best Snacks

Cheese puffs are a beloved snack that has stood the test of time. Whether you grab a bag from a gas station or a local corner store, they consistently deliver bold flavor and that iconic orange residue on your fingers. Unlike other chips, cheese puffs don’t require any fancy dips or salsas to shine—they’re delicious on their own. This is why they’re a go-to for parties, road trips, or late-night cravings.

At first glance, it might seem like all cheese puffs are the same, but as a food writer, I’ve learned that there’s more to them than meets the eye. To find out which ones truly stand out, I conducted a masked taste test, lining up various brands and evaluating them based on crunch, flavor, and overall satisfaction.

How I Chose the Cheese Puffs

With so many cheese puff brands available, selecting the right ones wasn’t difficult. I focused on nationwide options found at major retailers. While most came in classic orange or yellow Cheddar flavors, I also included white Cheddar varieties and even some with unconventional ingredients, like Hippeas, which are made from chickpeas. As long as the label clearly stated “Cheese Puffs,” I included them in the test.

How I Tested the Cheese Puffs

For the tasting, I decanted each brand into separate bowls and tasted them without labels. I paid close attention to how airy, crunchy, and cheesy each puff was. I noted which ones made me want to take another bite and which had an overwhelming artificial, greasy, or salty profile that made it hard to eat more than a handful. Brands with bold, balanced flavors or innovative ingredient combinations received extra points.

The Best Cheese Puffs, Ranked

9th Place: Wise Cheez Doodles
Wise Cheez Doodles were a disappointment. They tasted artificial and greasy, lacking the lightness and freshness I expected. The texture was stale, making it hard to enjoy more than a few bites.

8th Place: Good & Gather White Cheddar Baked Corn Puffs
These puffs from Target’s Good & Gather brand were oddly sized and shaped, similar to crunchy Cheetos. While the resealable packaging was a nice touch, the white Cheddar flavor didn’t come through, and they were dry with no satisfying crunch.

7th Place: Hippeas Chickpea Puffs (Groovy White Cheddar and Nacho Vibes)
Hippeas offers two flavors, and while the Groovy White Cheddar version had a bolder taste, both lacked a satisfying crunch. The nacho flavor felt flat in comparison, and the texture didn’t live up to expectations.

6th Place: 365 by Whole Foods Market Cheese Puffs
These puffs were dry when picked up but had a nice crunch once bitten into. A bit more cheese dust would have elevated the flavor, as the Cheddar taste was slightly subtle.

5th Place: Trader Joe’s Cheese Puffs
Despite being reduced-fat, these cheese puffs delivered bold Cheddar notes. They were denser than some others but still packed a strong flavor, making them a great choice for those who love a rich taste.

4th Place: Annie’s Organic Cheddar Cheesy Smiles
Baked instead of fried, these puffs are light and not greasy. Their airy, satisfying crispiness makes them easy to snack on without needing frequent drinks. The Cheddar flavor is present but not overpowering.

3rd Place: Hannaford Cheese Puffs
Hannaford’s generic cheese puffs surprised me with their satisfying, airy crunch. The Cheddar flavor was bold but not too salty, making them enjoyable to eat in larger quantities.

2nd Place: Cheetos Puffs
Cheetos Puffs are a reliable choice. They are large, light, and have a well-balanced Cheddar flavor. While they didn’t take the top spot, they still earned a high ranking due to their consistent quality.

1st Place Winner: Jax Puffed Curls
Jax Puffed Curls took the crown with their rich Cheddar flavor and perfect balance of saltiness. The puffs were airy, crunchy, and coated in so much cheese dust that my fingers were covered within seconds. They were impossible to stop eating—truly irresistible.