Mars Released New Cheez-It Protein Original Crackers

The snack company has introduced a higher-protein version of its classic cracker to the United States market.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Nutrition

Bold vector illustration featuring a single square cracker and wheat grains, representing a new protein-enriched food product. — Mars has launched a new high-protein version of its classic Cheez-It crackers, aiming to offer consumers a more nutrient-dense snack option. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mars has launched Cheez-It Protein Original crackers, providing a new snack option for consumers seeking to increase their daily protein intake. The product hit shelves in October 2026 across the United States.

Why it matters

The manufacturer intends to offer a convenient way to add protein to daily snacking by using real cheese to enhance the nutrient profile of the classic product.

The new crackers contain 7 grams of protein per 29-cracker serving, compared to 3 grams in original Cheez-It crackers. Each serving also provides 140 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 260 mg of sodium.

The players

Mars

Mars is a multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products.

The details

The product formulation uses real cheese to achieve a protein content that exceeds that of the original version. The new snack contains 5 grams of total fat and 1 gram of fiber per serving, slightly altering the nutritional profile compared to the standard cracker.

The new Cheez-It Protein Original crackers were released in October 2026.

The Big Picture

This release follows the trend toward high-protein snack food formulations. It aligns with market movements to boost the nutritional value of processed pantry staples.

Consumers looking to supplement their protein intake may find these crackers a convenient option for daily snacking. However, shoppers should note that the new version contains more sodium than the original.

The takeaway

When choosing protein-enhanced snacks, it is important to review the full nutritional label alongside sodium and fat content. These products provide a quick protein boost but should be balanced within an overall healthy diet.