Who Owns Cheez-It?

Cheez-It operates under Mars, Incorporated's Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which guides the company's approach to environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. Mars launched this initiative in 2017.

Mars has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company is expanding its use of renewable energy across operations, including facilities that produce Cheez-It. Mars follows a science-based approach to climate action aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

As of 2023, 61% of Mars packaging was designed to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable, up from 57% in 2022. Mars is working toward 100% sustainable packaging, though the 2025 target may be extended. The company has increased its use of post-consumer recycled content across packaging.

Mars has set goals to reduce water usage in its value chain, aiming to reduce the gap to sustainable water usage by 50% from 2015 to 2025. As of 2024, the company achieved a 36% reduction in the gap to sustainable water use since 2015.

Mars is accelerating efforts to stop deforestation in its supply chains, particularly for ingredients like palm oil. Cheez-It products contain palm oil, which has been associated with deforestation concerns. Mars has implemented policies and partnerships to ensure raw materials are sourced without contributing to deforestation.

Mars does not publish brand-specific sustainability data for Cheez-It. All sustainability metrics are consolidated within Mars' group-level reporting. As a privately held company, Mars is not subject to SEC ESG reporting requirements.

Cheez-It does not have significant individual brand awards as of 2026. The brand's recognition is primarily based on market leadership and consumer loyalty rather than industry accolades.

Cheez-It is recognized as one of the best-selling cracker brands in the United States, with over $1 billion in annual retail sales. The brand has maintained this position through multiple corporate ownership changes over its 105-year history.

The inclusion of Cheez-It in Mars' $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova validates the brand's significant value. Mars specifically identified Cheez-It as one of the key brands driving the acquisition, alongside Pringles and Pop-Tarts.

Cheez-It's marketing campaigns have received attention for creative partnerships, including collaborations with sports leagues and entertainment properties. The brand has not received major advertising industry awards comparable to Cannes Lions or Effie Awards.

Cheez-It has no documented major product recalls or significant public controversies as of July 2026. The brand has maintained a clean safety record throughout its history.

Product Safety Record: No major recalls or widespread safety issues have been documented for Cheez-It. The brand benefits from Mars' comprehensive quality control and safety protocols, which apply across all manufacturing facilities.

Nutritional Content: Like many snack products, Cheez-It has faced consumer scrutiny regarding nutritional content, particularly sodium levels and processed ingredients. A single serving of original Cheez-It crackers (27 crackers, 30 grams) contains 230 mg of sodium (10% of daily value), 8 grams of fat, and 150 calories. The brand has introduced reduced-fat and reduced-sodium varieties in response to health-conscious consumer preferences.

Palm Oil Sourcing: Cheez-It products contain palm oil, which has been associated with deforestation and habitat destruction in Southeast Asia. Mars has implemented responsible palm oil sourcing policies and is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The company has committed to sourcing 100% of its palm oil from RSPO-certified sources.

Artificial Ingredients: Some Cheez-It varieties contain artificial flavors and preservatives. Consumer demand for clean-label products has increased scrutiny of artificial ingredients in packaged snacks. Cheez-It has not reformulated its core product to remove artificial ingredients, though some varieties use natural ingredients.

PFAS Packaging Concerns: The broader snack food industry has faced scrutiny regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaging materials. No specific PFAS allegations have been directed at Cheez-It, but the issue affects the packaged food category broadly.