- - Fans rejoice after Cheez-Its releases gluten-free 'Original' crackers

Amaris Encinas, USA TODAYJanuary 16, 2026 at 4:33 AM

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Today, Jan. 15, is a good day for Cheez-It fans with gluten sensitivities and allergies.

Cheez-Its is joining a growing roster of gluten-free snacks, including Chips Ahoy! and Hippeas Chickpea Puffs. The brand announced the release of its gluten-free "Original" baked snack crackers on Jan. 15.

"We are so excited to announce that, after years of demand, we are releasing Cheez-It Original Gluten-Free crackers!" a statement posted by the brand on social media reads. "We took the time to bring that salty, crunchy, cheesy flavor of Cheez-It you love to a gluten-free version that's just as irresistible."

A gluten free version of the orange cracker America knows, and loves is slated to hit shelves soon.

Since the announcement was made, fans of the "beloved" snack have made it their mission to get their hands on a box, sharing clips of themselves either running to stores or conducting taste tests, or both.

More: Matt Damon went gluten-free to lose weight for 'The Odyssey.' What to know about the diet

"I have been saying Cheez-Its should have, like, a gluten-free Cheez-Its for the longest time now, and I guess the universe was just listening to me," Kendall Morris said in a Jan. 12 TikTok video. "They finally made gluten-free Cheez-Its. Life is completed."

Here's what we know about the rollout, including where to get the new gluten-free snack.

Gluten-free community thrilled, ready for more

The online gluten-free community has been jonesing for an alternative for a while, especially after Cheez-It announced on July 7, 2025, that Cheez-It Original Gluten Free Crackers were "coming (in) 2026."

"Gluten free cheez its coming 2026 i am on my hands and knees this is the best thing to ever happen to me," X user AJ Jordan said in a post on the day of the announcement.

Now that Cheez-It Original Gluten Free Crackers are available, fans are clamoring for more flavors.

"Legit amazing but I’ll take white cheddar next please and thank you," Maxine Barney commented under Cheez-It's Instagram post announcing the release of the new crackers. "It’s been almost 10 years 2026 is looking up for gluten free items."

My gluten free cheez its were delivered while I was at work yesterday and then I went out with friends and told them I was worried my package would be stolen and I’m still thinking about how excited they were for me when the cheez its were safe and sound pic.twitter.com/AINfWsbJ2y

— 🤷‍♀️ (@katiefrastoria) January 15, 2026

Are Cheez-Its gluten-free?

Cheez-It Original Gluten Free Crackers is the brand's first gluten-free product.

"Cheez-It has received requests from fans over the years who transitioned to gluten-free diets or have never been able to enjoy Cheez-It," according to a statement from the brand.

"The brand created this product in direct response to that fan demand, with a recipe designed to deliver the same iconic Cheez-It flavor and crunch fans crave without compromise," Cheez-It added.

According to Cheez-It, the crackers are safe for people with celiac disease to consume, as they are a Gluten-Free Certified Organization (GFCO) certified product. All Cheez-It Original Gluten Free crackers are produced in a GFCO Certified Gluten-Free Facility, the brand said.

Where to get gluten-free Cheez-Its

Newly released products, including gluten-free Cheez-Its, will be "more widely available" at retailers nationwide starting in February through March, according to the brand.

"Each retailer has its own delivery and stocking schedules, so availability can vary by location," Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director at Cheez-It, said in a statement.

In addition to the gluten-free alternative, Cheez-Its is also launching an assortment of new snacks in 2026: Cheez-It Snap’d Honey BBQ, Cheez-It Grooves Loaded Nachos, Cheez-It Ultimate Snack Mix and Cheez-It Crunch.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for all the products is $4.49; however, pricing varies per region and retailer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gluten-free Cheez-Its release delights fans. See their reactions.

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