The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Cheez-It, the popular American snack brand, is marking its first anniversary in the UK market by introducing a new flavour: Cheese and Smokey Bacon.

This latest addition aims to capitalise on the growing demand for bold and savoury snacks, particularly in the lead-up to the summer barbecue season.

The Cheese and Smokey Bacon flavour, which is now available in Tesco stores, is designed to appeal to British consumers' affinity for bacon – a staple ingredient in many households.

The product features 100% real cheese and is baked rather than fried, maintaining the brand's commitment to healthier snacking options while delivering a satisfying crunch through its unique curved shape.

Steven Debrouwer, a flavour expert at Cheez-It, noted that the new flavour was developed in response to local tastes, combining the familiar smokiness of bacon with the creaminess of cheese.

He said: "We know how bacon is a staple food in Brits’ kitchens across the UK, so we wanted to create a flavour combining that recognisable smokey taste with the creaminess of cheese. The result is a sensory delight, they smell as good as they taste and leave you with the lingering flavour of smokey bacon.”

The introduction of Cheese and Smokey Bacon expands Cheez-It’s existing flavour portfolio, which includes options like Double Cheese, Cheese & Chilli, and Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion.

With an RRP of £1.85 for a 120g pack and £2 for a 150g pack, the new flavour is positioned to attract consumers looking for shareable snacks that offer bold taste experiences.