Best Puffed Snacks of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Puffed snacks are a popular and tasty snack that many people enjoy. These snacks are made by taking grains, such as rice or corn, and heating them under high pressure until they puff up. The result is a light and crunchy snack that is perfect for munching on at any time of day. Puffed snacks come in a variety of flavors and shapes, from traditional cheese puffs to spicy chili-flavored rice cakes. They are a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy snack that is both satisfying and delicious.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free Snacks, Pack of 24 Cover #TOP 1
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free Snacks, Pack of 24
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Utz Cheese Balls Barrel, Tangy Cheddar Flavor, 36.5 Oz Cover #TOP 2
Utz Cheese Balls Barrel, Tangy Cheddar Flavor, 36.5 Oz
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar Cover #TOP 3
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Puffed Snacks

#TOP 1

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free Snacks, Pack of 24

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free Snacks, Pack of 24 Cover
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free, Healthy Kids Snacks, 0.5 Ounce (Pack of 24)

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs are perfect for Easter basket, movie night, or as healthy kids' snacks. These gluten-free cheese puffs are peanut & tree nut free, contain no artificial colors or preservatives, and only 70 calories per bag. Made with aged white cheddar cheese, rice, and corn, these real, tasty ingredients make for a snack that's a real treasure!

What We Like
Great aged white cheddar flavor
Gluten-free and natural ingredients
Perfect for portion control
Light and airy texture
Convenient single-serve packaging
What We Don't Like
Some find them a bit salty
#TOP 2

Utz Cheese Balls Barrel, Tangy Cheddar Flavor, 36.5 Oz

Utz
Utz Cheese Balls Barrel, Tangy Cheddar Flavor, 36.5 Oz Cover
Utz Cheese Balls Barrel, Tasty Snack Baked with Real Cheddar Cheese, Delightfully Poppable Party Snack, Gluten, Cholesterol and Trans-Fat Free, Kosher Certified, 36.5 Oz

If you are a fan of cheesy and crunchy snacks, you will love Utz Cheese Balls Barrel. The tangy cheddar flavor and satisfying crunch make it a finger-licking fun snack that is perfect for any party or family gathering. The largest size cheese ball barrel is convenient for big snackers, and it comes in a resealable plastic container that maintains freshness. Plus, you can enjoy it without any guilt as it is gluten, cholesterol, and trans-fat free. As a family-owned business, Utz has been crafting quality snacks since 1921, and their snacks are crunchier, lighter, and fresher, earning smiles on the faces of generations.

What We Like
Delicious cheesy flavor
Large quantity for sharing
Addictive crunchy texture
Great for kids
Sealed for freshness
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent order sizes
Packaging could be improved
#TOP 3

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar

Vegan White Cheddar
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar Cover
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Vegan White Cheddar, 0.8 Ounce (Pack of 18), 3g Protein, 2g Fiber, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Crunchy, Plant Protein Snacks

Hippeas Vegan Snacks are crunchy, healthy puffs with 3g of plant protein and 2g of fiber per serving. Made from chickpeas, they are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and do not contain peanuts, tree nuts, or soy. They have a vegan white cheddar flavor, making them a tasty and convenient plant-based protein snack that is perfect for on-the-go. Chickpea plants are also good for the planet by naturally releasing nitrogen back into the earth as they grow.

What We Like
Great price for snacks
Kids love the taste
Healthy alternative to chips
Convenient small packages
Excellent quality and freshness
What We Don't Like
Harder texture than expected
#TOP 4

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Puffs

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Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Puffs Cover
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free, Healthy Kids Snacks, 0.5oz Individual Size Snack Bags (12 Count)

Pirate's Booty Cheese Puffs are a delightful snack option for kids, featuring 12 individual 0.5oz bags that are perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon treats. These puffs are gluten-free and free from peanuts and tree nuts, ensuring a safe snack for children with allergies. With only 70 calories per bag, they make for a guilt-free indulgence. Made from rice and corn, these baked puffs are flavored with aged white cheddar cheese, providing a tasty and wholesome snack that parents can feel good about giving their kids.

What We Like
Wholesome and low sodium
Convenient individual bags
Great cheesy taste
Low fat and lower calories
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Small bag size
Quality inconsistency
#TOP 5

Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets Snack

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Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets Snack Cover
Buc-ee's Famous Beaver Nuggets Sweet Corn Puff Snacks Texas Bucees, One 13 Ounce Bag

Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets are a delightful treat for anyone who has experienced the fun of a Texas road trip. Each 13-ounce bag contains caramel-coated corn pops that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These snacks are not only perfect for enjoying at home but are also great for sharing with friends and family during your travels. Whether you're reminiscing about your visit to Buc-ee's or just looking for a tasty snack, these Beaver Nuggets are a beloved choice among fans of the brand.

What We Like
Addictive taste
Buttery caramel flavor
Satisfying crunch
Great for sharing
Fresh upon arrival
What We Don't Like
Stale quickly
Somewhat expensive
#TOP 6

Cheez-It Puff'd Double Cheese Snacks

Cheez-It Puff'd Double Cheese Snacks Cover
Cheez-It Puff'd Cheesy Baked Snacks, Puffed Snack Crackers, Kids Snacks, Grab N' Go, Double Cheese, 8.4oz Box (12 Pouches)

Cheez-It Puff'd Snacks offer a delightful, airy treat that satisfies your cravings with their rich double cheese flavor. Baked with real cheese, these snacks melt in your mouth, making them perfect for the whole family. They are a great choice for after-school snacks or for enjoying on the go, ensuring you always have a tasty option at hand. Each 8.4oz box contains 12 convenient pouches, keeping the snacks fresh and ready to grab whenever you need a quick bite.

What We Like
Very fresh
Great for lunches
Good price
Convenient snack size
Tasty variety pack
What We Don't Like
Some flavors not enjoyable
Crumbs in packaging
#TOP 7

Cheetos Puffs Cheese Flavored Snacks

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Cheetos Puffs Cheese Flavored Snacks Cover
Cheetos Cheese Flavored Snacks, Puffs, 0.875 Ounce (Pack of 40)

Cheetos Puffs Cheese Flavored Snacks come in a pack of 40, 0.875 ounce bags, made with real cheese. These individual-size bags are perfect for on-the-go snacking, and they are easy to carry, store, and pack. Enjoy the cheesy and crunchy taste anytime, anywhere.

What We Like
Fresh and crunchy chips
Great value for money
Convenient snack size
Fast delivery
Perfect for sharing
What We Don't Like
Some packages near expiration
Occasional stale products reported
#TOP 8

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs

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Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs Cover
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free, Healthy Kids Snacks, 1oz Individual Size Snack Bags (12 Count)

Pirate's Booty Cheese Puffs are the perfect snack for kids. With 12 (1oz) snack-size bags, they are great for lunch or movie night. These gluten-free, peanut & tree nut-free cheese puffs are made with aged white cheddar cheese and contain no artificial colors or preservatives. Each bag is just 140 calories, so you can enjoy them guilt-free. Incorporate these tasty puffs into your movie night with the kids and satisfy their snack cravings. Pirate's Booty Cheese Puffs are a delicious, baked alternative to fried snacks, with real, tasty ingredients that are easy to pronounce. You won't have to snackrifice taste for goodness with these swashbucklin' snacks!

What We Like
Delicious taste
Low in calories
Freshness of product
Good value for money
Light with less oil and salt
What We Don't Like
May lead to overeating
#TOP 9

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, 4oz Bag

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4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, 4oz Bag Cover
Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs, Gluten Free, Healthy Kids Snacks, 4oz Grocery Size Snack Bag

Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs are a gluten-free, peanut & tree nut-free snack made with aged white cheddar cheese. Each 4oz grocery-size bag contains 140 calories and no artificial colors or preservatives. These rice and corn puffs are baked, not fried, and have real, tasty ingredients that are easy to pronounce. They are the perfect addition to any Easter basket or movie night with the kids.

What We Like
Light and tasty snack
Easy on teeth and fingers
Simple and clear ingredients
Low sodium option
Good value for size
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent white cheddar flavor
Expired product received
#TOP 10

Cheez-It Puff'd Double Cheese Snacks

Cheez-It Puff'd Double Cheese Snacks Cover
Cheez-It Puff'd Cheesy Baked Snacks, Puffed Snack Crackers, Kids Snacks, Double Cheese, 9.6oz Bag (1 Bag)

Cheez-It Puff'd Snacks offer a delightful combination of light and airy textures that make for an irresistible treat. With a rich double cheese flavor that melts in your mouth, these snacks are sure to satisfy the cravings of everyone in the family. Made with 100% real cheese both inside and out, they provide a tasty and authentic cheese experience. Perfect for stocking your pantry, these snacks are ideal for after-school munching or as a convenient on-the-go bite. Enjoy the freshness and great taste in every 9.6-ounce bag!

What We Like
Strong flavor
Soft and crunchy texture
Kids love them
Better than Cheetos
What We Don't Like
Pricey for binge eating
Occasionally stale bags
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Puffed Snacks

Introduction

Puffed snacks are a favorite among many, but with so many options on the market, it can be daunting to choose the perfect snack. Never fear, we're here to help! In this article, we'll discuss some key factors to consider when choosing puffed snacks, as well as provide some recommendations to get you started.

Flavor

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing puffed snacks is flavor. Do you prefer savory or sweet? Are you a fan of spicy snacks, or do you prefer something more mild? Whatever your preference, there's a puffed snack out there for you.

Some popular savory options include cheese puffs, spicy chili cheese puffs, and even seaweed flavor. For those with a sweet tooth, there are options such as chocolate puffs, fruit-flavored puffs, and even candy-coated puffs.

Ingredients

Another important factor to consider when choosing puffed snacks is the ingredients. Some people prefer snacks made with all-natural ingredients, while others are more concerned with the nutritional value.

If you're looking for all-natural ingredients, be sure to check the label. Some popular options include puffed corn, rice, or even quinoa. These snacks are often made with simple, whole ingredients and provide a satisfying crunch.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something more nutritious, there are options such as puffed whole grain snacks, which are packed with fiber and other nutrients.

Serving size

Puffed snacks can be a great option for satisfying your hunger in between meals, but it's important to watch your serving size. Many puffed snacks are high in calories and can easily be overeaten.

Be sure to check the serving size on the package, and try to stick to one serving at a time. This will help you avoid consuming too many calories and maintain a healthy diet.

Recommendations

Now that we've discussed some key factors to consider when choosing puffed snacks, let's talk about some specific recommendations.

If you're looking for a savory option, we recommend trying out Pirate's Booty. This snack is made with puffed corn and is flavored with a blend of delicious cheeses. It's the perfect savory treat!

For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend trying out Cloud 9 Puffs. These puffed snacks are made with all-natural ingredients and come in a variety of mouth-watering flavors, such as chocolate and vanilla bean.

No matter what your preference, there's a puffed snack out there for you. Happy snacking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is puffed corn good for health?

Puffed corn snacks generally have poor nutritional value. However, they are healthier than traditional fried snacks like potato chips and French fries because they are baked or roasted. A typical bag of puffed corn contains around 150-200 calories.

2. What foods can you puff?

There are various foods that can be puffed, such as corn, rice, barley, quinoa, and amaranth. Different countries have their own versions, like Bamba in Israel, Buffies in Palestine, and cheese puffs in the USA. Puffed cereals like rice krispies, corn pops, and golden crisp are also common.

3. Are puff snacks healthy?

Puff snacks are not the most nutritious option, as they mainly consist of air. However, some brands may fortify their puffs with vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, vitamin D, choline, and vitamin B12. The nutritional content can vary between brands.

4. Is popcorn OK for weight loss?

Popcorn can be beneficial for weight loss due to its high fiber content, low calorie count, and low energy density. It can make you feel fuller compared to a similar amount of potato chips, aiding in portion control and reducing calorie intake.

5. Does anything pop like popcorn?

Yes, other grains like barley, rice, quinoa, and amaranth can be popped similarly to popcorn. These grains can provide a fun and healthy alternative for snacking.

6. Is Puff Puff a junk food?

Puff puff, made with cassava flour, water, sugar, and oil for frying, is not considered a healthy snack when consumed in large quantities. It is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. However, when eaten in moderation, puff puff can be enjoyed as a treat.

Editor's Notes

During our puffed snack research, we found 24 puffed snack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 353,256 customer reviews through our big data system to write the puffed snacks list. We found that most customers choose puffed snacks with an average price of $18.67.

The puffed snacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of puffed snacks, including Pirate's Booty, Utz, Hippeas, Buc-ee's, Cheez-It. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Puffed Snacks Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Pirate's Booty Utz Hippeas Pirate's Booty Buc-ee's Cheez-It Cheetos Pirate's Booty Pirate's Booty Cheez-It
Flavor Aged White Cheddar Cheddar Cheese Vegan White Cheddar Aged White Cheddar Caramel Puff'd Puffs Cheddar-Cheese Cheddar-Cheese Double Cheese
Item Weight 12 Ounces 36.5 Ounces 23 Grams 6 Ounces 13 Ounces 8.4 Ounces 35 Ounces 12 Ounces 4 Ounces 9.6 Ounces
Package Information Bag,Bags,Pack Bowl,Plastic Bags,Pack,Packaging Bags,Pack - Pack Box Bag Bag Pack
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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