Phantom Gourmet: Cheddar Snack Mix Taste Test

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 26, 2014 9:38 am EST

BOSTON (CBS) – Phantom recently purchased four popular brands of cheddar snack mix. The salty, cheesy contenders were Annie's, Cheez-It, Chex Mix, and Munchies. See if you can guess which addictive mix ended up at the top of the food chain.

Annie's Cheddar Snack Mix finished in last place. First, the good news. This stuff is certified organic. Now the bad news. It just doesn't taste very good. While the bunny and carrot shaped pieces are cute, they don't make up for the disappointingly weak cheddar flavor. Plus, this mix just doesn't have much variety, making for a boring eating experience.

Next up is Chex Mix. The cheddar version of this snack mix standard finished far lower in Phantom's taste test than expected. The light and airy mix is easy to eat by the handful, but the distribution ratio goes way too heavy on the Chex cereal pieces. Plus, everything in this mix is coated in bright orange cheese powder, making for muddled flavors, and messy fingers.

Phantom Gourmet tested four brands of cheddar snack mix. (Image Credit: Phantom Gourmet)

The runner up is Cheez-It. If you like variety, this is your mix, packed with Cheez-Its, wheat squares, pretzels, bread slices, and rice balls. The addition of the Worcestershire powder gives this blend an added layer of savory flavor, but when it comes to overall cheesiness, there just isn't enough punch.

At the top of the food chain is Munchies. This little known mix is actually loaded with some of the most popular snacks on the market, as each bag bursts with Cheetos, Doritos, Sun Chips, and Rold Gold pretzels. This is a chunky, hearty, and bold mix with flavors and textures that are supremely satisfying. Each big handful is like a party in Phantom's mouth, which is why Munchies cheese fix snack mix is at the top of the food chain.

Watch Phantom Gourmet on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. on myTV38.

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