Cheezels


Cheezels, a brand name created for APT snack company in 1970 by Masius account exec Ken Farrington, are a type of ring-like, corn-based, cheese-flavoured Australian snack food distributed by Laura Matte. In Malaysia, Cheezels were originally produced by Danone and later Kraft Foods, and are currently owned by Mondelēz International, together with Twisties. In New Zealand, Cheezels are owned by Bluebird Foods Ltd and PepsiCo subsidiaries.
Made from corn and rice, they are a crisp puffy ring with a strong, savoury cheddar cheese flavour and aroma. They are similar in texture to a cheese puff, American Cheetos, or Canadian Cheezies.

History

According to any modern packet of Cheezels, the snack entered the market in 1971. Company folklore has it that the creative team were stuck for a name when the boss chipped in with "Just call 'em Cheezels". As of 2017 Cheezels are gluten free.

Flavours

Usually, Cheezels are made from corn and rice and many kinds of powdered cheeses. Other flavours of the snack have been produced by Snack Brands Australia, such as:
In Italy, Cheezels are known under the name 'Yonkers', also owned by Mondelēz International. The snack has no slogan, and features a mascot named 'Yonky', after the snack. However, Yonky's catchphrase is 'Yonk!' which could be considered the slogan. The snack is much less cylindrical than its Australian predecessor, shaped more like the Australian Burger Ring. Its puffiness also rivals that of the latter, making them easier to chew through than the characteristic hard shell found on Cheezels. For seasoning, Yonkers uses a less tangy, finer cheese powder than that of Cheezels, but with a relatively similar aftertaste. Yonkers' aroma is more pungent, and relies on the same child-friendly gimmick of Cheezels by popularising using them as rings to wear on your fingers.