Snack Attack: Cheetos Gets A Plant-Based Glow-Up

Cheese-lovers, rejoice—there’s a new way to get your Cheetle fix, no dairy required. Cheetos has officially dropped its first-ever vegan flavour: Vegan White Cheddar, a plant-based twist on the iconic puff that delivers all the dangerously cheesy attitude, minus the cheese. Crafted without artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives, and low in saturated fat, these limited-time snacks are turning heads (and fingers) across Canada. Whether you’re vegan, curious, or just here for the crunch, this bold new bite is about to shake up your snack game in a big way. We caught up with the Cheetos team to learn how this crispy, crave-worthy dream came to life. —Noa Nichol

What sparked the decision to create a vegan version of the iconic Cheetos puff—and why now?
Cheetos lovers across Canada have been asking for a vegan option that delivers the same bold flavour and airy texture as the iconic Cheetos Puffs. With more Canadians embracing plant-based choices—without wanting to sacrifice taste or snack-time fun—it felt like the perfect time to introduce Cheetos Vegan Puffs. The launch also reflects PepsiCo’s broader commitment to offering diverse, inclusive options that meet evolving consumer preferences. Now, more people than ever can enjoy the classic Cheetos experience.

How did the team go about capturing that signature “dangerously cheesy” flavour without using dairy?
We focused on selecting ingredients that could mimic the complex flavours typically found in dairy to deliver that familiar “cheesy” taste, all without using dairy or artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. It took a lot of experimenting, but we finally landed on the perfect formula.

“Cheetle” dust is a beloved (and messy) part of the Cheetos experience—how does the vegan version live up to the original in terms of texture and that classic finger dust?
These limited-edition Cheetos Vegan Puffs absolutely hold up to the OG. They offer the same bold flavour, satisfyingly airy texture, and yes—the signature messy mischief of Cheetle-dusted fingers. Snackers can rest assured: the fun factor is still fully intact.

Who is the vegan White Cheddar puff designed for—are you targeting plant-based consumers specifically, or a broader snack-loving audience?
Cheetos Vegan Puffs were created to delight both the committed plant-based crowd and snack lovers at large. Whether you’re vegan, vegan-ish, or simply curious about plant-based options, this limited-edition flavour invites everyone to enjoy the classic Cheetos experience—now with a plant-based twist.