National Cheese Doodle Day, an annual celebration marked on March 5th, invites snack enthusiasts across the country to indulge in the cheesy, crunchy delight of cheese doodles.
This snack, loved by millions, has a storied history that dates back several decades, intertwining innovation, rivalry, and cultural integration.
As 2024’s National Cheese Doodle Day approaches, let’s dive into the origins of cheese doodles, explore their inventor, and settle the age-old question of which came first: Cheez Doodles or Cheetos.
Who Invented the Cheese Doodle?
The cheese doodle, a puffed corn snack coated in a delicious cheese flavor, was invented by Morrie Yohai in the 1940s.
Yohai, operating out of a snack food company called Old London Foods in the Bronx, New York, developed the process to extrude cornmeal through a machine, creating the snack’s unique texture.
The snack was then coated with a cheese flavoring, giving birth to the cheese doodle we know and love today. Yohai’s invention was initially intended as a way to utilize leftover cornmeal, but it quickly became a snack food sensation, beloved for its unique texture and rich flavor.
Which Came First: Cheez Doodles or Cheetos?
The debate over which cheese-flavored snack came first is a crunchy topic of snack history. Cheetos, another popular cheese-flavored snack, was introduced in 1948 by Charles Elmer Doolin and the Frito Company.
This places the invention of Cheetos slightly ahead of Cheez Doodles in the timeline. While both snacks share a similar concept and have become staples in the snack food industry, Cheetos officially hit the market before Cheez Doodles. However, despite Cheetos’ earlier introduction, Cheez Doodles have carved out their own loyal following and remain a beloved snack choice for many.
In conclusion, National Cheese Doodle Day on March 5th serves not only as a celebration of this cheesy snack but also as a nod to the innovation and creativity in the snack food industry.
From Morrie Yohai’s inventive spirit to the friendly rivalry with Cheetos, cheese doodles have secured their spot in American snack culture. So, as we approach May 5th, 2024, let’s remember to grab a bag of cheese doodles, enjoy the crunch, and pay homage to the snack that has brought joy to so many.
What’s the difference between Cheez doodles and Cheetos?
Cheez Doodles and Cheetos are both popular cheese-flavored snack foods, but there are some key differences between them:
- Brand and Manufacturer: Cheez Doodles are primarily produced by Wise Foods, Inc., while Cheetos are manufactured by Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. This difference in manufacturing leads to variations in taste, texture, and product offerings.
- Texture and Variety: Cheetos offers a wider variety of textures and flavors. For example, Cheetos are available in both crunchy and puffed versions, as well as a wide range of flavors beyond just cheese, such as Flamin’ Hot and Jalapeño. Cheez Doodles are traditionally known for their puffed texture, although they also offer a crunchy version. However, their flavor variety is more limited compared to Cheetos.
- Taste: While taste can be subjective, some people report a difference in the cheese flavoring between the two brands. This difference could be attributed to the specific blend of cheese and seasonings each brand uses, resulting in a unique taste profile for each.
- Cultural Impact and Availability: Cheetos has a larger global presence and is more widely recognized around the world, partly due to Frito-Lay’s extensive distribution network. Cheese Doodles, while popular in the United States, particularly in the Northeast where Wise Foods, Inc. is based, may not be as readily available in other countries.
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