Go Dairy-Free (and Ditch the Seed Oils!) with These Cheezy Snacks

 

There’s something universally comforting about a cheesy snack. The savory, rich, umami flavor hits a certain spot that few other things can. But what if you’re dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or simply choosing to eat cleaner? For years, that meant giving up on that satisfying "cheezy" goodness.

Not anymore.

The world of dairy-free snacks has grown with incredible options that deliver that cheesy flavor you crave, without a drop of dairy. But here at Jackson’s, we believe going dairy-free is only part of the battle. To truly create a better-for-you snack, you also have to pay attention to the oils they’re cooked in.

That’s why we’re committed to using only premium avocado oil—never inflammatory, highly-processed seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. We believe in the power of good fats to carry great flavor.

Ready to find your new favorite cheesy, dairy-free, seed-oil-free snack? We’ve rounded up the best of the best, from crunchy chips to impossibly light veggie straws.

The A-Team: Our Avocado Oil-Cooked Favorites

When it comes to the perfect crunch and clean ingredients, we’ve got you covered. We start with nutrient-dense ingredients and cook them in premium avocado oil to create a snack that crushes both flavor goals and your better-for-you demands.

Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips - Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored

What’s better than a classic cheddar flavor? A classic cheddar flavor with a tangy sour cream finish. We take our non-GMO sweet potatoes, give them a thick, wavy cut (perfect for dipping!), and kettle-cook them in avocado oil. The result is a chip that’s unbelievably crunchy and satisfying. Our vegan Cheddar & Sour Cream seasoning is the perfect savory complement to the natural sweetness of the potatoes. It’s a flavor combo that’s both nostalgic and revolutionary.

Jackson's Super Veggie Straws - Cheddar Flavored

These aren't the empty-filler veggie straws you grew up with. Ours are SUPER! We build them from a nutritious blend of real veggies—yellow peas, brown rice, cassava, and sweet potato. Then, we cook them in 100% avocado oil for an impossibly light crunch and a clean finish. The final touch? A rich, bold, dairy-free cheddar seasoning that delivers all that cheesy, finger-dusting goodness you've been missing. They’re Top 9 Allergen free, vegan, and a warning: may cause empty bag syndrome.

Read: Air fried vs Kettle Cook (Fried) Snacks

More Seed Oil-Free Cheezy Snack Options

While we’re partial to our avocado oil-cooked chips, we love celebrating other brands who are also committed to clean ingredients and ditching processed seed oils.

LesserEvil No Cheese Cheesiness Organic Popcorn

For the classic movie night vibe, LesserEvil delivers. They air-pop tender butterfly popcorn and tumble it in organic coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt, and a nutritional yeast-based seasoning. It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly cheesy without any dairy.

Siete Grain Free Queso Puff Snacks

Siete gets it. As a fellow avocado oil brand, they’ve created incredible grain-free queso puffs made from lentils. They have a light, airy texture and a bold queso flavor inspired by their Texas roots, all thanks to a dairy-free seasoning blend featuring nutritional yeast and spices.

Brad's Crunchy Kale: Cheeze It Up

Get your greens and your cheese fix in one go. Brad’s air-dries organic kale that’s been coated in a powerful blend of sunflower seeds, chickpea miso, and nutritional yeast for a "cheeze" flavor that’s packed with 8g of protein per bag. It’s a purposeful snack that leaves empty calories behind.

PumThins Smokey Chedda Cheeze Crackers

Made from a blend of pumpkin seeds and cassava flour, these crispy crackers are cooked in olive or avocado oil. The smoky paprika and cheesy nutritional yeast create a salty, crispy, and totally snack-worthy cracker that’s perfect for dipping or enjoying all on its own.

Note: Formulations can change—always check the allergen line for milk/whey/casein. “Lactic acid” and “natural flavors” can be vegan, but check brand if unsure.

Related: Salty Snacks without Seed Oils

Get Your DIY Cheeze On

Want to bring that dairy-free cheesy flavor into your own kitchen? The secret ingredient is Nutritional Yeast (affectionately known as "nooch"). This deactivated yeast is packed with B vitamins and has a naturally nutty, cheesy, and savory flavor.

Here are a few simple ways to use it:

•  "Cheezy" Roasted Chickpeas: Drain and dry a can of chickpeas. Toss them with a tablespoon of avocado oil, a generous shake of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until crispy.

•  The Ultimate Popcorn Topping: Drizzle your freshly popped popcorn with melted coconut oil or a high-quality avocado oil. Sprinkle generously with nutritional yeast and fine-grain sea salt and toss to coat.

•  5-Minute "Cheezy" Sauce: Whisk together 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 2 tablespoons of warm water, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and garlic powder. Drizzle it over steamed veggies, baked potatoes, or your favorite Jackson’s snack!

No Dairy, No Seed Oils, No Compromise

Living a dairy-free and seed-oil-free lifestyle doesn't mean living a flavor-free one. As you can see, the world is full of delicious, crunchy, and satisfyingly "cheezy" options.

So next time a cheese craving hits, check the ingredient label for good fats and clean ingredients. Or better yet, just grab a bag of Jackson’s snacks. We’ve already done the work for you