Ariana Losch
First of all, before we get into this ranking of the best Chex Mix flavors, let me get this out of the way: If you think the rye chip is stupid, you are not welcome here. I cannot believe this is even up for debate. And to be clear: I didn’t say if you hate the Chex Mix rye chips, you aren’t welcome here. Hatred is a form of passion—this is specifically targeted at people who find them pointless. The rye chips are the glue holding this entire Chex Mix operation together. You know what’s pointless? The pretzels. Yep. I’ve said my peace.
Anyway. I hope that sets the tone for my ranking, because this was a weird one for me, fam. I’m not quite sure what’s going on with the flavor scientists at Chex Mix, but they need to pull it together. I’m sorry if that’s harsh, but going into this taste test, clearly my expectations were too high—a lot of Chex Mix flavors are simply not up to snuff. I’ll limit my complaints for now, out of respect for OG Chex Mix and its lovely rye chip, but I really don’t hold back below.
How we determined the best Chex Mix flavors:
- Seasoning that works: There’s a lot going on in a bag of Chex Mix, so ideally, you’re looking for flavors that work with every component.
- Crisp, fresh-tasting mixes: The best Chex Mix flavors have a fresh-baked, crunchy-crisp texture.
- Includes the rye chip: I’m petty. Sue me.
Here’s my current ranking of the best Chex Mix flavors. I’ll be eagerly awaiting your unhappy comments below.
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- Hot & Spicy Chex Mix
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This one packs heat, I’ll give it that—but it’s the kind of spice that’s really one-note, like a worse version of Flamin’ Hot dust. And since the flavor doesn’t have much depth, the mix itself ends up tasting kinda stale. There’s not much more to say about it. It’s bad. Don’t buy it. Next!
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Cheddar Chex Mix
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A good homemade Chex Mix can and should include Cheez-Its. I’ll stand by that. But these cheap, cardboard-esque Cheez-It knockoffs are not the way to go. Also, like the seasoning on the Hot & Spicy Mix, the cheddar seasoning doesn’t have much depth. It’s actually pretty artificial and dusty. There’s potential here, though—mainly because cheese can taste good on just about any savory snack—it just needs a sharper, fresher flavor and higher quality mix-ins.
Credit: Merc / Target
- Spicy Dill Pickle Chex Mix
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The redeeming part about Spicy Dill Pickle Chex Mix is that you can’t actually expect this to taste good, so you aren’t disappointed when the flavor is a little freaky. And the flavor is a little freaky. It’s vaguely tangy and pickle-y, but not very dilly, and carries an odd hint of sweetness that I’ve noticed all of the savory Chex Mix flavors have. It actually took me a while to pin down what that sweetness reminds me of (more on that below), but I find it distracting and a little unpleasant. That said, this bag does include rye chips, and I don’t mind how they taste a little zesty. Points for that.
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Turtle Chex Mix
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As an indecisive person who gets bored easily, Turtle Chex Mix kinda scratches my itch for a sweet-chocolatey-crisp trail mix. It’s a decent balance of sweet and salty, with three different kinds of chex—regular corn, crisp cocoa, and a sticky caramel Chex—that fits the “choose your own adventure” vibe of the bag. The tiny offbrand M&M’s aren’t as disappointing as the offbrand Cheez-Its from the Cheddar Chex Mix, and the cocoa-coated pretzels actually hold my interest. I do wish there were more peanuts and less caramel popcorn (they really go all in on the caramel popcorn), but overall, I appreciate what they’re trying to do!
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Chex Mix Remix Cheese Pizza
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I never expected Cheese Pizza Chex Mix to make it so far in this ranking. I’m on record as a known pizza-flavor disparager. While I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who avoids pizza snacks in general, fans of the flavor would probably jive with it. The little pizza puffs inside are unique, fresher than I expected, and surprisingly addictive. The two flavors of Chex—pizza and garlic & herb—layer together nicely. It’s a nostalgic ‘80s snack. My number #1 biggest issue? No rye chips. Just pizza-flavored bagel chips. Atrocious. Like, conceptually I get it, but I’m really, really not happy about it.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Bold Garlic & Herb
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“Okay, we’re in the top three—maybe Ariana will stop being so negative now.” Ha. Not yet, my friend. Here’s the deal with Bold Garlic & Herb: Plenty of people, including my fellow taste-testers, really like this Chex Mix flavor. I’m not super mad at it myself, but it is the leading culprit in that odd-tasting Chex Mix savory-sweetness that just doesn’t leave your palate after you start snacking. I can’t tell you the exact ingredient they used, but it basically tastes like pure worcestershire sauce. So if that appeals to you…this might be the best Chex Mix flavor for you.
Credit: Merc / Amazon
- Honey Nut Chex Mix
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As an OG Chex Mix flavor, Honey Nut holds up to my childhood nostalgia. “Woah, did she just start her review on a positive note?!” You bet. Bask in it. These have the little vanilla cookie swirls, which some people think are pointless, to which I say: Really? More pointless than the regular Chex Mix pretzels? They’re crisp, cute little sugar cookies and you want to dog on it? What are your priorities? And you know what, I’ll be brave and say it: I love the vanilla breadsticks in this, too. They have this softer bite to them that offsets the crunchy, salty-sweet Chex nicely. And for once, I can’t taste worcestershire sauce. A miracle. This is one of the best Chex Mix flavors and I won’t be told otherwise!!
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Traditional Chex Mix
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Original Chex Mix is carrying the entire brand on its back. I’ve complained a lot in this ranking, but this stuff, in my honest opinion, is one of the best snacks ever made. Even those dumb, palette-cleansing pretzels have a purpose here. Chex Mix works because every bag contains a gradient of flavor: bland pretzels, mid-tier white and brown Chex, umami rye chips, and the absolute GOAT: those flavorblasted Chex pieces that light up all your dopamine receptors in one hit. Honestly, it makes sense why flavored Chex Mix is, clearly, hard to get right. And that’s okay—the brilliance of the OG makes up for it. Not to be incredibly toxic, but I love you, Chex Mix. Please, just work on yourself a little bit more.
Credit: Merc / Walmart
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Best Chex Mix Flavors
Runner Up
Best of the Best
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Jordan Myrick
Danny Palumbo
