Ritz Bitz Launches Its First Brand New Flavor in Nearly a Decade – Spicy Queso!

For snack lovers, the name Ritz has been synonymous with buttery crackers and delightful, bite-sized bites. Since their debut in 1934, Ritz Crackers have remained a staple of snack time, whether you're throwing a party, assembling a picnic spread, or just unwinding with a casual snack on the couch. But now, Ritz is stirring up excitement in the snack aisle once again with a bold new offering: Ritz Bits Spicy Queso. The addition of this spicy flavor marks the first time in nearly a decade that the beloved brand has introduced a new taste to its bite-sized cracker sandwiches​.

In a move that's sure to spice up the snack scene, Ritz Bits Spicy Queso brings a creamy cheese flavor with a tantalizingly bold, spicy kick. This latest addition isn't just a minor tweak to an existing flavor; it's a complete overhaul, offering a fresh and exciting twist on a classic favorite. According to Mondelez International, the flavor is designed to meet consumers' growing demand for more adventurous, bold tastes in their snack foods​.

The spicy queso flavor isn't overwhelming, though. While it offers a delightful heat, it's not so fiery that you'll need a glass of milk to cool your tongue. Instead, it strikes the perfect balance, making it an ideal snack for those who enjoy a little bit of kick without completely burning their taste buds. It's bold, creamy, and just the right amount of heat for a snack you can pop, bite by bite.

For those who remember the classic Ritz Bits varieties, this new flavor represents a long-awaited return to the innovation that made Ritz so popular in the first place. It’s been nearly 10 years since Ritz Bits added a new flavor to the lineup​. The last major update was the introduction of Ritz Bits with Peanut Butter as an alternate choice to the cheese-filled version. The brand has since focused on tweaking and perfecting its other product lines, but the release of Spicy Queso is a game-changer. It shows Ritz is ready to bring something fresh to the table once again. Whether you're a fan of fiery chips, spicy salsas, or just enjoy a good, zesty cracker, Ritz Bits Spicy Queso is designed to cater to those looking for something new to snack on during their next movie night, party, or solo binge-watch session.

If you’re eager to try the new flavor, you won’t have to wait long. Ritz Bits Spicy Queso is hitting convenience stores nationwide starting this month in 3-ounce snack-sized bags. For those who prefer a larger portion, the larger 8.8-ounce boxes will hit major grocery stores in February 2025​. The timing couldn’t be better—Ritz is also preparing for its Super Bowl debut, where the spicy snack will make its television debut in a 30-second commercial. Expect to see plenty of social media buzz surrounding this launch as well.

The release of Spicy Queso also builds on Ritz’s broader strategy to push the envelope with bolder, more innovative flavors. Earlier in 2024, Ritz launched its Sweet Habañero flavor in its Toasted Chips lineup, showing a clear trend toward integrating heat into more of its products​.