Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Traditional Cheddar Cheese

The Verdict

If you’ve only ever had the stale, orange-dusted cheese straws from a grocery store party platter, the Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory version is a different animal entirely. This is the real Southern thing — a buttery, sharp cheddar pastry with enough backbone to stand up to a Bloody Mary or a glass of sweet tea. As shown in the product image, you’re getting a hefty 16-ounce tin, not a flimsy bag. The question is whether it earns its premium price and its spot in your pantry.

What you actually get

The 16-ounce gift tin is the star of the packaging show. It’s sturdy, resealable, and attractive enough to regift — though you’ll probably want to keep it for yourself. Inside, you’ll find roughly 80-100 straws depending on breakage, each about 3-4 inches long and pencil-thick. The straws are baked, not fried, which keeps them lighter than you’d expect. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: cheddar cheese, flour, butter, salt, and a whisper of cayenne. No preservatives, no artificial colors, no “cheese flavoring” — just real cheddar doing the work.

Flavor and texture: the real test

The first bite hits you with a sharp, tangy cheddar punch that lingers. This isn’t a subtle snack. The texture is the differentiator — a satisfying snap that gives way to a crumbly, almost shortbread-like interior. One buyer noted, “They taste like someone’s grandmother actually made them, not like they came off a factory line.” That’s the honest consensus across the 215 ratings: these taste handmade because they essentially are. They’re baked in small batches in Mississippi, and you can taste the difference.

The cayenne is present but polite. If you’re expecting heat, you’ll be disappointed — this is traditional seasoning, meant to complement the cheese, not overwhelm it. For spice seekers, that’s a genuine miss.

Where it falls short

The price is the biggest hurdle. You’re paying a significant premium over generic cheese straws, and the tin, while nice, doesn’t justify the full markup. Some buyers reported receiving tins with more broken pieces than whole straws — one review mentioned “about 30% arrived as crumbs.” That’s frustrating at this price point. A few also flagged that the “best by” date was closer than expected upon arrival, so check the bottom of the tin when it lands.

The other honest limitation: these are rich. A few straws satisfy. The 16-ounce tin will last a while, and that’s either a pro or a con depending on your willpower.

Who should buy this

• The Southern-food purist who wants authentic cheese straws without flying to Mississippi
• The host/hostess looking for a memorable party snack that guests will actually talk about
• The gift-giver who wants something that looks intentional — the tin makes it feel special
• Skip it if you’re on a tight snack budget or expecting spicy heat

Frequently asked questions

Q: How should I store these to keep them fresh? Keep them in the tin with the lid sealed, in a cool, dry place. They’ll stay crunchy for about two weeks. Refrigeration makes them stale faster. Freezing works surprisingly well — just thaw at room temperature in the sealed tin.

Q: Are these gluten-free or keto-friendly? No on both. The flour and cheddar make them a carb-and-calorie indulgence. One straw is about 40 calories, so they’re not a diet food, but they’re a satisfying treat.

Q: Can I heat them up? You can, but it’s unnecessary. A quick 2-3 minutes in a 300°F oven warms them through and boosts the cheese aroma, but they’re already excellent straight from the tin.

The Verdict

Buy it if you appreciate authentic, small-batch Southern snacks and don’t mind paying for quality. These are the real deal — sharp, buttery, and dangerously snackable. Skip it if you’re watching your grocery budget or expecting a spicy kick.

At 4.2/5 stars, this earns its rating. The flavor and craftsmanship are exceptional; the price and occasional breakage keep it from perfection. For a special occasion or a genuine taste of the South, it’s worth every penny.

Rating: 4.2/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.