For more than a century, Utz® has stood as a household name and a leading brand in the U.S. salty snack market. Known for its iconic Cheese Balls, Utz is once again making waves in the snack aisle by launching two bold new limited-time flavors and revealing a freshly redesigned barrel for its fan-favorite Cheddar Cheese Balls. These exciting updates coincide with National Cheese Ball Day on April 17, a celebration of one of America’s most beloved snack foods.
The new flavor rollout includes Utz Red Hot Cheese Balls and Utz Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey® Cheese Balls, both of which are designed to elevate the traditional cheese ball experience with bold, adventurous flavors. These seasonal offerings are available now through October in 14.5-ounce barrels, giving snack lovers plenty of time to enjoy the spice, sweetness, and innovation Utz is bringing to the table.
While the new flavors are turning heads, the brand is also giving its classic product a facelift. The Cheddar Cheese Balls, now available in a newly redesigned 23-ounce barrel, have hit shelves with updated packaging that maintains the same satisfying size and flavor that generations of fans have come to adore. This new look complements the vibrant and fun essence of the Utz brand, helping it stand out even more on store shelves.
Celebrating Flavor and Innovation
“National Cheese Ball Day is the perfect occasion to introduce our new packaging and two bold new limited-time flavors that take our iconic Cheese Balls to the next level,” said Stacey Schultz, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Utz Quality Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc. “Our Red Hot flavor brings a fiery kick to the classic Cheese Balls, while the Utz Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey flavor delivers an innovative sweet-heat-savory combination that flavor seekers will love.”
Schultz emphasized that this product update is part of Utz’s ongoing effort to innovate while staying true to what makes the brand iconic: quality, taste, and a nostalgic connection to family snacking traditions. The brand recognizes that today’s consumers crave new and exciting taste experiences, and these limited-time releases reflect a commitment to culinary creativity and bold flavor profiles.
The Power of Collaboration: Utz & Mike’s Hot Honey
One of the more intriguing aspects of this new product launch is the latest collaboration between Utz and Mike’s Hot Honey, a partnership that has flourished over the past few years. This is the third co-branded product from the two snack industry powerhouses. Previous collaborations included Utz Mike’s Hot Honey Potato Chips and the fiery Utz Mike’s Hot Honey Extra Hot Chips, both of which were met with rave reviews from fans of spicy and savory snacks.
The newest co-creation, Utz Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey Cheese Balls, continues the legacy of flavor innovation. This product blends the comforting, cheesy taste of pizza with the unique spicy-sweet flavor that Mike’s Hot Honey is known for—creating a snack that is as memorable as it is mouthwatering.
“Our partnership with Utz continues to grow in delicious new directions with the creation of Utz Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey Cheese Balls,” said Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey. “The flavor combination originated from our roots as a pizza topping, when we first discovered how perfectly our hot honey pairs with pizza. After the success of our potato chip and pretzel collaborations over the past two years, this was a natural evolution that creates a truly unique snacking experience.”
By leaning into shared values of bold innovation and high-quality ingredients, both brands are strengthening their foothold in the competitive snack food market. With each new launch, they further solidify their reputations for pushing boundaries while staying connected to the flavors that consumers love.
Where to Find the New Flavors
The new flavors and redesigned Cheddar Cheese Balls barrels are currently rolling out to major retailers nationwide. Whether you’re doing your grocery shopping in-store or prefer the convenience of online orders, Utz fans can find these products through several popular platforms. The new Cheese Balls are available online at utzsnacks.com, and they can also be purchased via Amazon, making it easy for fans across the country to get their hands on these crave-worthy treats.
The 23-ounce Cheddar Cheese Balls barrel now features a modern and vibrant design that reflects Utz’s forward-thinking branding strategy while maintaining a visual connection to its rich heritage. Meanwhile, the two limited-time flavors—Red Hot and Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey—come in their own eye-catching packaging, designed to appeal to adventurous snackers and flavor explorers.
Social Media Engagement and Brand Connection
As part of the launch campaign, Utz is also encouraging consumers to connect on social media, where fans can find updates, participate in giveaways, and share their own cheese ball celebrations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the brand, you can stay in the loop by following Utz on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The brand uses these platforms to showcase new products, highlight consumer content, and engage with its vibrant and growing fan base.
For fans of Mike’s Hot Honey, the brand also maintains a strong online presence where followers can discover new ways to enjoy its signature spicy-sweet condiment. From pizza to chicken to now cheese balls, Mike’s Hot Honey continues to prove its versatility in the snack world and beyond.
Final Thoughts
This year’s National Cheese Ball Day celebration is more exciting than ever, thanks to Utz’s commitment to flavor innovation, brand collaboration, and consumer satisfaction. The release of the Red Hot and Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey Cheese Balls reflects a smart and timely approach to limited-time offerings—providing fans with fresh reasons to revisit an iconic snack.
At the same time, the updated packaging for the classic Cheddar Cheese Balls shows that even tradition can evolve, embracing modern design without sacrificing the nostalgic joy that Utz has always delivered.
So, whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing with a movie, or simply looking for a flavorful snack to brighten your day, Utz has something new—and seriously tasty—for you to enjoy. Just make sure to grab a barrel (or three) before these bold new flavors disappear in October!
