Cheetos are made from corn and as a result, are part of the "cereal snack" segment of the snack food market. They are known as "extrusions" which describes the way they are made. The corn is blended with water. This mixture is then fed into the extruders where it is heated under pressure. This mixture is then pushed through a hole in a die, creating a ball shape. When the product comes in contact with the air, the hot water in the mixture turns to steam forcing the mixture to expand and thus creating a light texture. The product is then oven dried and moved to a flavouring tumbler where it is seasoned with its distinctive cheese and bacon flavour. They are then packaged immediately to seal in freshness and the distinctive taste.
