The Most Popular Snack in the US Will Surprise You (2024)

FAQs

The Most Popular Snack in the US Will Surprise You? ›

Rice Krispies Treats Are America's Most Popular Snack

Rice Krispies Treats

Finally, the No. 1 snack across the U.S. was found to be Rice Krispies Treats, making it to the top in 18 states.

Over half of surveyed consumers state that they prefer snacks with high protein content. Nuts, trail mixes, and seeds (41% market share) are leading the global health and wellness snack market, followed by protein bars (20%).

Lay's was America's favorite potato chip brand by a wide margin in 2021/2022.

Manufacturers also include several pretzel and chip bakeries in Hanover, Pennsylvania, which holds the nickname "the snack capital of the world", as well as other examples like Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey Chocolate Company and Asher's Chocolate Co., in Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Take it from the Institute of Food Technologists, which reports that U.S. adults consumed on average 2.7 snacks each day in 2021, with some younger adults consuming five or more snacks per day - a rate that has only climbed in recent years.

Multisensory experiences: Consumers will be delighted by fun and unique textures and flavor combinations, whether enjoying freeze-dried candy and puffed snacks or a never-before-tasted mix of flavors and textures combined.

Gen Z is shaping the food industry through their food preferences and dining habits. Plant-based menus, hyper-local and sustainable sourcing, comfort foods with unique twists, snackification, and global flavor fusion are just a few of the Gen Z food trends that savvy restaurant owners and operators should tap into.

What is the newest food trend? ›

What foods are trending 2024? 2024 is a year of alternatives, including almond milk, vegetarian fried chicken, potato milk, fusion flavors and plant-based meat to name a few. There's also a focus on global dishes, even more bold flavors, and urban produce.

Rice Krispies Treats Are America's Most Popular Snack

Rice Krispies Treats. The study showcased which snacks were most sought after in each given state. Rice Krispies Treats took the lead as the go-to in 18 northern states spanning both coasts, beating the likes of other big-name contenders, such as Lay's and Cheetos.

"U.S. Hispanics really over-index in spicy snacks, Flamin' Hot Cheetos as well as Takis and all of the other smaller brands," Filippelli said. "[Flamin' Hot Cheetos] seem to have a very strong foothold, and I think they just really understand the power of their brand."

As it turns out, one of America's favorite snacks isn't only popular in the Midwest. Potato chips were the most popular road trip snack overall and the most popular road trip snack in 3 more states than Combos or rice cakes.