
World’s biggest snack companies: who’s really got the crunch in 2026
In a near-$700bn global market, a handful of companies now decide what scales, what sticks and what survives, and in 2026, the power gap is only widening

In a near-$700bn global market, a handful of companies now decide what scales, what sticks and what survives, and in 2026, the power gap is only widening

Indulgent treats aren’t being replaced – they’re being refined. This latest wave of NPD upgrades familiar formats with cleaner labels, global flavor cues and subtle functional gains

From billion-dollar brinkmanship to red-dye revolts and zero-gravity corn chips, 2025 proved nothing in bakery and snacks is too big, too weird or too controversial to make headlines

Targeted innovation, seasonal flavors and premiumization are delivering “worth-it” experiences to help maintain share even as snack volumes soften

From gingerbread nostalgia to chocolate trolleys and limited edition winter snacks, here’s what’s new this festive season

Cape Cod Chips now faces two lawsuits alleging the brand’s ‘no artificial’ claims don’t square with its use of synthetic citric acid

Premium treats, grab-and-go minis and a burst of festive innovation are giving the aisle more energy than it’s had in years

Halloween spending is set to smash records this year, and brands are responding with limited edition launches designed to thrill. From eerie éclairs to glow-in-the-dark Goldfish, 2025’s NPD lineup is frightfully inventive

Campbell’s latest results show America’s once unstoppable appetite for crackers, cookies and pretzels is stalling – leaving Campbell Snacks under pressure

From cookies and coffee to yogurt and popcorn, pumpkin spice is once again ruling the shelves

From swicy seaweed to smoky crisps and cupcake bites, these NPD show flavor is still the ultimate snack currency

Pumpkin spice still anchors autumn, but fatigue is setting in. With cinnamon, caramel and citrus surging, makers must balance nostalgia with novelty to win fall 2025

The snackdown
As scrutiny mounts over Bimbo’s stalled bid for Wickbold, Mars’ frozen takeover of Kellanova and Smucker’s costly Hostess misfire, the M&A playbook in bakery and snacks is under serious pressure - from regulators, consumers and the market itself

Lunchbox legends are back and this year’s lineup is smarter, cleaner and more fun than ever. From pizza-flavored crunch to fruit-packed favorites, these snacks earn full marks from kids and parents alike

Big flavours are landing in sync with summer’s biggest moments, from Centre Court drama to fireworks and French flair

This summer’s snack scene is serving up big names and bold ideas, from viral creators to culinary icons

The snack aisle is facing a reckoning as appetite-suppressing drugs, rising costs and shifting consumer values take a bite out of growth. Is the global love affair with snacking finally starting to crumble?

Across categories from crackers to cookies, these limited edition launches show why urgency, nostalgia and innovation are a winning recipe

To celebrate 4/20 - the unofficial cannabis holiday - JM Smucker is giving Hostess a puff of cultural relevance by cozying up to cannabis fans

Chocolate may be getting pricier and portions smaller, but there’s still plenty of joy to be found in this year’s festive new product lineup

Snack prices are soaring and Americans are cutting back - leaving chips, crackers and cookies on the shelves. Is Trump’s chaotic trade policy to blame for crushing the snack market?

In this roundup, we take a look at the world’s largest bakery manufacturer expanding LATAM footprint; Campbell’s proposed name change; pladis’ focus in MENAI; and how Boundless nabbed the #1 spot in the UK’s gut-health snacks sector.

The formation of Campbell Snacks in 2017 through the integration of Snyder’s-Lance and Pepperidge Farm has been a cornerstone of Campbell Soup Company’s strategy to dominate the snacks market. How is it faring?