While consumers were already snacking more throughout the day, this was escalated even more while people were working and nesting at home during the pandemic. 46 percent of consumers said they were snacking more during the pandemic and 58 percent of consumers said snacking with be part of the post pandemic "new normal."

The crackers category is home to multiple iconic brands synonymous with snacking, including Cheez-It, Goldfish, and Ritz, all billion-dollar brands. As part of the foundation of the grain-based baking industry, crackers also present significant opportunities for growth through incrementally better-for-you offerings and highly innovative nutrition-forward products, as well as premium and specialized lines.

Variety is the spice of life when it comes potato chips. While classic chips still own the lion's share of the U.S. market, salty snack companies are offering new flavor combinations in a variety of packaging sizes. New flavors include spicy buffalo, hot BBQ and cauliflower, and many new offerings are gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified.

Conventional wisdom holds that COVID-19 had consumers searching for one thing above all others in 2020, and we're not talking toilet paper.

Revenue from the U.S. grain-based snack and bakery industry accounts for over $100 billion in annual retail sales, and a significant portion of that total comes from the top 50 companies, ranked according to annual revenue.

It's safe to say COVID-19 has made its mark on the food industry. People are cooking more at home than they used to.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit U.S. shores in early 2020, it caused major disruption across the snack and baking industry, and the country as a whole. Many industries have endured significant economic fallout from the pandemic.

The puffed and extruded snacks category has grown-up, and the market is seeing some diverse company.

The popcorn category has enjoyed a very strong past year, with a particularly strong jump early in the year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit U.S. shores.

Crackers are a product category that has nearly universal appeal. Consumers are snacking more often, especially in light of the recent pandemic, and the expanding variety of crackers on the market today make them a natural fit for nearly any snacking occasion.