Potato chips are a staple snack and meal accompaniment, a natural pairing with burgers and hot dogs on the grill, or with a sandwich at lunch. And sales are on the rise.

Category and product line growth comes in many forms in this industry. And not everything is about clean label and better-for-you. A foundational rubric of snack product success is pure enjoyment.

Nearly everyone in the United States has a snack at least once a day, and the frequency of snacking is on the rise. Snacking, for an increasing percentage of the population, is a lifestyle, with multiple eating occasions replacing mealtimes.

No longer relegated to taco night, tortillas are playing a major role in Americans' meal plans, both at home and when dining out.

People have always had a love affair with sweet baked goods like pastries, doughnuts and muffins. Today, however, we want sweet treats that are delicious and sometimes even a bit more nutritious, but only slightly less indulgent.

Snack cakes have always been popular, partially due to the fact that they're so portable - pop one in your purse or in the car, and you've got an "on-the-go" snack. The category continues to grow, with different flavors and trends emerging each year.

The world of pizza is growing more diverse. The industry is more accommodating toward those with Celiac disease or who prefer to eat gluten-free, and mainstream consumers now have a variety of crusts to choose from, to boot.

Let them eat cake ... and pies, and cheesecake. Consumers are still seeking indulgent multi-sensory experiences and desserts deliver.

When we consider the cookie market today, it's a far cry from the ones that your grandma used to serve: They come in all shapes and sizes, and some can even be considered a "better for you" snack now, too.

While a core aspect of the buns and rolls market is still to serve as unassuming, predictable carriers for everyday sandwiches and backyard barbecues, the category has room for growth, and differentiation is the name of the game.