Snacks are hanging tough despite the foot-dragging economy, as nearly one-quarter of consumers struggle to make ends meet. But snackers are snacking more frequently, and the products they’re eating play a more important role in wellness- and indulgent-related eating occasions.

The Plano, Texas-based company says that most products don't include gluten. Frito-Lay wants a new stamp of approval from the Food and Drug Administration to move forward on its plans to brand many of its products "gluten-free."

Agnetha Faltskog once said that, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it, without a sense of ironic futility…” Otto von Bismarck has said, “The main thing is to make history, not to write it.” We certainly can’t pretend to know the past of baking or snack food manufacturing. But with April marking the 100th anniversary of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, we cannot help but revisit some of the amazing past in these fascinating markets of ours.

According to the website, ideafinder.com, we consume more than 4.3 billion lb. of snack food a year, which could be why snacks may soon end up becoming America’s favorite meal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report in February that reconfirms what most adults already know: A majority of Americans consume too much sodium. Too much sodium can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which often leads to heart disease and strokes. Processed and restaurant-prepared foods contain the most sodium of the foods people eat.

Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., entered into an agreement to acquire Procter & Gamble’s Pringles business for $2.695 billion.

The snack industry should plan on attending or exhibiting at SNAXPO 2012, March 16-19, in Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center. Hosted by the Snack Food Association, this exciting diamond anniversary (75th year) snack event will provide opportunities to network with snack food industry professionals from around the world, learn the latest and greatest trends and technologies and hear interesting speakers, such as former Arkansas governor and best-selling author, Mike Huckabee.