Crunch and flavor have always been gold and silver medalists in the cracker and crisp game, but because consumers are looking for more healthful snacks, there have been interesting developments with these products.

Consider this: Some 59% of Americans report making changes to their diet to improve their health, and 69% are trying to lose or maintain their weight, according to a 2011 International Food Informational Council Foundation study. Nine out of 10 Americans, or about 88%, believe that fortified foods and foods with added benefits have at least some impact on overall health.

The emphasis on food safety has been constantly shifting and evolving. Traceability was an initial focus; then came the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices, which impacted manufacturing. More recently, the Global Food Initiative was created to improve food safety supply chain management.