The Most Popular Snack in the US Will Surprise You (2024)

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The Most Popular Snack in the US Will Surprise You? ›

Rice Krispies Treats Are America's Most Popular Snack

For instance, a whopping 18 states preferred Rice Krispies Treats over any other snack. The marshmallowy snack has broad appeal on both coasts, with Rice Krispies Treats capturing the popular vote from Alaska and Oregon all the way to Maine and New Hampshire.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups is ranked as one of the world's most popular snacks and brands. This snack is a symbol of pure indulgence as it provides the perfect ratio of chocolate and peanut butter: two of the world's most beloved flavors.

When workers do have time to eat, their meals are often smaller because people are on the road or trying to seal a deal at their desk. Snacking can also be seen as a way to avoid hunger, as people will often reach for that bag of chips or a candy bar when they are hungry and on the go.

The report found that fries maintained their status as the most ordered food of the year and the past decade. The delivery service, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in January, noticed that 2023 was big year for finger foods from mozzarella sticks, pizza, wings and chips among the popular orders.

Diving into the demographics, younger generations were more likely to snack for energy (25% of Gen Z, 30% of Millennials and 24% of Gen X, versus 13% of Boomers). Additionally, parents of children under age 18 were more likely to snack for this reason (26% versus 19% of those without children under 18).

Why are American snacks so unhealthy? ›

To compensate for the lack of fresh ingredients, processed foods contain tons of sugar, fat, and salt. Sugar hides under names like high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and dextrose. Overeating of these ingredients is a fast track to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health issues.

In total, 92.7% of US children and 86.0% of US adults reported at least some junk food consumption on any given day.

Common examples of junk food include chips, candy, pastries, doughnuts, cookies, soft drinks, and fast food such as burgers, fries, and pizza.

Potato chips were the most popular road trip snack overall and the most popular road trip snack in 3 more states than Combos or rice cakes.

Manufacturers also include several pretzel and chip bakeries in Hanover, Pennsylvania, which holds the nickname "the snack capital of the world", as well as other examples like Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey Chocolate Company and Asher's Chocolate Co., in Souderton, Pennsylvania.