When that afternoon snack craving hits, what do you reach for? Do you prefer something sweet and chocolatey or something crispy and salty?
A recent study published by the National Library of Medicine reports that snacks account for about 20% of the average American’s energy intake. The results also state that 90% of Americans eat between one and three snacks every day. With this much snacking going on across the country, it’s no wonder that we have an opinion on which refreshments are best.
Americans also choose snacks based on flavor and texture. Statista breaks down the consumer snack market into two categories: savory and sweet. In 2026, the U.S. savory snack market is projected to reach a value of $32.6 million. Meanwhile, during the pandemic, cookie sales rose 20.3%. As Americans continue to munch on and reach for snack foods, these numbers are expected to increase as well.
From the mouthwatering chocolate and peanut butter goodness of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup to the salty deliciousness of Lay’s potato chips, every item on this list covers America’s top 20 favorite snacks. Additionally, some consumers view an entire brand as a popular snack choice instead of just one product. These brands are also manufacturers of a few popular snacks that are no longer available but we’d like back.
This list is a recap of a YouGov poll of the most popular food and snack brands according to all adults.
Here are America’s top 20 favorite snacks and snack brands:
1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
With creamy peanut butter on the inside and milk chocolate on the outside, Reese’s Peanut Cups are America’s favorite snack. This candy is made by the Hershey’s brand, which has several other items on the list below that Americans love.
2. M&M’s
M&M’s are produced and sold by Mars Incorporated. These chocolate candies also come in several different varieties including plain, peanut butter, peanut, caramel, and other specialty flavors.
3. Hershey’s Kisses
According to the Hershey Company, 80 million Hershey’s Kisses are produced each day. Like M&M’s, these candies come in different flavors including almond, special dark, peppermint, and other seasonal varieties.
4. Kit Kat
Since 1935, wafer bars covered in milk chocolate have been a well-known candy. This candy is produced around the world by Nestlé except in the United States where the Hershey Company manufactures the product.
5. Reese’s Brand
While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the top-selling candy, the Reese’s brand has other snack items to choose from. These snack options include Reese’s Pieces, Take 5, Fast Break, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with Caramel.
6. Lay’s Brand
As a subsidiary of the PepsiCo brand, Lay’s has been making various flavors of chips for over 75 years. Their full line of products includes regular, kettle-cooked, and wavy chips, along with dips, Poppables, and Stax.
7. Heinz Ketchup
For nearly 150 years, Heinz Ketchup has been the condiment of choice both nationally and globally. Beyond basic “catsup,” Heinz Ketchup offers flavored, organic, and sugar-free options.
8. Ritz Crackers
Ritz Crackers are known for their buttery and rich flavor. This snack is manufactured by Snackworks, which also produces other popular items such as Chips Ahoy!, Sour Patch Kids, Honey Maid graham crackers, and BelVita crackers.
9. Snickers
Like M&M’s, Snickers candy bars are manufactured by the Mars brand. Beyond the basic Snickers, this candy bar comes in varieties like almond, peanut butter, and ice cream.
10. Hershey’s
The Hershey’s brand is known for more than its chocolate. Beyond Hershey’s Kisses and Kit Kats, Hershey manufactures Pirate’s Booty popcorn, York peppermint patties, Twizzlers, and various other snack items.
11. Lay’s Chips
The Lay’s brand may have various dips and snack options, but the company’s line of chips is the most popular among Americans. The Tasting Table ranked many of the company’s flavors and noted that the Sour Cream & Onion variety is the most popular among taste testers.
12. Pillsbury
With its ready-made dough, Pillsbury is a popular snack option in several different categories. This brand produces everything from cookie dough to biscuits, crescent rolls, pie crusts, and cinnamon rolls.
13. Betty Crocker
This brand might be most known for its boxed cake mixes, but Betty Crocker has several other products on the market today. These include cookie mixes, frosting, brownies, bars, and muffin mixes.
14. Pringles
As part of the Kellogg’s brand, Pringles chips are known for their unique shape and packaging. The brand also offers several different flavor varieties including cheddar cheese, sour cream and onion, barbeque, and pizza.
15. Heinz Brand
Though the Heinz brand is known primarily for its line of Ketchup, the company also manufactures several other items. These include mustard, barbeque sauce, gravy, vinegar, and specialty sauces.
16. Oreo Cookies
Manufactured by Mondelez, Oreos are the most well-known sandwich cookie brand. From a double-stuffed filling option to vanilla, lemon, and other specialty and seasonal flavors, Oreos have earned the trademark of “milk’s favorite cookie.”
17. Smucker’s
Known officially as the J.M. Smucker Company, Smucker’s creates more than a line of jellies and jams. This snack brand owns the Hostess line, so it also manufactures Donettes, Mini Muffins, HoHos, Snoballs, and Twinkies.
18. Doritos
Similar to Lay’s, Doritos are part of the PepsiCo company. Doritos also come in a variety of flavors including cool ranch, nacho cheese, spicy sweet chili, and a line of spicier chips called “Flamin’ Hot.”
19. Dove Chocolate
From milk chocolate candies to bars and ice cream treats, Dove Chocolate is known for the words of encouragement found on each wrapper. This brand offers chocolate candies in a variety of flavors and is also part of the larger Mars company.
20. Fritos
Manufactured under the Frito-Lay name as another division of PepsiCo, Fritos are a popular line of corn chips. Additionally, beyond its original corn chip recipe, the brand also offers flavored chips like chili cheese and honey barbeque as well as a line of chip dips. (For additional reading, click here to see the most unhealthy snacks hiding in your pantry.)