Tradition is the foundation that grounds much of the bakery industry’s continued success. We see this immutable fact across nearly every category, with leading companies selling billions of dollars of traditional baked goods that have long stood the test of time. These are core products beloved by millions of shoppers.

Despite Americans’ growing interest in healthier diets and better-for-you foods made with real ingredients, people still enjoy treating themselves to dessert, be it a piece of frosted layer cake, a slice of silky crème pie or a sliver of decadent cheesecake.

Snack mix and nut products have extended their reach over the past year as consumers continue to seek varieties that are full of flavor innovation and adventure. “On-the-go” snack packs also appeal to consumers, and some have bold, new flavors that will make them stand out on the grocery store shelves.

In a retail landscape that demands that snacks and baked goods have it all—great taste, affordable pricing, innovative flavors, recognizable ingredients and boosted nutrition—one category in particular is rising to the challenge: cookies.

With better-for-you trends top of mind across the food industry, how does an indulgent category like desserts fare?

Insights into the top sandwich trends across the U.S. restaurant industry, including R&D inspirations for sandwich-specific breads, buns and rolls.

Advances in packaging materials continue to extend shelf life, while adding convenience and freshness to bakery and snack goods. Innovations in modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP), microbial-inhibiting film, and the use of cellulose nanocrystals are helping to push the envelope.

Eating occasions and flavor directions factor into industry activity and planning.

Some candies don’t fit neatly into one column or another. That’s okay; the “other” candies like marshmallows, spreads, interactive novelty items, and such seem to be fitting into consumers’ candy budgets just fine. 

Buns and rolls will never not be valued in the U.S.—whether you’re a carnivore, flexitarian, or vegetarian, you’re inevitably going to be eating a hamburger or perhaps veggie burger this summer. 

Producers face ongoing pressures, but they keep demonstrating their strength.

Consumers keep eyeballing snacks in the freezer case while keeping an eye on their budgets.

To overcome industry obstacles and entice consumers, producers are getting creative.

Speakers set to present include experts from Circana, SNAC International, and ABA.

The desire for distinctive offerings drives consumer choices in candy and confectionery.

Laminators and sheeters need to evolve as quickly as customers needs do, delivering state-of-the-art advantages, high performance and flexibility to meet increased user demands.

Laminators and sheeters continue as essential components of many bakery operations, thanks to several prevailing consumer trends.

The cracker market, like many other snack segments, is in an evolutionary state. If you ask Craig Lieberman, president and founder of Denver-based 34 Degrees, changes in the category span “from the types and styles of crackers to the location and placement of crackers in the store.”

Ease of cleaning, maintenance and access, as well as the ability to produce a wider variety of items, are among the top desires of companies looking to purchase dough laminators and sheeters for production of snack foods and baked goods.

Dough comes in many styles, and today's laminators and sheeters need to accommodate an increasing range of requirements.

Machining and handling of dough prior to the cutting action requires several steps/actions, as they are critical to the textural characteristics of the finished product.

Effectively and efficiently handling dough is integral to many snack and bakery operations. And the needs producers have today are diverse.

Automation, ease of operation, simple cleanability, hygienic design, operator safety, and the ability to process nontraditional and healthier ingredients are among the top of mind requests for snack and bakery operators looking to buy or upgrade laminators or sheeters.

The American Bakers Association’s Bakers Manufacturing Academy has launched a new specialized course for cracker operations: the Sheeting and Laminating Lesson.   

The limited-edition Spicy Pimento Cheese includes a blend of bold pimento peppers and cheddar cheese flavors cooked into Kettle chips.

Bare Snacks is releasing a limited-time offering just in time for fall, with its new Sea Salt & Caramel Apple Chips. 

The brand is undergoing a packaging redesign for its three Harvest Snaps flavors: Honey Dijon, Loaded Taco, and White Cheddar Jalapeno.

Frito-Lay's Flamin’ Hot portfolio, encompassing 25 unique products, is coming together as an official brand and stepping out with a fierce new look.  

In Good Hands' new Protein Puffs are exclusively available nationwide in Sprouts New-For-You Innovation Centers, where the newest, most innovative, and on-trend better-for-you products can be found.

Consumers continue to reach for their favorite puffed and extruded snacks in their many forms. However, while U.S. shoppers still put tried and true types (like cheese curls and pork rinds) in their cart, they’re increasingly interested in trying new flavor twists, better-for-you bases, and other novel takes on the category. 

The snack company chatted up its various brands and new items at Sweets & Snacks.

The snack company uses a proprietary process to impart its products with the taste of hickory smoke.

The company’s Halloween-themed snacks include Quaker bars, and Cheetos in both sweet and savory varieties.

Conagra to unveil sweet, spicy, and salty new innovations from its brands.

The snacks consist of a baked base of green peas and are flavored with a touch of sweetness and heat.

Family-owned Kangaroo Brands, Milwaukee, strives for consistent quality and value when it comes to all things pita. Passionate about baking and snack production, Kangaroo uses quality ingredients to provide quality products, including its popular line of light, crunchy pita chips for retail and foodservice. It’s for these and other reasons that Kangaroo is our Snack Manufacturer of the Year.

Manufacturers of crackers, crisps and puffs are adding nutrients and specialty ingredients to their products, while cutting fat, gluten and more to meet consumer demand for exceptional quality.

Cheez-It crackers are a testament to American snacking ingenuity. Introduced in 1921, the amazingly popular, one-inch-square, 100% real cheese snack crackers have maintained a steadfast ability to reach nearly every consumer demographic, with an inherent, near-universal appeal.

Congratulations to CHEEZ-IT, our 2022 Snack Producer of the Year!

Supermarket Italy, an online destination for authentic gourmet imported products from Italy since 2009, has expanded its offerings to include snack and bakery baskets.

The Tennessee-based gourmet cookie maker revamps its packaging, website and collateral material and updates its Nashville facility.

As GMOs, gluten intolerance and ‘no artificial additives’ gain heavy traction in the food arena, snack manufacturers and commercial bakers continue to showcase new clean-label pursuits with more transparency. 

Oils and fats manufacturers continue to develop ingredients that help bakers and snack producers create healthier versions of the products consumers love.

Tortilla and tortilla chip manufacturers find themselves facing demands for new products that are versatile, flavorful, gluten-free and/or made with organic or non-GMO ingredients.

I am truly blessed to be a chef in California. We are spoiled by having the best selection of ingredients literally in our backyards.

Maintaining sanitary conditions is at the top of the priority list in the food processing industry.

AIB International's globally recognized Consolidated Standards for Inspections have been updated to incorporate the latest industry best practices, new regulations, and food safety requirements and will be released on July 25.

A look at the best air management practices for snack and bakery companies.

Companies should make a plan to ensure cleanliness, standard operating procedures of facilities.

The 2023 event drew 2,700 food professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders.