Positioned in the better-for-you snack set, Daily Crunch's expansion into Target marks a significant milestone for the brand.

During research and development, bakers and snack producers face formulation hurdles on a daily basis. Luckily, functional ingredients like fats, oils, dough conditioners and egg replacers can help them solve a host of common challenges.

Fats, oils, starches, fiber, dough conditioners and texturizers all serve critical functional roles in snacks and baked goods, particularly maintaining the quality of the product throughout the desired shelf life. As consumers demand cleaner labels, more health-and-wellness benefits and better sustainability, product developers face a wide range of functional ingredient challenges.

Buckle up. The top trend driving innovation in the snack and bakery industries has no formal definition, isn't regulated, and is shifting all of the time. Yes, clean label demands are touching every facet of the food industry, from formulation to packaging and marketing, and everything in between.

Aldi recently released its lineup of food and beverage, lifestyle products, and seasonal products for the autumn season. 

Aldi recently announced its lineup of food and beverage products for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and autumn.

The better-for-you line of cookies is made without corn syrup or peanuts.

A representative from the producer discusses consumer cravings and company history.

The purchased company offers a line of seed-based, better-for-you crackers.

Made from kelp, the new snack promises an ocean of flavor and health benefits.

The brand aims for the sweet spot between better-for-you and indulgence.

In response to consumer scrutiny, snack and bakery brands hustle to achieve a “clean label.”

In today’s highly competitive snack and bakery market, collaboration between ingredient and equipment supplies and their customers continues to grow more common.

Be they kettle-cooked, baked, fried, formed and even puffed, potato chips are still gold medal winners in the snack race.

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.

With snacking up during the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the amount of salt in snacks is an on-trend task for snack companies.

Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a meal replacement, the nutrition bars category is ubiquitous, and its products can be consumed at any time of day. Sales have rebounded after a flat period, and innovation is ongoing in the category.

The snack and bakery industry is filled with wonderful stories. Writing about the origins, growth and scope of the amazing companies that grace our covers is absolutely one of the best aspects of my job.

So much of this industry is about creating meaningful connections. Successful products that generate long-lasting repeat purchase patters resonate with their consumers.

Part of our process in developing this month's annual "Top 50 Snack & Bakery Companies" list involves reviewing annual reports and communications with shareholders from some of the top companies working in grain-based foods today.

Culinary history can bring powerful elements to storytelling, as seen in the origin of Mikesell's Potato Chip Co. and its Saratoga chips.

The COVID-19 pandemic has multiple lessons for the snack industry. Overall, the snack industry has had a strong, up year. But the degree of a "COVID bump" varied from category to category. As we emerge and plan for the future, recent, and current, product purchase behaviors can help provide a roadmap for what's to come.

One of the best parts of my job is traveling around this great country to visit with snack and bakery companies, some of which have helped define this industry for over a century. I'm always humbled to hear their pioneering stories of perseverance and success - and honored with the privilege of telling their stories to the world.

The history of the American food industry boasts a number of iconic snack foods. And one of the best is Cheez-It crackers, a brand currently owned by another American classic, Kellogg Co. In fact, Kellogg's is home to a wealth of historic snack and bakery products, including Corn Flakes and Pringles, among dozens of other strong category anchor brands.

There is nothing like a pandemic to test a company's limitations. While food producers received official designation as "essential" businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the American food industry, continuing operations during the pandemic did not equate to business as usual.

Near the end of December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, Wuhan City, China, reported several pneumonia cases that officials eventually tied to a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, now generally known as COVID-19.

This past year was unlike any other throughout our history as a nation, and the snack and bakery industry saw significant impact.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software for snack and bakery companies to improve safety, production, and efficiency.

Reviewing and revising sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compact belts and conveyors for snack and bakery production meet demands for cleanability and automation.

Lest anyone think that the pandemic pressed "pause" on campaigns for corporate sustainability, think again. If anything, COVID-19 reminded consumers, and the snack and bakery sectors, just how interconnected we are, whether we’re selecting suppliers, expanding production, or packing a protein bar into our gym bags.

SF&WB connected with several industry suppliers to gain their current market perspectives for the coming year.

Whether gearing up for summer travel, or simply packing for a summer picnic, Frito-Lay has a variety of flavors and on-the-go options to help consumers fuel the summer fun. 

Nuts and seeds are growing in popularity due to an increase in healthy snacking and consumer interest in plant-based products. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 in 10 U.S. consumers sought healthier snacking options in 2018.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming 2 cup equivalents of fruit and 2 and a half cup equivalents of vegetables per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Striking the right balance between indulgence and better-for-you is important in winning over the consumer. The pandemic has heightened consumers' interest in health and well-being.

The mother-daughter company seeks to provide treats that bring people together.

The producer’s CPG products also include frozen meals, sides, and other food items.

The flavor will join the brand's existing lineup of Bold + Herby, Simply Stellar, Maui Monk, and Sweet & Sparky flavors.

The brand known for its chocolate treats made with simple, pronounceable ingredients is expanding its collection with a sweet and salty snack collection.

This holiday season, Snack Factory is again rolling out its seasonal Pretzel Crisps flavors, White Crème & Peppermint and Dark Chocolate & Peppermint. 

The all-natural pie company expands into the healthy frozen snack category with almond butter and fruit sandwiches.

All of Magnolia Bakery's holiday products below are available to ship nationwide right to consumers' doors.

The better-for-you items from Iron Chef Ming Tsai are hitting the club store.

Available in three flavors, Totino’s new Breakfast Snack Bites are ready in just two minutes

The private-label producer’s products include mozzarella sticks, potato wedges, and other appetizers.

The frozen snacks aisle aims to please discerning palates of all ages.

The Bavarian-style sourdough pretzels are intended to deliver authentic European flavor and texture.

The limited-time items released by the chain feature a wide range of sweet treats, savory snacks, holiday products, and more.

Candy is still dandy, but there is an increasingly broad range of trick-or-treat options.