Study: Americans Prefer Sweet Treats Over Savory Snacks
A new study has revealed the most popular food and snack brands, with big names such as Oreo, Kit Kat and Snickers topping the list. The study revealed that Americans clearly favor their sweet treats, with Oreo, Kit Kat and Snickers ranking above the savory snack brand Doritos.
The findings, compiled by promotions and loyalty experts Snipp Interactive, used YouGov data to discover the US’s top food and snack brands. They then analyzed each brand’s number of Instagram hashtags to determine which brands have the most loyal and engaged customers.
- Oreo
Oreo is ranked as the most popular food brand on Instagram, with a staggering 9,776,758 hashtags – a whopping six million more than any other food brand in the ranking.
With an impressive social following of 3.6 million on Instagram, Oreo benefits from plenty of user-generated content, with people tagging their delicious creations, from Oreo milkshakes to Oreo cakes. The ranking highlights Oreo as the most aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable snack brand.
The delicious cookies are clearly a favorite as, according to research, 71.26 million Americans consumed Nabisco Oreo (Regular) in 2020 – making it one of the most popular cookies in the US.
Furthermore, according to YouGov data, an impressive 98% of Americans have heard of the brand, and 76 percent of people have a positive opinion of it, indicating Oreo is currently dominating across the states.
- Kit Kat
Ranking as the second most popular food brand is Kit Kat, with 3,783,190 Instagram hashtags. The globally recognized brand, known for its iconic combination of crispy wafers covered in smooth milk chocolate, is clearly an Instagram favorite.
Users are tagging Kit Kat in plenty of tasty content, including Kit Kat cakes, milkshakes, and ice cream creations, similar to their competitor Oreo.
What’s more, according to research, a staggering 1,192 million Kit Kat bars are sold in the United States alone every year – an extremely impressive figure. Moreover, according to YouGov data, Kit Kat has a popularity score of 79 percent and 98 percent of respondents have heard of the brand, solidifying Kit Kat’s position as one of the most beloved US food brands.
- Snickers
Another iconic chocolate brand, Snickers, is placed in third place, with 1,756,558 Instagram hashtags.
The brand benefits from plenty of excellent user-generated content, helping grow its Instagram following. People are getting creative and sharing their mouth-watering creations, using Snickers bars in various cakes and cookies. Moreover, creators are even developing healthier snacks, such as Snickers protein bites and overnight oat recipes.
According to YouGov data, 77 percent of people have a favorable opinion of the brand, solidifying its place in the ranking.
- Doritos
Doritos claims the fourth spot with 1,066,146 hashtags on Instagram. The brand has earned the title of most popular chips in the US, ranking higher than its major competitors, such as Pringles and Lay’s.
The brand constantly releases new flavours, and consumers are clearly loyal to the brand sharing their favourite flavours and new finds on Instagram, helping Doritos to build its 1 million followers on Instagram.
- Hershey
Ranking as the fifth most beloved food brand is Hershey, with 1,060,904 Instagram hashtags. The brand is an undeniable favorite within the states, as evidenced by YouGov data, which revealed that 98% of people recognize the brand, and 77% have a positive opinion of Hershey.
Instagram users are sharing all their favorite Hershey treats and homemade desserts, including cakes, cookies, donuts, and plenty of other mouth-watering recipes.
- Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s secures the sixth spot with 1,020,212 Instagram hashtags. The iconic brand, renowned for its decadent ice cream flavors, has been named the most popular US ice cream brand, evident in its impressive 1.5 million Instagram followers.
Data suggests that 97 percent of people have heard of the brand, making it one of the most famous desert brands in the states, and Instagram users are keen to share their ice cream creations, with over a million users tagging Ben & Jerry’s on the platform.
- Reese’s
Ranking seventh is Reese’s, with 969,059 Instagram hashtags. The iconic brand, renowned for its combination of peanut butter and chocolate, has solidified its position as one of the most beloved candy brands in the US.
Fans of the chocolate have been experimenting and sharing their creations on Instagram, with recipes and videos for Reese’s cookies, cakes and brownies.
- Pringles
Pringles claims the eighth spot with 904,509 Instagram hashtags. The brand, known for its iconic potato chips, has a dedicated fan base that loves to share their favorite flavors.
- Lay’s
Lay’s, another chip brand, ranks ninth with 795,842 Instagram tags. Users are tagging the brand in plenty of delicious content, ranging from classic flavors to more adventurous options, making it another aesthetically pleasing and Instagrammable snack brand.
- Cheetos
Finally, rounding out the top ten is Cheetos with 784,364 Instagram hashtags. The brand is another popular snack choice, with consumers staying loyal and sharing videos and pictures of their Cheetos snacks on Instagram.
Top 10 US Food and Snack Brands:
| Rank | Brand | Number of Instagram Hashtags |
| 1 | Oreo | 9,776,758 |
| 2 | Kit Kat | 3,783,190 |
| 3 | Snickers | 1,756,558 |
| 4 | Doritos | 1,066,146 |
| 5 | Hershey | 1,060,904 |
| 6 | Ben & Jerry’s | 1,020,212 |
| 7 | Reese’s | 969,059 |
| 8 | Pringles | 904,509 |
| 9 | Lay’s | 795,842 |
| 10 | Cheetos | 784,364 |
Commenting on the findings, Atul Sabharwal, founder and CEO of Snipp Interactive, says: “The popularity of American food and snack brands is impressive, with some brands accumulating millions of hashtags on Instagram. This reflects their exceptionally loyal customer base, which provides brands with fantastic engagement and reach via social media.
“Oreo’s dominance is extremely impressive, with over 9.7 million hashtags, demonstrating its overwhelming popularity among consumers, as evidenced by its whopping six million more hashtags than any other food or snack brand in the ranking. It’s evident from the research that the US market favors tasty snack brands when sharing online, with candy and chip brands claiming the top ten positions.
“Utilizing hashtags on Instagram significantly enhances brand visibility, helping brands reach their target audience more effectively. It’s clear that many big brands are making the most of social media, with Oreo, Kit Kat, Snickers, Ben & Jerry’s, and Hershey’s leading the way as the most Instagrammable food brands on Instagram.”
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Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO form ‘The Land of Balsamico’
The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena & Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortia officially bring “The Land of Balsamico,” a collaborative project that unites their shared goals and mission, to the United States. The new venture aims to protect and promote both Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO concurrently. In addition, the two Consortia aspire to explore new market opportunities and continue to establish the image of the beloved Modenese duo at home and abroad.
A masterful interpreter of Italian cuisine, Chef Missy Robbins will serve as the initiative’s chef ambassador. Robbins, who owns and helms celebrated Williamsburg restaurants Lilia and MISI, along with pasta and Italian specialty product line and boutique MISIPASTA, is a natural choice for the role. Her love of Italian culture began when she embarked on an excursion to Northern Italy, where she worked in several kitchens, from family-run rustic trattorias to Michelin-rated restaurants, and grew intimate with the country’s products and cooking. Robbins quickly developed a long-lasting admiration for the simplicity, regional inspiration and innate focus on quality ingredients – including Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
“I am honored to be the chef ambassador for Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO for 2024. I have devoted the last 20 + years of my career to studying the craft of Italian cooking, but more importantly to the protected products that make the cuisine so special and unique. I still remember my first visit to an acetaia, where these products are crafted. You can not understand the ingredient until you see it in full production and learn the history behind it.”
Enrico Corsini, the president of the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium also serves as president of the newly formed entity; Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Consortium President Mariangela Grosoli is vice president.
“This debut project will focus on markets abroad in particular, where these products are greatly copied and imitated,” notes Corsini. “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a protagonist of Made in Italy excellence on the world scene, and the United States is one of the countries with the highest export rate for this product; it thus becomes strategic for us to participate in initiatives like this one to increase education and protection around Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.”
Says Grosoli, “The US represents nearly 26 percent of our market, which demonstrates that its consumers appreciate and seek out authentic, Italian products like Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. This is an opportunity to endorse authenticity, to dialogue with others in the industry, and to convey the complexity and preciosity of the world of Balsamico, both from a historical point of view that sees centuries-old traditions at the heart of both PGI and PDO products, as well as an economic one with a market – specifically that of PGI – that produces around 100 million liters of product annually for a global turnover that reaches nearly a billion euros, with an export that exceeds the 90 percent.”
Additional goals of The Land of Balsamico include improving product placement through research and market studies; exploring potential export markets; and increasing marketing opportunities on a national, community, and international level. The Land of Balsamico also hopes to develop initiatives that reinforce economic competitiveness, promoting the online distribution of both Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO.
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Graeter’s Fruit Fest Celebrates National Ice Cream Month
Graeter’s Ice Cream, a family-owned craft French Pot ice cream company, will celebrate National Ice Cream Month again this year with a calendar of events befitting 154 years of i ce cream expertise. The company begins the summer ice cream season with the continuation of Fruit Fest, a seasonal take on fruity ice cream flavors offered through its Bonus Flavor program in scoop shops. Graeter’s Fruit Fest invites ice cream lovers to cool off with flavor and a fun fruity lineup.
To celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 21, Graeter’s Ice Cream will roll out a week-long promotion, starting July 15 through July 21, inviting Sweet Rewards Loyalty Program Members to celebrate in all scoop shops, with a $1.54 cone. Additionally, Graeter’s Ice Cream will once again hold its annual Coloring Contest with automatic eligibility for a free scoop upon entry. To learn more about these family-favorite events, visit your local scoop shop or graeters.com.
Graeter’s plans to further celebrate National Ice Cream Month with Graeter’s Fruit Fest, the continued unveiling of its Summer Bonus Flavors, including a selection of fruity ice creams, available for a limited time in scoop shops. These flavors are also available for nationwide delivery to friends and family at graeters.com. Each flavor, revealed every three weeks throughout the summer, offers ice cream fans the allure of innovative and refreshing tastes, all crafted with the quality and care that Graeter’s is known for. These flavors join Graeter’s traditional seasonal favorites, including Peach in July and Key Lime Pie in August.
“There’s no better time to celebrate America’s favorite sweet treat than during the sweltering summer months,” shares Chip Graeter, fourth-generation owner of Graeter’s Ice Cream. “We love celebrating National Ice Cream Month each year and look forward to welcoming our guests in our stores for our seasonal flavors and special offers.”
Stay tuned for fun National Ice Cream Month happenings with Graeter’s Ice Cream by following along on social media @Graeters and visiting a local Scoop Shop.
Graeter’s Ice Cream, celebrating its 154th anniversary, produces craft ice cream using French Pots, a small batch, artisanal method of production dating back over a century. The company has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country as well as the respect of the nation’s most influential foodies. Tasted among 13 national brands, Graeter’s was voted the #1 Vanilla Ice Cream by MyRecipes.com in 2019. Famous for their signature chocolate chips, the Cincinnati-based company remains family-owned and operated and continues to handcraft ice cream 2 1⁄2 gallons at a time. Today, Graeter’s currently has 56 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually for online mail-order sales and corporate gifting. Graeter’s can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. Visit www.graeters.com for more information.
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