Updated on a quarterly basis, the information presented is designed to help SNAC International members better understand the current state of the business climate in the U.S. snack food industry, identify existing and potential industry trends, recognize critical factors impacting supply and demand, and help position members to adapt to evolving circumstances.
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According to Circana, Snack Food dollar sales in the first quarter of 2026 totaled $19.7 billion, an increase of 3.5% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2025. Unit sales were up slightly 0.8% for the same period. Within the savory snacks category, dollar and unit sales were up for many products compared to a year ago, including potato chips, tortilla/tostada chips, cheese snacks, corn snacks, and ready-to-eat popcorn/caramel corn.
The Consumer Price Index for Snack Foods increased 1.8% in March 2026 compared to the previous year, following significant increases in the CPI that began during the inflationary period in 2022.
Unemployment increased slightly to 4.3% in March 2026. The average hourly wage for the manufacturing sector (nondurable goods) was up 4.3% compared to a year ago.
In the area of transportation and packaging, diesel fuel costs increased a substantial 50.7% in March 2026 compared to a year ago. The LMI Transportation Prices Subindex also increased 58.5% during the same time period. The Producer Price Index (PPI) for Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing was up in March 2026 by 3.6%, while the PPI for Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing was down 4.0%.
Company outlook for snack food manufacturers increased slightly in 2026Q1, with 85% expressing a ‘positive’ outlook for the next 6 months (compared to 80% in the previous quarter).
Regarding company sales, 23% of snack food manufacturers reported increased sales in 2026Q1, steady from the previous quarter, but down significantly from the high of 64% reporting increased sales in 2025Q2. About a quarter (23%) of snack food manufacturers reported decreased sales in 2026Q1, compared to 40% last quarter.
Concerns about raw materials costs increased to 59% in 2026Q1, up from 52% in the previous quarter
Inflationary pressures (55%) and transportation and logistics costs (45%) are also of significantly more concern than the previous quarter.
The SNACtrac Industry Summary report presents at-a-glance topline trends for key U.S. economic and snack food industry indicators. Updated quarterly, this overview provides a high-level view of the state of snack food industry to aid in planning and critical decision making.
SNACtrac Industry Indicators
This report contains detailed trending data for key industry indicators most helpful in understanding the changing health of the U.S. snack food industry, as provided by data from Circana, Milling & Baking News, USDA and more. The complete report is only available to SNAC members.
SNACshot Member Survey
A confidential online survey among SNAC International members is conducted quarterly, reflecting global and U.S. industry outlook, company outlook, and top business challenges. The full results of this survey are only available to SNAC members.
