In America, we like to snack. Snacking is obviously a national pastime based on the aisles and aisles of snack foods available at every grocery and convenience store. From lunch boxes and road trips to Super Bowl parties and late-night cravings, snacks are popular.
But which ones top the list? We ranked the most popular American snacks based on taste, nostalgia, and nationwide popularity (not necessarily health). From salty chips to sweet indulgences, here’s how they stack up.
30. Rice Cakes
A low-calorie relic of the 1980s diet craze, rice cakes remain a favorite snack for health-minded eaters, though they might be lacking in flavor for many.
29. Fruit Snacks
Colorful and chewy, these promise fruit but deliver mostly sugar. Still, they’re one of the most popular snacks because of their reputation as a nostalgic staple of kids’ lunches.
28. PopTarts
Toasted or eaten straight from the wrapper, Pop Tarts are a quick breakfast and late-night favorite among the most popular American snacks.
27. Pretzels
Simple, salty, and versatile, pretzels go from classic twists to modern bites dipped in chocolate or peanut butter.
26. Pudding Cups
Portable and creamy, these single-serve popular snacks, especially the chocolate flavor, have been lunchbox favorites since the 1990s.
25. Fruit Roll-Ups
Bright, sticky, and fun to peel, these 1990s American snacks win for nostalgia, not nutrition. It is definitely more of a candy than a fruit.
24. Trail Mix
Originally a hiker’s fuel, this combo of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate is now a desk-drawer essential.
23. Cheez-Its
Crunchy, baked, and bold in flavor, these popular snacks, which are available in several varieties, deliver satisfaction with every bite.
22. Twinkies
The golden sponge cake filled with cream is one of the most popular snacks in America. Love it or hate it, it’s a symbol of indulgence.
21. Goldfish Crackers
Wholesome, baked, and bite-sized, Goldfish are one of America’s favorite snacks for both kids and parents.
20. Pringles
Stackable and uniform, Pringles revolutionized the chip aisle with their unique packaging and flavors.
19. Doritos
From Nacho Cheese to Cool Ranch, Doritos defined flavored corn chips and remains one of the top snacks in America.
18. Popcorn
A movie-night classic. Whether air-popped, buttered, or caramel-coated, this favorite snack offers a light and satisfying crunch with a nice amount of fiber.
17. Oreos
The world’s best-selling cookie, Oreos combine chocolate and cream in a unique way that make it one of America’s top snacks.
16. Cheetos
Messy but irresistible, Cheetos’ cheesy crunch, and the fiery rise of the Flamin’ Hot variety make them one of America’s most favorite snacks of many.
15. Granola Bars
Once a niche health food, granola bars are one of the nation’s most favorite snacks. They provide flavor and nutrition with varieties packed with chocolate, nuts, and oats.
14. M&M’s
Born during WWII, M&M’s candy coating keeps them from melting, earning their spot as one of America’s most famous snacks.
13. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
A favorite of many, Reese’s are chocolate and peanut butter perfection. Compared to some of the most popular snacks in America, they’re the #1 Halloween candy and a year-round best-seller.
12. Peanut Butter Crackers
Salty, savory, and portable, these little sandwiches power both road trips and workdays.
11. Nut Mixes
Almonds, cashews, and peanuts, lightly salted or honey-roasted, offer protein and crunch in every handful.
10. Popcorners
A new-school favorite blending popcorn and chips. Gluten-free and light, they’ve become a trending tasty snack.
9. Cheese Sticks
Mozzarella string cheese or cheddar sticks offer calcium, protein, and easy portion control. These American snacks are especially popular with low-cab eaters.
8. Air-Puffed Snacks
These low-fat, air-popped snacks deliver crunch without the grease, perfect for the calorie-conscious snacker.
7. Protein Chips
A newer entry into the snack scene, protein chips combine the crunch of traditional chips with added nutritional value. These popular snacks give health-conscious consumers the best of both worlds: protein and a tasty snack.
6. Jerky
Once a road-trip snack, these popular snacks are jerky is now a go-to protein source. Chomps stands out with grass-fed, Whole30-approved sticks that skip preservatives and sugar.
5. Chocolate Bars
From Snickers to Hershey’s, chocolate remains a top comfort snack across every age group.
4. Chips & Salsa
Crisp, salty chips with a fresh kick of salsa make this favorite snack a staple of many American parties and game nights.
3. Meat Sticks
Meat sticks have made protein snacking cool, though Chomps’ jerky sticks now offer a healthier alternative with 0g sugar and grass-fed beef.
2. Ice Cream
Sweet, cold, and in endless varieties, ice cream is America’s dessert. And makes for a favorite snack in pint form.
1. Classic Potato Chips
The ultimate American snack, classic potato chips remain timeless for a reason: crispy texture, salty flavor, and pure simplicity.
While these might be some classic snacks many Americans enjoy, most are not ideal for health or nutrition. If you want snack suggestions that better meet your health goals or dietary restrictions, check out our favorite snacking round-ups and recipes:
Why Chomps Is a Must-Try American Snack
If you’re craving something savory and satisfying without the sugar or junk, Chomps is the modern alternative to traditional popular snacks.
Each variety of Chomps meat stick is:
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Packed with 10+ grams of high-quality protein
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Keto-friendly, Whole30-approved, and gluten-free
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Made from grass-fed beef or free-range turkey
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0g sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no nitrates
Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping, or just need an afternoon pick-me-up, Chomps delivers flavor and fuel in every bite. Relative to all the other items on our American Snacks list, its versatility and health profile are the reasons why Chomps is the fastest-growing snack brand in America.
Try our variety of Chomps flavors today and see why it’s quickly becoming one of the best American snacks for people who care about what’s in their food.
Popular Snacks FAQs
What’s the most popular snack in the US?
Potato chips top nearly every survey as America’s favorite snack. Their combination of crunch, salt, and simplicity makes them the go-to choice for most snack lovers.
What is the most trending snack?
High-protein and low-sugar options like jerky and puffed snacks are trending in 2025. Chomps leads the way with real-ingredient meat sticks, great for keto, paleo, and Whole30 lifestyles.
