Walking on the path of the history of snacks...

In the United States of the 19th century, the interest in snacks changed. People moved from consuming natural foods to consuming ready-made commercial snacks with high sugar and salt content. Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, these processed foods are considered snacks. Thanks to the evolution of the snack food industry, snack options have increased significantly. Although it may be hard to believe, classic snacks such as dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate bars have been innovative products for more than 100 years.

1912

The decade of 1910 - 1912, Oreo, the most iconic sandwich cookie in the world, was first introduced to the market in America. During this decade, Pep-O-Mint candies were introduced, and the Tasty Baking Company released Tastykakes, the individually wrapped chocolate that revolutionized snacking on-the-go.

1920

1920s - Snacking began to thrive during the Jazz Age, when legendary sweet snacks appeared on the market, such as Nestle Drumsticks, Butterfinger, Mike and Ike, Heath Bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Mr. Goodbar, and Oh Henry.

1930

Decade of 1930 - Lay's Potato Chips, Frito Corn Chips, Snickers, Twinkies, and Ritz Crackers were introduced during the Great Depression. At the same time, the Girl Scouts' cookie sales became so popular that they had to outsource cookie production to commercial bakeries.

1940

The 1940s - What had the greatest impact on the snack industry and the trends of this decade was the involvement of the United States in World War II. Popular and practical additions to soldiers' rations were Tootsie Rolls, M&Ms, and other heat-resistant chocolates. After the war, new products appeared on the market, such as Smarties, Junior Mints, Almond Joys, and Cheetos.

1950-1960-1970

Decades of 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s - After World War II, the economy began to thrive and Americans have witnessed the rise of franchise fast-food that took over the world within a few decades. But besides hamburgers, pizza, nachos, and tacos, there were snacks like Pringles, Doritos, Apple Jacks, Funyuns, Lucky Charms, and Pop-Tarts. In the 1970s, women began to enter the workforce, which is why greater emphasis was placed on pre-cooked foods packaged in large food jars. And there were also some other great snacks, such as Reese's Pieces, Twix, Pop Rocks, and instant ramen.

1980-1990

Decades of 1980s and 1990s - We have to thank the decades of the 80s and 90s for Teddy Grahams, Handi-Snacks, Fruit Roll-ups, Ranch Doritos, Airheads, SnackWells Devil's Food Cookies, Bagel Bites, and many more.

The 21st century

The 21st century - In the last 20 years, snacks have enjoyed a wider variety than ever before. Confectionery has become the fastest-growing segment of the US candy market. Other popular snack manufacturers include Hershey's, Quaker, Smucker's, Cheerios, Pillsbury, Frito-Lay, and many others.