Cookie and Cracker Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Cookie and Cracker Market was valued at USD 106.44 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 138.81 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.52%. The global cookie and cracker market is witnessing steady growth driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing demand for convenient snacking options, and rising preference for on-the-go bakery products. Health-conscious consumers are fueling demand for low-sugar, gluten-free, and organic varieties, prompting manufacturers to innovate with new ingredients and formulations.

Premiumization and flavor diversification have become key trends, as brands experiment with exotic flavors, superfoods, and functional ingredients to attract niche segments. E-commerce and modern retail channels are also expanding the market's reach, especially among urban populations. Moreover, strategic investments in packaging, branding, and clean-label offerings are enhancing product appeal. North America and Europe dominate the market, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as a lucrative region due to growing disposable incomes and urbanization.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Convenient and On-the-Go Snacking Options

One of the major drivers propelling the global cookie and cracker market is the growing consumer demand for convenient, portable, and ready-to-eat snack options. Mondelez International’s 2024 State of Snacking study (via The Harris Poll) found that 91% of global adults eat at least one snack daily, and 63% eat two or more snacks per day - indicating a shift toward snacks replacing traditional meals. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, especially in urban settings, consumers increasingly prefer snacks that require minimal preparation and can be easily consumed during commutes, at work, or in between meals. Cookies and crackers, which are typically shelf-stable and require no refrigeration or heating, serve this demand perfectly.

Their compact packaging and long shelf life make them ideal choices for both individual consumers and foodservice operators. Moreover, busy schedules and evolving work environments such as remote working or hybrid models have amplified the need for accessible and versatile snack foods. Cookies and crackers also appeal to parents looking for quick lunchbox solutions for children, as well as travelers and fitness enthusiasts seeking energy-dense snacks. As a result, manufacturers are expanding their product portfolios with single-serve packs, resealable bags, and multipack formats to cater to different usage occasions, driving strong market growth.

Key Market Challenges

Growing Health Concerns and Negative Perception of Processed Snacks

One of the major challenges confronting the global cookie and cracker market is the increasing consumer awareness of health and nutrition, which has led to a growing negative perception of processed snack foods. In 2024, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Reinvestment Fund have expanded America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), a program aimed at improving food access in underserved communities. This USD 60 million fund will support food retail projects, including the development of new food retail stores and improvements to existing ones.

Many cookies and crackers are traditionally high in refined sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and artificial additives - attributes that conflict with the rising preference for clean-label and health-conscious products. Public health campaigns and nutrition-focused regulations in many countries are putting pressure on manufacturers to reformulate products and provide more transparent labeling.

Additionally, the rise in lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders is prompting consumers to reduce their intake of calorie-dense snacks, including traditional cookies and crackers. In regions like Europe and North America, regulatory bodies have already implemented sugar taxes or front-of-pack nutrition labels to alert consumers about unhealthy contents, thereby discouraging impulse purchases. For brands heavily reliant on conventional recipes, this presents a significant challenge, as they must adapt quickly without compromising on taste or shelf life, or risk losing health-conscious consumers to alternatives like protein bars, granola snacks, or fresh fruits.

Key Market Trends

Premiumization and Indulgent Offerings Gaining Traction

A strong trend emerging in the global cookie and cracker market is the growing appetite for premium, indulgent products that go beyond traditional formulations. Today’s consumers are seeking elevated snacking experiences, prompting brands to introduce artisanal-style cookies, gourmet crackers, and luxury packaging. Premiumization is reflected not just in pricing but also in ingredient quality, texture, mouthfeel, and visual appeal. High-end ingredients such as Belgian chocolate, sea salt caramel, roasted nuts, dried fruits, and imported cheeses are being incorporated to create a sense of exclusivity and indulgence.

Additionally, brands are targeting special occasions and gifting segments with elegant cookie tins and limited-edition cracker assortments. This trend is particularly strong in urban markets where consumers are willing to pay more for perceived quality, uniqueness, or status. Craft brands and boutique bakeries are capitalizing on this shift, while legacy companies are launching sub-brands and premium lines to stay relevant. The premiumization trend allows manufacturers to command higher margins while appealing to an increasingly discerning global consumer base.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé S.A.
• PepsiCo Inc.
• General Mills Inc.
• Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V.
• Kellanova
• Ferrero Group
• Pladis Global
• The Hershey Company
• Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.
• ITC Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Cookie and Cracker Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Cookie and Cracker Market, By Product Type:

• Cookie
• Cracker

Cookie and Cracker Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Cookie and Cracker Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Vietnam
• South America
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Turkey

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Cookie and Cracker Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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