A recent study has revealed that when it comes to snacking, Americans have a clear preference for sweet treats over savory snacks. The findings, based on YouGov data and social media popularity, show that iconic brands like Oreo, Kit Kat, and Snickers are leading the pack.
Sweet Treats Reign Supreme
Oreo has emerged as the most popular food brand on Instagram, boasting an impressive 9.7 million hashtags. The beloved cookie brand has captured the hearts of millions, with people sharing their Oreo creations from milkshakes to cakes. According to research, 71.26 million Americans enjoyed Nabisco Oreo in 2020, underscoring its status as a favorite snack. With 98% brand recognition and 76% of Americans holding a positive opinion, Oreo’s dominance is undeniable.
Kit Kat follows as the second most popular brand, with 3.7 million hashtags. Known for its crispy wafers and smooth milk chocolate, Kit Kat has become a favorite among Instagram users who tag their Kit Kat-inspired desserts and snacks. The brand enjoys a high popularity score of 79%, and nearly everyone (98%) has heard of Kit Kat.
Snickers takes third place with 1.7 million hashtags. This iconic chocolate bar inspires plenty of creative content, from cakes to healthier snack alternatives like Snickers protein bites. With 77% of people having a favorable opinion of Snickers, it’s clear the brand holds a special place in American snacking culture.
Savory Snacks Still Hold Their Own
While sweet treats dominate, savory snacks also make a strong showing. Doritos ranks fourth with over 1 million hashtags, making it the most popular chip brand in the US. Known for its bold flavors, Doritos maintains a loyal fan base that actively shares their favorite varieties on social media.
Other Popular Brands
Hershey, Ben & Jerry’s, and Reese’s also feature prominently in the top ten. Hershey, with its classic chocolate bars, has over 1 million hashtags and a 77% positive opinion rate. Ben & Jerry’s, famous for its indulgent ice cream flavors, boasts 1.5 million Instagram followers and over a million hashtags. Reese’s, with its iconic peanut butter and chocolate combination, ranks seventh with 969,059 hashtags.
Rounding out the list are Pringles, Lay’s, and Cheetos. Pringles, known for its stackable potato chips, has a dedicated following with over 900,000 hashtags. Lay’s, another chip brand, is tagged nearly 800,000 times, while Cheetos, with its distinctive cheesy flavor, closes the top ten with 784,364 hashtags.
Top 10 US Food and Snack Brands by Instagram Hashtags
| 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 |
Insights from Snipp Interactive
Atul Sabharwal, Founder and CEO of Snipp Interactive, commented on the findings
The popularity of American food and snack brands on Instagram is impressive. Oreo’s dominance, with over 9.7 million hashtags, highlights its overwhelming popularity. It’s evident that sweet treats, along with a few savory snacks, are favorites for sharing online. Utilizing hashtags on Instagram significantly enhances brand visibility and engagement.
It’s clear that Americans love their snacks, and social media plays a big role in showcasing this love. For more details on the study, visit Snipp Interactive.
Which snack is your favorite to share on Instagram? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on That’s Entertainment’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
First and foremost, Kev is a dad to three wonderful children. He’s also an uber Kevin Smith fan (all Smith’s movies are worth a watch, even Yoga Hosers) who has cried during Kermit’s monologue in The Muppets and once owned two VHS copies of Spice World. He loves all pop culture, particularly the MCU and Star Wars. The Evil Dead franchise is his favorite horror franchise, though the original Scream is his favorite scary movie. He bleeds Eagle’s green in the (suburbs of the) greatest city on Earth, Philadelphia. Go Birds!