A recent study by Food Label Maker analyzed household food and beverage spending data to estimate snack foods purchasing trends across all 50 states. Using consumer behavior benchmarks, it was determined that 3.5% of food and beverage spending is allocated to snacks. This total was then divided into sweet (32.4%) and savory (67.6%) categories based on adjusted market share data. To enable fair comparisons, snack spending was normalized per 100K residents. Each state’s favorite snack was identified through regional search interest and purchase trend analysis.
| State | Estimated Snack Purchase (Million dollars) | Favorite Snack of Each State | Snack Spending per 100K |
| Hawaii | 276.61 | Chex Mix | 19.06 |
| New Hampshire | 264.78 | Rice Krispies Treats | 18.70 |
| Maine | 257.89 | Rice Krispies Treats | 18.28 |
| Vermont | 115.72 | Rice Krispies Treats | 17.85 |
| Montana | 196.55 | Chex Mix | 17.19 |
| Oregon | 730.96 | Rice Krispies Treats | 17.03 |
| Wyoming | 100.08 | Fritos | 16.96 |
| Colorado | 1,012.47 | Rice Krispies Treats | 16.84 |
| Massachusetts | 1,193.32 | Rice Krispies Treats | 16.56 |
| Alaska | 123.16 | Rice Krispies Treats | 16.56 |
Hawaii claims the top spot with $19.06 million in snack spending per 100K residents. This leading figure reflects a strong snacking culture shaped by high household expenditures and a distinct preference for Chex Mix, signaling a savory tilt in the islands’ pantry habits.
In second place, New Hampshire spends $18.70 million per 100,000 residents on snacks. Residents favor Rice Krispies Treats, highlighting a sweet-snack trend across the Northeast. Despite its modest size, the state’s snack enthusiasm rivals that of much larger regions.
Maine takes third with $18.28 million in snack spending. Like New Hampshire, it gravitates toward Rice Krispies Treats, suggesting a shared regional preference for familiar, sugary snacks. Cold weather and rural living may further drive pantry-heavy consumption habits.
Ranking fourth, Vermont reports $17.85 million in snack spending. It sticks with the New England pattern—Rice Krispies Treats again lead in popularity. The state’s small population doesn’t dampen its snack interest, aligning closely with its northern neighbors.
Montana comes in fifth with $17.19 million, marking a shift toward savory snacks. Chex Mix takes the top spot, setting Montana apart from the sweet-focused Northeast. Its high rank reflects strong snack demand across wide rural areas.
In sixth place, Oregon reports $17.03 million, staying close behind Montana. Despite its West Coast location, Oregon circles back to the sweet side, once again favoring Rice Krispies Treats. The state’s mix of urban and rural communities appears united in snacking habits.
In seventh, Wyoming logs $16.96 million in snack spending and favors Fritos—making it the only state in the top 10 where a corn chip leads. This signals a savory snack preference and a slightly more traditional snacking profile in the Mountain West.
Holding the eighth spot is Colorado, at $16.84 million. Though more urbanized than Wyoming, Colorado’s snack spending per capita mirrors that of its rural counterparts. Rice Krispies Treats maintain their firm grip on top-snack status, signaling continued national appeal.
Massachusetts places ninth with $16.56 million, tying with only one other state. As the most urbanized in the top ten, Massachusetts stands out for matching rural and mountain states in snack spending. Its alignment with the Rice Krispies Treat trend also supports the snack’s wide regional acceptance.
Rounding out the top ten, Alaska also reports $16.56 million in snack spending. Its remote geography doesn’t slow down snack demand, with Rice Krispies Treats again topping the list. Alaska’s spending mirrors that of more populous states, showing snack culture thrives even in isolated regions.
A spokesperson from Food Label Maker commented on the study: “Snack spending isn’t just about indulgence—it’s a reflection of how people live. From rural regions to urban centers, snacking habits reveal patterns in routine, access, and emotional comfort. What we reach for between meals often says more about our pace of life and cultural memory than any traditional grocery trend.”
You can access the full research here.
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