Cracker & Biscuits Manufacturing in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The Cracker & Biscuits Manufacturing industry in the US involves establishments primarily engaged in baking crackers, cookies, biscuits, and related dry bakery products. The industry direction is supported by steady consumer demand for convenient shelf-stable snacks, though operators face variable ingredient inputs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau Annual Survey of Manufactures, the broader snack food manufacturing sector recorded sales of 40,400 million USD in 2020 (U.S. Census Bureau). Meanwhile, the Producer Price Index for the specific industry product group stood at a value of 246.841 index points in 2026 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), reflecting cumulative pricing shifts over ti

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What does the Cracker & Biscuits Manufacturing in the US industry cover?

This industry comprises manufacturing establishments that produce dry bakery items including saltines, crackers, graham wafers, hard sweet biscuits, and ice cream cones. These products are formulated primarily from flour and fat, baked to a low moisture content to ensure extended shelf stability. Operations encompass everything from automated ingredient mixing and dough sheeting to high-temperature baking and automated retail packaging.

• •Covers dry, shelf-stable flour-based products under NAICS 311821.
• •Excludes soft-baked breads or fresh pastries made for immediate consumption.
• •Includes specialized variants such as vegan cheese or gluten-free snack crackers.

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The US cracker and biscuit manufacturing market features a clear division between multi-brand multinational corporations and smaller regional specialty bakers. Large scale processors operate massive centralized baking facilities that maximize throughput for national distribution networks. Smaller processors target niche consumer sub-segments or act as localized co-packers for store brands.

• •Production is driven by capital-intensive automated commercial baking lines.
• •Private label manufacturers command substantial market share, particularly in basic lines like saltines.
• •Federal agencies buy millions in shelf-stable bakery items annually for institutional supply.

What drives demand in the industry?

Consumer demand is fundamentally tied to household consumption patterns, snacking frequency, and the convenience of shelf-stable foods. Price sensitivity influences choice during economic downturns, shifting buyers toward private label offerings. Health-conscious trends also dictate product evolution, boosting lines with clean labels, low sodium, or alternative grains.

• •Snacking occasions are elevated around major national sporting and tailgating events.
• •Saltine cracker sub-segment reached $611 million in retail channels during a 2023 industry review period.
• •Demand is heavily dependent on stable retail distribution via grocery store placements.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

Competition in the United States is concentrated among major corporate players who control leading household legacy brands. Companies compete intensely on shelf space, marketing spend, product line extensions, and flavor innovation. To insulate margins, leading manufacturers frequently adjust product packaging and optimize global ingredient supply chains.

• •Mondelez International operates as a major force via its Nabisco brand portfolio.
• •Kellanova manages prominent cracker brands such as Cheez-It and Club.
• •Campbell Soup Company competes significantly through its Campbell Snacks division and Goldfish line.
• •Rovira Biscuit Corp and East Baking Company Inc serve as notable contracted suppliers for federal programs.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry is trending heavily toward better-for-you formulations, utilizing bold flavor crossovers and allergen-conscious alternative ingredients. Manufacturers are continually managing shifting manufacturing costs through selective price increases and production automation. The long-term outlook remains steady as crackers firmly maintain their position as a consumer pantry staple.

• •The Producer Price Index for crackers and biscuits reached 246.841 index points in May 2026.
• •Brand cross-collaborations, such as combining crackers with popular hot sauce or seasoning brands, are rising.
• •Vegan, high-protein, and grain-free crackers are increasingly entering mainstream retail channels.

How is the industry regulated?

US manufacturers must strictly adhere to comprehensive food safety laws and standard labeling guidelines enforced at the federal level. Facilities are subject to regular inspections regarding allergen cross-contamination, sanitation practices, and precise ingredient disclosures. Federal procurement contracts further mandate rigorous lot traceability and strict quality verification protocols.

• •The Small Business Administration dictates a size standard of 1,250 employees for small business status under NAICS 311821.
• •Plants comply with the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regarding hazard analysis controls.
• •USDA Agricultural Marketing Service regulates specific procurement standards for federal food assistance programs.

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• U.S. Census Bureau Annual Survey of Manufactures 2020 ·
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED 2026 ·
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Contract Awards 2025-2026 ·
• U.S. Small Business Administration Size Standards Tables 2023