Last updated 37 minutes ago ago | Originally Published: January 1, 2026
According to a recent Food Dive report, the Ritz brand plans to push the boundaries of what a cracker can be by 2026. The Food Dive analysis notes that the Mondelēz-owned brand is introducing Drizzled Minis to capitalize on the fast-growing sweet-and-salty snack trend. This strategy is based on market data showing that nearly two-thirds of consumers prefer snacks that combine these two distinct flavor profiles.
The outlook shared by Mondelēz spokesperson Madeline Vincent indicates that the company is building on its signature buttery taste while tapping into rising demand for sweet-and-salty snack flavors. Vincent also explained that as consumers snack more throughout the day, there’s a clear need for convenient snacks that offer more variety. While the original cracker remains the core of the business, these innovations, such as fudge and caramel-dripped minis, are designed to keep the brand relevant in a competitive market.
We track these innovation trends because they signal a major shift in the snack category. When a leading brand like Ritz expands into the sweet-and-salty space, it blurs the line between traditional crackers and snacks, creating a new category for consumers seeking something sweet and salty. As Ritz aims to diversify, more of these hybrid snack flavors will likely appear on store shelves. Before you head to the store, check out our growing category of Ritz Crackers here at Candy Retailer.
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