A Year of Innovation in Biscuits, Cookies and Crackers 2026
2026-03-17T00:01:16+00:00
REP593B8ABF_698E_4105_BB8A_BF698EC105DC
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Report
en_GB
Brands are continuing to innovate with unique flavours, healthier recipes, and adapting formats to better suit snacking occasions. Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst…
Global
Biscuits, Cookies and Crackers
simple
A Year of Innovation in Biscuits, Cookies and Crackers 2026
"Brands are continuing to innovate with unique flavours, healthier recipes, and adapting formats to better suit snacking occasions."
Explore the latest innovation in biscuits, cookies and crackers in 2026 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across all regions.
Key innovation trends in the biscuits market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global biscuits, cookies and crackers market. Understanding innovation in biscuits has never been so easy.
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What we’ve seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Global spotlight: sweet biscuits/cookies and savoury biscuit/cracker launches by sub-category
Graph 1: sweet biscuits/cookies and savoury biscuits/crackers launches, by sub-category, 2021-26
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: flavour innovation continues to drive sweet biscuit launches
Consumers are eager to try sweet biscuits in unique flavours
New varieties/range extensions grow their share of sweet biscuit launches
Graph 2: sweet biscuits/cookies launches, by launch type, 2021-26
Biscuit brands respond to adventurous taste buds through global flavours
Europe: savoury biscuits/crackers suitable for the snacking occasion
Crackers remain a popular snack choice for many
Brands tap into the snacking occasion
Brand renovation/innovation: The Drinks Bakery introduces Drinks Biscuits, perfectly paired with alcohol
The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Sweet biscuit and cracker brands cater to local tastes
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Asia: a focus on nourishing biscuits
Consumers would be willing to pay more for healthier options
Better-for-you claims are niche, but remain a valuable area of innovation
Graph 3: sweet biscuits/cookies launches, by select plus claims, 2021-26
Brands launch nourishing biscuits to appeal to health-conscious consumers
Asia: Indians are keen to see new flavours in savoury biscuits/crackers
Indian consumers favour traditional flavours, but are increasingly exploring bold and innovative options
Salt/salted, cumin, cheese and masala are the most established flavour profiles in India’s cracker market
Graph 4: savoury biscuits/cracker launches, by top flavour profiles, 2024-26
Savoury biscuit/cracker brands cater to consumers seeking familiar flavours with a unique twist
Australia & New Zealand
Sweet and savoury biscuit and cracker brands aim to deliver the ultimate indulgence experience
THE AMERICAS
North America: seasonal and limited-edition biscuits are an exciting area of innovation
Holidays give consumers permission to indulge
Seasonal and limited-edition claims are on the rise in sweet biscuit launches across North America
Sweet biscuits/crackers with holiday-inspired flavours
Brands capture the holiday spirit through innovative packaging
North America: natural cracker recipes are in demand
Consumers prioritise all-natural ingredients when choosing crackers
GMO-free and no additives/preservatives claims are the most common natural claims in cracker launches
Graph 5: savoury biscuits/crackers launches, by select natural claims, 2021-26
Cracker brands highlight clean ingredient recipes
Latin America: emergence of vegan and plant-based recipes
Consumers increasingly look for snacks with vegan ingredients
Vegan and plant-based claims see steady growth in savoury biscuit and cracker launches
Graph 6: savoury biscuit/cracker launches, by vegan and plant-based claims, 2021-26
Vegan and plant-based crackers focus on positive nutrition
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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