**The Best Snacks of 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Cravings**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/food-awards-snacks-ee01078d863740dbbbef2bc9da9787f5.jpg)
In the world of snacking, variety is key to satisfying all your cravings, whether you prefer something salty, sweet, crunchy, or creamy. Celebrating its seventh edition, the PEOPLE Food Awards have identified a selection of snacks that cater to every palate. From delectable gummy sweets to protein-rich crisps, these award-winning treats are sure to please.
Kicking off this year’s selection is the **Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Salted Caramel** biscuits, which have been dubbed the best shortbread. Renowned for their buttery texture and a delicate hint of salt, these caramel-flavoured cookies are already gaining a reputation as “wildly good” and “perfect in every way.” Their price of £4.50 from Target makes them an affordable indulgence for cookie lovers.
For those on the lookout for a nutritious boost, the **Kind Mango Pineapple Nut Bar** has emerged as the standout granola bar. These gluten-free snacks are packed with enticing chunks of dried fruit, including pineapple and mango, along with almonds and five varieties of super grains. Retailing at around £7 for a pack of six from Amazon, they offer a tropical escape for health-conscious snackers.
Chocolate enthusiasts will be delighted by the **Ghirardelli Dubai Style Chocolate**, recognised as the best chocolate this year. This luxurious truffle combines toasted, shredded phyllo with exquisite pistachio cream, all enveloped in rich milk chocolate. The price of £14 at Target is a small price to pay for such an indulgent treat.
Those in need of a crunchy companion will surely enjoy the **Firehook Avocado Oil, Sea Salt & Chive Crackers**. Testers have praised these “sturdy” snacks for their “superb crispy snap,” suggesting they are so flavourful they can be savoured without any dips or accompaniments. Available for approximately £8 on Amazon, these crackers are a versatile option for any snack platter.
If you’re in the mood for nuts, consider the **Wonderful Pistachios Chocolate Toffee**. This unique snack combines salty pistachios with a decadent coating of toffee and dark chocolate, resulting in a sweet and satisfying mixture favoured by many snack testers. Priced at £8 at Walmart, this snack is perfect for those looking to indulge guilt-free.
For cookies that hit the spot, the **Tate’s White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies** are a top contender. This product excels due to its thin, delicate design, enriched with white chocolate chips and roasted macadamia nuts. Retailing at £6 from Walmart, they make an excellent choice for a sweet treat.
Kids and adults alike will be delighted by the **Goldfish Zesty Ranch** crackers, recognised as the best cheese crackers. Flavoured with garlic, parsley, and onion, these mini crackers have proven to be a hit in households, often being devoured within minutes of opening the bag. Available at £3 from Target, they are a fun and tasty snack for all.
For those with a penchant for sour flavours, the **Haribo Sour Sodas** have taken the spotlight as the best sour candy. These soft, sugar-coated gummies, available in flavours such as cherry-cola and lemon-strawberry, have charmed even the pickiest of candy fans. At £1.50 from Walmart, they offer a delightful treat for those craving something tangy.
When it comes to pretzels, **Snyder’s of Hanover Sour Cream & Caramelized Onion Pieces** stand tall. These uniquely crunchy bites are infused with flavours that had testers eating them by the handful. Retailing at £3.50 at Kroger, they’re ideal for those who appreciate bold tastes.
**Boulder Canyon Agave Sriracha Potato Chips** have been crowned the best in their category, praised for their perfect balance of sweetness and heat. These thick-cut, crinkle kettle chips offer a bold and crunchy experience, priced at roughly £4.50 at Kroger.
For fans of tortilla chips, the **Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch** are making waves. Shocking testers with their authentic flavour and crunch, these chips offer a classic experience without using dyes or artificial flavours. Priced at £4.50 from Target, they are a safe bet for any party or gathering.
Snackers who enjoy a bit of zest may find the **Chex Mix Hot & Spicy** to be the ideal choice. This mix of cereals, rye chips, pretzels, and breadsticks, spiced up with cayenne, has been described as aggressively flavourful by snack enthusiasts. Available for around £4 from Walmart, it is a fantastic option for those looking for a kick.
Last but not least, the **SunChips Fiber Spicy Jalapeño** are an excellent pick among whole-grain chips. Made with black beans for added protein and fibre, these chips offer an original satisfaction boosted by a dash of heat. They can be found for approximately £4 at Walmart.
As the snack landscape continues to evolve, these winners of the PEOPLE Food Awards 2026 illustrate the variety available in the market today. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet treat or opting for a healthier option, there’s a snack on this list poised to satisfy your cravings.