Snack Food Manufacturers NAICS 31191

Nov 30, 2025 - Dye-Free Doritos & Cheetos

• In response to growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredients, Frito-Lay has introduced dye-free versions of Doritos and Cheetos. The snack-giant’s move reflects broader trends in the snack industry, where health-conscious and ingredient-sensitive consumers are influencing product development. For snack food manufacturers, the shift signals that artificial colors are increasingly seen as a liability, especially among parents and younger shoppers. Companies that continue using synthetic dyes may face reputational risk or declining sales, while those switching to natural alternatives can attract new customer segments and potentially command higher prices. Reformulations can require operational changes, including sourcing natural colorants and adjusting production processes, which could impact cost structures. The industry is under increasing pressure to innovate toward “better-for-you” products without compromising flavor, reinforcing the competitive advantage of brands that adapt quickly to meet evolving consumer expectations.
• New research from consumer insights firm Circana finds that households using GLP-1 medications for weight‑loss or diabetes are projected to account for 35% of all US food and beverage units sold by 2030, up from about 23% at present. Because GLP‑1 users are increasingly focused on weight management, their shopping patterns are shifting dramatically. They’re buying fewer carb- and sugar-heavy snacks, while favoring higher‑protein, high‑fiber, and healthy‑fat foods. Even though their total retail food spending dips, they still outspend non-users overall. For snack‑food manufacturers, especially those reliant on sugary, high‑carb snacks, this trend signals reduced demand. To stay relevant, companies will likely need to reformulate or expand into products aligned with health‑centered, high‑protein, low‑sugar diets and adjust their marketing to appeal to this growing group of shoppers.

• The US Small Business Administration has launched what it calls its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting America’s small manufacturers by providing additional credit for working capital needs. Effective Oct. 1, the Manufacturers' Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will provide a maximum of $5 million to borrowers engaged in manufacturing (NAICS 31-33), according to the agency. The money must be used for working capital needs, such as inventory purchases or new projects. MARC capital can be structured as a term loan for up to 10 years or a revolving line of credit for up to 20 years. MARC loans can be used in combination with other SBA and conventional commercial loans. The new working capital loan program is part of the Trump administration’s larger effort to strengthen US manufacturing.
• Producer prices for snack food manufacturers rose 1.5% in August compared to a year ago, after rising 4.3% in the previous August-versus-August annual comparison, according to the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Employment by the industry shrank 1.2% year over year in July, while average wages at food manufacturers rose 2% YoY in August to $23.98 per hour, easing from their record high in January, BLS data show. Prices and wages at snack food manufacturers are near record high levels despite declining food industry sales, which fell 2.9% YoY in Q2 and eased 1.1% from Q1, Census Bureau figures show.