16 Go-To Snacks At Risk Due To Ongoing Tariff Disputes

Tariff battles and global trade tensions aren’t just headlines—they’re creeping into your snack cabinet. Many beloved snack brands rely on imported ingredients or packaging materials that are now facing higher tariffs. That means rising prices, reduced availability, or even reformulated recipes. Here are 16 everyday snacks that could be at risk as international trade disputes continue to simmer.

1. Chocolate Bars

Cocoa beans are heavily imported, and tariffs on chocolate-producing countries could lead to smaller bars or higher prices for your favorite brands.

2. Potato Chips

Several U.S. chip brands source oils, seasonings, or even packaging materials from overseas. Any tariff hikes on agricultural imports or packaging plastics can affect production costs fast.

3. Cheese Crackers

Cheddar and processed cheese ingredients may be affected if dairy tariffs are enacted or expanded—bad news for those crunchy orange bites.

4. Almonds and Nut Mixes

A large portion of nuts are either imported or exported and then re-imported for processing. Tariff fluctuations could cause major price jumps for trail mix lovers.

5. Gummy Candies

Many gelatin and flavoring ingredients come from countries like Germany and China. Supply chain disruptions or added costs may thin out the variety on shelves.

6. Energy Bars

Protein powders, coconut, dried fruits, and nuts are global commodities. Increased costs due to tariffs could turn your $2 bar into a $3+ snack in no time.

7. Granola

Oats and dried fruit often travel through international trade systems. If tariffs affect countries that supply raisins, coconut, or honey, your favorite granola brand may rework its recipe—or raise the price.

8. Peanut Butter

While peanuts are grown in the U.S., packaging materials and certain additives may be imported. Plus, retaliatory tariffs from other countries could limit U.S. exports, disrupting domestic prices.

9. Cookies

Chocolate chips, palm oil, and flavor extracts like vanilla are all subject to international trade rules. You may start seeing changes in cookie sizes or fewer variety packs.

10. Popcorn (Flavored and Packaged)

While plain kernels are mostly domestic, flavorings like cheese powder and butter oils could be tariff-affected imports—hurting snack brands that specialize in gourmet popcorn.

11. Snack Cakes

Twinkies, Swiss Rolls, and similar snacks contain multiple globally sourced ingredients—from cocoa to emulsifiers. Expect price hikes or production slowdowns.

12. Imported Biscuits and Crackers

Fancy European crackers and tea biscuits may face steeper import tariffs, making them less accessible—or swapped out for more domestic alternatives.

13. Instant Noodles

Many popular instant noodle brands are imported or rely on imported flavoring packets. Trade restrictions could shrink selections or bump up prices.

14. Ice Cream Toppings

Think chocolate syrup, crushed cookies, imported sprinkles, or exotic nut toppings. These niche imports could become luxury items if tariffs persist.

15. Fruit Snacks

Dried mango, imported apple juice concentrates, or gelatin from international suppliers can make these lunchbox staples vulnerable to trade policies.

16. Jerky and Meat Snacks

Whether it’s beef, pork, or exotic meats like bison or venison, tariff issues affecting livestock feed, spices, or packaging may drive up jerky prices.