In this article, we will look at the 10 Best Confectionery, Cookie and Snack Stocks To Buy.
On February 2, David Katz, Matrix Asset Advisors CIO, appeared on CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to talk about why equity valuations could slow this year. Katz stated that we have seen three years of 15%+ returns, and if we go back to 1915 and look for periods like that, we would see only six out of 74 time periods showing such great returns. In the aftermath of these trends, the following one and three-year stocks have had a little less than average returns.
Applying this to the current scenario, he expects stock returns to slow down in 2026 and stated that he is more cautious in his equity outlook, expecting volatility and considerable market rotations. Katz further called to look for continued rotations, with stronger gains from several of last year’s laggards.
READ ALSO: 10 Best Undervalued Stocks to Buy Under $10 and 10 Best Strong Buy Stocks to Invest In Under $5.
Similar to Katz’s expectations of volatility in 2026, Sherry Paul, Morgan Stanley senior portfolio manager, also expects volatility ahead. We talked about her view and her appearance on CNBC’s ‘Closing Bell’ on January 26 in a recently published article on 15 Best Long Term Low Volatility Stocks to Invest In, and here is an excerpt from the article:
“According to her, one of the most important things that came out of Davos was going from the phrase globalization to the “new world order”, in which the former felt more like a conscious uncoupling, while the latter has a much harsher tone to it. This translates to the fact that the urgency around reimagining supply chains, partnerships, and the advancement of AI and automation manufacturing in the United States, along with the dollar that is now lower, becomes even higher.
Paul added that this means there is increased volatility ahead, especially as these trends unfold further. However, she also stated that it is important to remember volatility as a part of investing, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that something bad is taking place. According to her, volatility means that something more emergent is happening, and the emergence is moving away from the Mag 7 into what she calls the “magnificent thematics”. If one follows these thematics of the new world order of AI, automation, longevity, innovation, and a couple of others, one can start trailing down into the different sector weightings that people should not be overweighting in, and not necessarily moving into cash.”
With these trends in view, let’s look at the best confectionery, cookie, and snack stocks to buy.
Our Methodology
We sifted through stock screeners to find the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks, and then chose the top 10 with the highest number of hedge fund holders, as of Q3 2025. We sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from Insider Monkey’s database. The list is sorted in ascending order of hedge fund holders.
Note: All data was recorded on February 1.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Confectionery, Cookie and Snack Stocks To Buy
10. The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN) is one of the best confectionery, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. On February 2, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN) announced a definite agreement for the sale of its North American Snacks business, including Garden Veggie Snacks™, Terra® chips, and Garden of Eatin’® snacks, to Snackruptors Inc. for $115 million in cash. Snackruptors Inc., is a Canadian, family-owned snacks manufacturer. Management reported that the sale would allow the company to advance with a simplified portfolio in North America, focusing on core categories and margins with stronger margin and cash flow profiles as a means of boosting growth.
For perspective, this North America snacks portfolio represented 22% of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:HAIN) net sales in fiscal 2025 and 38% of the North America segment net sales, with negligible EBITDA contribution over the last 12 months. The company clarified that the remaining portfolio in North America has a meaningfully stronger financial profile, delivering EBITDA margins in the low double digits, underpinned by gross margins above 30%.
After the sale, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:HAIN) North American flagship categories would encompass tea, yogurt, and baby/kids, along with its meal preparation platforms. Its brands in the region include Celestial Seasonings® teas, The Greek Gods® yogurt, Earth’s Best® Organic baby and kids foods, and Spectrum® Organic culinary oils.
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN) is a prominent US-based company specializing in snacks, natural and organic foods, as well as personal-care products. It operates in over 75 countries, offering various items across snacks, baby products, beverages, meal components, and personal care. Its customer base generally includes supermarkets, natural food stores, specialty and natural food distributors, mass-market, and club stores.
9. UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) has received several rating updates since the beginning of the year. Most recently, Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on the stock on January 27 and set a price target of $15.00. UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) also received a bullish stance from RBC Capital on January 16, which reaffirmed a Buy rating with a price target of $17.00.
However, UBS cut the price target on UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) to $11 from $11.50 on January 14 while keeping a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm told investors in a research note that while the market backdrop and operating environment for the Consumer Staples sector remain challenging, fundamentals may improve in 2026.
In addition, TD Cowen assigned a Hold rating to UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) on January 12, stating that the fiscal Q4 sales shortfall appears largely temporary, linked primarily to retailer inventory reductions due to a slowdown in November sales. It added that although December saw improved consumption and shipment, the recovery was unable to completely nullify the weakness of the quarter, with the recent sales growth decelerating compared to the previous quarter.
UTZ Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ) markets, manufactures, and distributes branded snacks. Its portfolio includes a range of salty snacking products, such as pretzels, potato chips, veggie, cheese, and pork skins. The company’s brands include Utz, Golden Flake, Zapp’s, Good Health, Hawaiian, and Boulder Canyon.
8. Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a Hold rating on Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) on January 21, setting a price target of $24.00. However, Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) received a bullish stance from Stifel Nicolaus on January 20, who assigned the stock a Buy rating with a $32 price target.
The firm considers the return of Joe Scalzo as CEO as a strategically significant move, and stated that the focus under his leadership is anticipated to be on underperformance in areas like Quest bars outside salty snacks, stabilization of the Atkins brand at a more durable scale, and sustaining growth for the Quest and OWYN franchises.
The firm also cited Simply Good Foods Company’s (NASDAQ:SMPL) financial flexibility as a significant factor supporting the optimistic rating, adding that the balance sheet carried modest leverage with room for strategic actions, including a disciplined M&A approach that bolsters the growth profile. In addition, the firm expects profitability to make a gradual recovery, with margins bouncing back toward the high‑30% range. According to Stifel, this trend can support a healthier balance between earnings growth and reinvestment, supporting the Buy rating.
Simply Good Foods Company (NASDAQ:SMPL) is a consumer packaged food and beverage company that develops, sells, and markets nutritional food and snacking items. The company’s product portfolio includes snacks, frozen meals, protein bars, ready-to-drink shakes, and frozen meals under the Quest and Atkins brands.
7. The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. Barclays and UBS maintained a Sell rating on The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) on January 20 and January 14, respectively, with Barclays keeping the price target at $27. Previously, Barclays lowered the price target on the stock to $27 from $30 on January 16 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares, telling investors that potential oil and currency headwinds may materialize in 2026.
The same day, Morgan Stanley cut the price target on The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) to $28 from $30 and maintained an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm told investors that it sees rising competitive risk in “an already challenging backdrop” for U.S. food stocks, with promotions, value-focused pricing, and private label momentum accelerating into 2026.
In addition to Morgan Stanley, BofA also cut the price target on The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) to $29 from $30 on January 13, maintaining an Underperform rating after the firm updated its estimates to take into account quarter-to-date Nielsen scanner trends through the period ended December 27. Based on these trends, BofA cut its Q2 organic sales assumptions to up 2% from up 3% for Meals & Beverages and down 4.5% from down 2% for Snacks.
Formerly known as Campbell Soup Company, The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) offers affordable food and beverages, with its operations divided into two divisions: Snacks and Meals & Beverages. Its brand portfolio comprises approximately 16 brands, including Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, and others. The company’s North American Foodservice division offers recipes, food, and tailored solutions for a range of segments, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, specialty coffee shops, lodging, schools, and more.
6. The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) has received several rating updates since the beginning of the year, with Barclays reaffirming a Hold rating on the stock on January 19 with a price target of $105.
In addition, Morgan Stanley downgraded The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) to Equal Weight from Overweight on January 16, bringing the price target down to $105 from $115 after a period of solid relative share outperformance. The firm told investors that the U.S. food sector is facing increasing competitive risk with value-focused pricing, private label momentum, and promotions accelerating into 2026. These trends are adding to the “already present” sales pressures, limiting the scope for margin recovery.
In addition to Morgan Stanley, TD Cowen also cut the price target on The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) to $105 from $111 on January 8, maintaining a Hold rating. The firm adjusted price targets in the Consumer Staples sector as part of a 2026 outlook, stating that it anticipates 2026 to be a “challenging” year for large-cap consumer staples, with pricing “muted” and volume growth unlikely to improve materially from the negative 0.9% in 2025. However, Wells Fargo remained bullish on The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM), assigning the stock a Buy rating with a $120 price target on January 13.
The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products under a portfolio of brands. Its operations are divided into four segments: Sweet Baked Snacks, US Retail Coffee, US Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads, and US Retail Pet Foods.
5. BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45
BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) is one of the best confectionery, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. Stifel cut the price target on BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) to $34 from $50 and reiterated a Buy rating on the shares on February 4. The rating update came after BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) released its fiscal Q1 2026 financial results on February 3, reporting net sales of $537.3 million, up 1% year-over-year. Operating profit for the quarter reached $78.5 million, with net earnings of $43.7 million and adjusted EBITDA of $90.3 million.
BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) also reported a narrowed fiscal year 2026 net sales outlook of $2.41-$2.46 billion and adjusted EBITDA outlook of $425-$440 million. Management stated that the narrowed outlook reflects higher category promotional frequency and increased whey protein costs, but it continues to expect growth and second-half acceleration as demand initiatives ramp.
The same day, BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) also announced leadership transition plans, reporting President and Chief Executive Officer Darcy Davenport’s decision to retire from the company, effective upon the earlier of the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer or September 30, 2026, the end of the its fiscal year.
BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) provides nutrition bars, ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, powders, and other RTD beverages. Its primary brands are Dymatize and Premier Protein. BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) operates through protein-based consumer goods.
4. The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) is set to release its fiscal Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings results on February 5. Prior to the release, DA Davidson lifted the price target on the stock to $207 from $185 on February 2, but reaffirmed a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm highlighted factors such as cocoa deflation, tariff resolution, and encouraging early reads on elasticities, suggesting that they point towards FY27 upwards revisions as earnings power restores. However, it added that this is generally reflected in relative and absolute multiples currently nearer their peak.
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) also received a rating update from Deutsche Bank on January 29, which lifted the price target on the stock to $188 from $180 while maintaining a Hold rating on the shares. In addition to Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley also raised the price target on The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) to $214 from $211 on January 28 and maintained an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm told investors that declining cocoa prices and solid scanner trends enhance visibility to the firm’s “above Street” FY26 and FY27 EPS outlook.
The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY) manufactures and markets chocolate, sweets, mints, and confectionary items. It operates through the North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International segments. Its brand portfolio includes Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Kisses.
3. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. On February 3, UBS reaffirmed a Hold rating on the stock and set a price target of $24. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) also received rating updates from Stifel Nicolaus and BNP Paribas on January 21. Stifel reaffirmed a Hold rating on the shares and set a price target of $26, while BNP Paribas downgraded The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) to Underperform from Neutral with a $22 price target.
The same day, JPMorgan also cut the price target on the stock to $24 from $25 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The rating update came ahead of the company’s fiscal Q4 earnings release on February 11, with JPMorgan stating that it expects the company’s volume pressures to continue in 2026. According to the firm, The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) is experiencing ongoing volume declines and likely stepped up investments this year.
Jefferies also cut the price target on The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) to $23 from $24 on January 20, reiterating a Hold rating on the shares. The firm continues to adopt a cautious stance, primarily due to factors such as a difficult consumer backdrop, investment needs, continued demand challenges, and uncertainty on the outlook for the post-split businesses.
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) manufactures and distributes packaged food and beverages worldwide. Its offerings include cheese and dairy products, meals, tomato products, condiments, meats, sauces, refreshment beverages, and more. Its geographical segments of operation include North America and International Developed Markets.
2. Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 50
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. On February 4, TD Cowen lifted the price target on Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) to $65 from $62 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. The rating update came after Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) released its fiscal Q4 2025 financial results on February 3, announcing a full-year net revenue growth of 5.8%, supported by organic net revenue growth of 4.3%, favorable currency-related items, and incremental net revenue from its acquisition of Evirth. These trends were offset by lapping prior-year net revenue from a short-term distributor agreement related to the sale of the company’s developed market gum business.
Management further reported that diluted EPS for the full year was $1.89, down 44.7 percent. This drop was attributed to several factors, including a decrease in adjusted EPS, an unfavorable year-over-year change in mark-to-market impacts from commodity and foreign currency derivatives, an unfavorable year-over-year change in acquisition-related items, settlement losses related to pension plan buy-outs, higher costs incurred for the ERP System Implementation program, and lapping prior-year divestiture-related items.
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) manufactures and markets packaged snack food and beverage products. Its offerings include chocolate, gum, beverages, candy, cheese, meals, and more. The company’s brand offerings include Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Ritz, LU, Milka, Toblerone chocolate, and others. Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) sells its products in more than 150 countries. Its segments include Latin America, AMEA, Europe, and North America.
1. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is one of the best confectionary, cookie, and snack stocks to buy. On February 4, BofA lifted the price target on PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) to $173 from $164 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The rating update followed PepsiCo, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:PEP) release of its fiscal Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results on February 3, in which it reported net revenue performance of 5.6% for fiscal Q4 and 2.3% for the full year. EPS for the quarter reached $1.85, while that for the full year was $6.00. Management reported that accelerated net revenue growth and solid productivity savings led to strong operating margin expansion and supported a double-digit EPS growth in Q4.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) also reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 financial guidance and announced a 4% growth in its annualized dividend per share beginning with the June 2026 payment, representing the company’s 54th consecutive annual increase. Following the release, Barclays reaffirmed its Hold rating on PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) on January 3 and set a price target of $148.
The same day, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) announced plans to reduce prices of its most popular snacks by up to nearly 15% ahead of the Super Bowl, including iconic offerings such as Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos, and more. The price drop comes ahead of one of the biggest snacking occasions of the season, and supports the company’s broader strategy of increasing accessibility and offering more choices for consumers.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells beverages, food, and snacks. The company operates in the following segments: Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), Quaker Foods North America (QFNA), PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), Latin America (LatAm), Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), and Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, and China Region (APAC).
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