Biscuits and cookies are a small but vital part of daily eating culture in the United States. They appear in lunches, offices, coffee breaks, road trips, family movie nights and even holidays. Although the word “cookie” tends to dominate the language when referring to sweet and often buttery baked snacks, the category is broad; it covers sandwich biscuits, shortbread, caramelized cookies and even classic chocolate chip cookies.
Opening almost any American supermarket can be an eye-opener when it comes to the sheer number of options. Some brands have had a presence for generations, while others have invested in building a recognizable image, using high-quality ingredients or simply presenting an alternative texture.
Here are 10 biscuit and cookie brands that hold strong in the USA market and have become familiar names for the American consumers.
OREO
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Mondelēz International, Inc. (OREO) |
| Founded | 1912 – OREO introduced in the United States |
| Global Headquarters | 905 West Fulton Market, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA |
| Business | Snacking and food manufacturing; biscuits, cookies, chocolate and other snack products |
| Main Products/Services | OREO cookies and biscuits, chocolate, crackers, baked snacks, gum and candy, cheese and grocery products, and beverages |
| Main Focus | Developing and selling snacks through a portfolio of global and local brands |
| Key Figure | Dirk Van de Put – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| Public Listing | Publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker MDLZ |
| Global Presence | Products sold in more than 150 countries; OREO is available in more than 100 countries |
| Employees | Approximately 90,000 employees worldwide (2025) |
When it comes to American cookies, OREO is probably one of the most iconic names. The beloved chocolate sandwich cookie has been delighting the taste buds for over a century. The cookie has the simple but effective format of dark chocolate wafers with a sweet creme filling. However, the way the brand has managed to keep its products relevant for over a century is truly remarkable.
Today the brand offers an extensive variety of both traditional chocolate sandwich treats and unique variations, such as Double Stuf, Thins, gluten-free options and many more. Besides the regular Oreo products, the company actively launches seasonal collections and engages in unique marketing campaigns.
Another reason for Oreo’s success is the unique way of eating the cookie – twisting the wafer, eating the creme first or dunking it in milk have all become an intrinsic part of the Oreo experience.
The brand’s website contains dozens of products from the cookie category, proving the variety of options for the consumer.
CHIPS AHOY!
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Mondelēz International, Inc. (CHIPS AHOY!) |
| Founded | 1964 – CHIPS AHOY! was introduced in 1964 |
| Global Headquarters | 905 West Fulton Market, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA |
| Business | Global snacking and food manufacturing |
| Main Products/Services | Chocolate chip cookies, including Original, Chewy, Chunky and other varieties; broader biscuits, chocolate, baked snacks, gum and candy |
| Main Focus | Developing and selling snacks and biscuits through a portfolio of global and local brands |
| Key Figure | Dirk Van de Put – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
| Public Listing | Publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker MDLZ |
| Global Presence | Mondelēz products are sold in more than 150 countries; CHIPS AHOY! is available across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America |
| Employees | Approximately 90,000 employees worldwide (parent company) |
For those who prefer chocolate chip cookies, CHIPS AHOY! is an American brand with a diverse range of products. The company is best known for its crunchy chocolate chip cookies, but there are plenty of variations to choose from – chewy, mini and filled versions are all available.
The interesting part about the CHIPS AHOY! range is that it caters to different audiences – from people willing to share a package of cookies to those preferring individual portions.
The current variety of products includes original and chewy cookies, mini and specialty sizes and even filled and baked-bit options.For someone looking to enjoy a traditional chocolate chip snack, a bag of CHIPS AHOY! is always a safe choice.
PEPPERIDGE FARM
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Pepperidge Farm, Inc. (a Campbell’s Company) |
| Founded | 1937 by Margaret Rudkin in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA |
| Headquarters | 1 Campbell Place, Camden, New Jersey 08103-1701, United States |
| Business | Bakery and snack foods |
| Main Products/Services | Cookies including Milano and Chessmen, Distinctive Cookies and Farmhouse Cookies, Goldfish crackers, breads, buns and rolls, crackers, desserts and puff pastries |
| Main Focus | Producing premium-quality baked goods, cookies, crackers, breads and frozen bakery products |
| Key Figure | Margaret Rudkin – Founder |
| Parent Company | The Campbell’s Company |
| Public Listing | The Campbell’s Company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker CPB |
| Funding/Valuation | Publicly traded parent company; market value varies with share price |
Pepperidge Farm holds a special place in the market for its more traditional, sometimes bakery-style, cookies. The company offers a variety of products, including Milano, Chessmen, Farmhouse and other unique collections of cookies.
Milano cookies, in particular, are a staple for those who want to enjoy a more premium experience – a combination of crisp wafer and chocolate filling.
Pepperidge Farm also offers butter cookies, thin and crispy Farmhouse treats and other specialties. The company actively develops its range, offering products that are both traditional and more indulgent.Besides, the brand is known for its high quality and dedication to the process – while other companies tend to focus on unique and extravagant flavors, Pepperidge Farm dedicates resources to creating the perfect texture and employing a traditional approach.
KEEBLER
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Ferrero Group (Keebler) |
| Founded | 1853 (as Keebler Company) |
| Headquarters | Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, United States |
| Business | Confectionery and packaged food |
| Main Products/Services | Cookies such as Fudge Stripes, E.L. Fudge, Chips Deluxe, Sandies and Vienna Fingers; crackers, graham products, baked snacks and other sweet treats |
| Main Focus | Producing and marketing snacks and baked goods under well-known brands |
| Key Figure | Giovanni Ferrero – Executive Chairman |
| Parent Company | Ferrero Group, which acquired Keebler from Kellogg Company in 2019 |
| Public Listing | Privately held company; Ferrero is not publicly listed |
| Funding/Valuation | Private company; valuation estimated at over US$40 billion based on recent reports |
| Global Presence | Products available in the United States and international markets through the Ferrero Group |
| Employees | More than 47,000 employees worldwide (Ferrero Group, 2023) |
Keebler is one of those brands that is often associated with memorable commercials and distinct imagery. Decades of hard work have paid off, as the company has become a household name.
However, the brand is best remembered for its extensive variety of cookie products – from Fudge Stripes and E.L. Fudge to Chips Deluxe, Sandies and Vienna Fingers.
Fudge Stripes are some of the most recognizable treats, featuring a unique design and a combination of flavors – chocolate creme and crisp wafer.
In addition to the traditional range, Keebler also offers a variety of soft-baked chocolate chip cookies, pecan shortbread, sugar wafers and other products.
NUTTER BUTTER
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Mondelēz International, Inc. (NUTTER BUTTER) |
| Founded | 1969 – NUTTER BUTTER was introduced in the United States |
| Global Headquarters | 905 West Fulton Market, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA |
| Business | Global snacking and food manufacturing |
| Main Products/Services | NUTTER BUTTER peanut butter sandwich cookies, wafers, bites and fudge-covered cookies |
| Main Focus | Developing and selling snacks through a portfolio of global and local brands |
| Key Figure | Dirk Van de Put – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mondelēz International |
| Public Listing | Publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker MDLZ |
| Global Presence | Products sold in more than 150 countries; NUTTER BUTTER is widely available across the U.S. and international markets |
| Employees | Approximately 90,000 employees worldwide (2025) |
NUTTER BUTTER cookies are a great alternative for those who want to try something different from the usual chocolate-based treats. Instead of centering on a chocolate theme, NUTTER BUTTER has been delighting peanut butter lovers for decades with its iconic sandwiches.
The brand’s products are easy to spot, due to the unique design of the cookie – a peanut-shaped wafer with peanut butter creme inside. In addition to the traditional fillings, NUTTER BUTTER also offers fudge, caramel and other varieties. Multiple sizes and shapes are also available, from sandwich cookies to bites and wafers.
The brand has launched seasonal and festive collections and dedicates resources to creating new products, such as filled cookies, that differ from the usual chocolate-based wafer cookies.
TATE’S BAKE SHOP
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Tate’s Bake Shop, Inc. (a Mondelēz International brand) |
| Founded | 2000 on Long Island, New York, by Kathleen King |
| Headquarters | Southampton, New York, USA |
| Business | Premium cookies and baked goods |
| Main Products/Services | Thin-and-crispy chocolate chip cookies, other cookies, brownies, blondies, cakes, pies, coffee cakes, shortbread, gluten-free baked goods and gift baskets |
| Main Focus | Craft-baked cookies and bakery treats using high-quality ingredients |
| Key Figure | Kathleen King – Founder |
| Parent Company | Mondelēz International, acquired Tate’s in 2018 for approximately $500 million |
| Public Listing | Tate’s Bake Shop is a privately held brand/business within Mondelēz International |
| Parent Company Listing | Mondelēz International is publicly traded on NASDAQ under MDLZ |
| Global Presence | Cookies sold through retailers across the United States; Tate’s is an internationally recognized brand |
| Current Retail Bakery | 43 North Sea Road, Southampton, NY 11968 |
Tate’s Bake Shop offers a different kind of experience – the company’s goal is to provide a treat that is reminiscent of a local bakery. Thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies have been the specialty of the house for decades.
As for the unique selling point, Tate’s signature cookies are characterized by their crunchiness. The brand claims to use real butter and rich chocolate chips for its products, which are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
While the traditional chocolate chip products are available, the range also includes oatmeal raisin, walnut chocolate chip and gluten-free variations. In addition, Tate’s Bake Shop also dedicates resources to seasonal specialties and unique flavors, such as orange and cream cookies.
For those looking for a premium experience and a treat that is different from the standard supermarket fare, Tate’s Bake Shop is a great choice.
FAMOUS AMOS
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Famous Amos Brand, LLC |
| Founded | 1975 by Wally Amos |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Business | Baked goods and snack foods |
| Main Focus | High-quality, bite-size cookies made with premium ingredients, with a focus on great taste and everyday snacking |
| Key Figure | Wally Amos – Founder |
| Ownership | Currently owned by Ferrero Group, which acquired the brand in 2019 |
| Parent Company | Ferrero Group |
| Public Listing | Privately held company; not publicly listed |
| Funding/Valuation | Private company; valuation not publicly disclosed |
| Global Presence | Products available across the United States and in select international markets |
| Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Famous Amos is a brand that has been delighting cookie lovers with its unique take on small, crunchy treats. The company was founded in 1975, when Wally Amos opened his first bakery in Los Angeles.
Since then, the brand has been offering its customers small, flavorful cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes. Famous Amos is best known for its small, crunchy chocolate chip treats, but oatmeal variations are also available.
Unlike traditional large bakery-style cookies, Famous Amos offers a more convenient and less caloric alternative, which fits into the on-the-go lifestyle of today’s consumers.
The company has also launched several limited collections, such as “Wonders from the World,” which is dedicated to exploring different flavors and ingredients. Famous Amos has been around for nearly 50 years and has dedicated resources to developing a unique product, which is both different and convenient.
LOTUS BISCOFF
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Lotus Bakeries NV (LOTUS BISCOFF) |
| Founded | 1932 by Jan Boone Sr. |
| Headquarters | Gentstraat 1, 9971 Lembeke, Belgium |
| Business | Food and bakery products |
| Main Products/Services | Biscoff cookies (speculoos), Biscoff spread, sandwich cookies, biscuit snacks and other bakery products |
| Main Focus | Producing high-quality, natural-tasting biscuits and spreads with the distinctive Biscoff flavor |
| Key Figure | Jan Boone – Founder; current CEO: Jan Boone Jr. |
| Public Listing | Publicly traded on Euronext Brussels under the ticker LOTB.BR |
| Global Presence | Products sold in more than 100 countries, including the United States |
| Employees | Approximately 3,000 employees worldwide (2024) |
Lotus Biscoff may not be an American brand, but it has become exceptionally popular with American consumers. Biscoff cookies are characterized by their unique taste and texture – thin, crisp and caramel flavored.
Biscoff products have been enjoyed with coffee for decades. The brand has been around since 1932 and was founded by Lotus Bakeries in Belgium. However, today the company has a wide range of products and is available in numerous countries.
In the United States, consumers have the opportunity to enjoy original Biscoff cookies, sandwich variants and cookie butter. The unique flavor of Biscoff has also been used in a variety of desserts, from cheesecakes to milkshakes and other treats. This product is a great alternative to traditional chocolate chip or sandwich cookies.
LOFTHOUSE COOKIES
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Lofthouse Cookies / Lofthouse Bakery Products, Inc. |
| Founded | 1994 (by the Stone family) |
| Headquarters | Ogden, Utah, USA |
| Business | Cookies and baked goods |
| Main Products/Services | Soft frosted sugar cookies and a variety of seasonal cookies, including Churro Snickerdoodle, Strawberry, Lemon, S’mores and Cookies & Cream |
| Main Focus | Producing soft, frosted sugar cookies for retail and in-store bakery, with a focus on soft, tasty and seasonal innovation |
| Key Figure | Founded by the Stone family; no current CEO publicly specified |
| Ownership | Acquired by TreeHouse Foods in 2016 |
| Parent Company | TreeHouse Foods, Inc. |
| Public Listing | TreeHouse Foods is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker THS |
| Global Presence | Primarily available in the United States through major retailers and foodservice channels |
Lofthouse is a brand that is instantly recognizable for its unique, colorful treats. Soft, thick cookies with colorful frosting and sprinkles have been the specialty of the house for decades.
Lofthouse is a popular choice for holiday baking and gifting – the company offers a variety of pink, blue and yellow cookies that are sure to delight anyone. Unlike traditional biscuits or cookies, Lofthouse is all about a soft, fluffy and sweet experience.
The brand has a wide range of cookies in different shapes and sizes, suitable for holiday baking or everyday treats. In addition, the festive seasonal collection is available, including Easter, Valentine’s Day and other specialties. Lofthouse is known for its recognizable pink cookie, which is used as the base for a variety of festive treats.
WALKER’S SHORTBREAD
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Walker’s Shortbread Ltd. |
| Founded | 1898 by Joseph Walker |
| Headquarters | Aberlour House, Aberlour-on-Spey, Scotland AB38 9LD |
| Business | Biscuits, shortbread and bakery products |
| Main Products/Services | All-butter shortbread fingers, petitcoats, shortbread rounds and shapes, oatcakes, biscuits, cakes, tarts, gifts and gluten-free varieties |
| Main Focus | High-quality shortbread and specialty bakery products using traditional recipes and quality ingredients |
| Key Figure | Nicky Walker – Managing Director |
| Ownership | Family-owned, fourth-generation Walker family business |
| Public Listing | Privately held company; not publicly listed |
| Funding/Valuation | Private company; valuation not publicly disclosed |
| Global Presence | Products exported and sold internationally, with customers around the world |
| Employees | Over 1,200 employees across six factories in the Scottish Highlands |
Walker’s Shortbread has been bringing traditional Scottish taste to the American market for over a century. The company has been making shortbread for more than 125 years and has a wide range of products, from traditional to more modern variations.
Walkers is a popular choice for premium gifting and is presented in a variety of tins, boxes and other packaging. Scottie Dog-shaped shortbread is a specialty of the house, but there are also other shapes and sizes available.
Unlike other contemporary cookie brands, Walkers has dedicated itself to the traditional shortbread recipe and has been offering the same high quality for over a century. The simplicity of the product is what has made it so special – a cup of tea or coffee with a shortbread is enjoyed by millions across the United States.
What Makes the Biscuit Brands Popular?
There are numerous reasons why the brands above have remained popular with the American consumers – they dedicate resources to a unique product, engage in extensive marketing and dedicate efforts to research and development. OREO has been a household name for almost a century with its iconic chocolate and creme filling. CHIPS AHOY! has remained a popular choice for a traditional chocolate chip experience. NUTTER BUTTER has been delighting peanut butter lovers with its iconic sandwiches, while Pepperidge Farm offers a more traditional and sometimes luxury experience. Some brands, such as Tate’s and Walkers, aim to provide a more premium experience. Lofthouse has dedicated itself to creating soft and festive treats, while Famous Amos is all about small and flavorful cookies. Biscoff has managed to create a unique taste that is perfect for coffee.
One of the main reasons for success is variety. Consumers are not necessarily looking for a traditional cookie – there are gluten-free, low calorie, festive and even unusual flavors to choose from.
That is why many of the aforementioned brands dedicate resources to research and development and offer both traditional and unique products.
Conclusion
The American biscuit and cookie market is exceptionally varied – some brands dedicate themselves to maintaining the traditional recipes, while others focus on introducing unique and sometimes extravagant flavors and consistencies. OREO, CHIPS AHOY!, Pepperidge Farm and Keebler have been some of the most recognizable brand names in the U.S. cookie market. NUTTER BUTTER has been delighting peanut butter lovers with its unique sandwiches, while Tate’s and Walkers offer a more premium experience. Famous Amos, Lofthouse and Biscoff all have unique selling points that differentiate them from the competition.
Ultimately, choosing between the aforementioned brands is a matter of personal preference – some prefer a traditional cookie, others are willing to explore new flavors and unique consistencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most famous biscuit brand in the USA?
OREO is one of the most recognizable cookie brands in the United States. Its iconic chocolate sandwich cookie has been delighting consumers for over a century and is available in a variety of products.
2. What do Americans call biscuits?
The word “biscuit” in the United States usually refers to a soft, savory baked good, similar to a small bread roll. Sweet biscuits are generally referred to as “cookies.” Therefore, products described and sold as biscuits in other countries tend to be marketed as cookies in the U.S.
3. Is OREO an American brand?
OREO was created in the United States and is now one of the most recognizable cookie brands in the country. It is currently part of Mondelēz International.
4. Which biscuit brand is known for making chocolate chip cookies?
CHIPS AHOY! is one of the most recognizable chocolate chip cookie brands in the U.S. Famous Amos and Tate’s Bake Shop are other reputable brands known for their chocolate chip products.
5. Which cookie brand is known for making peanut butter?
NUTTER BUTTER is well known for its peanut butter sandwich cookies. The brand also offers a variety of peanut butter-based products, such as wafers and bites.
6. Are Pepperidge Farm cookies popular in the USA?
Pepperidge Farm has been a popular name in the U.S. cookie market for decades. The brand offers a variety of cookie products, including Milano and Chessmen, as well as other cookie collections.
7. What makes Tate’s Bake Shop cookies different?
Tate’s is best known for its thin, crisp chocolate chip cookies. The company prides itself on using real butter and chocolate and has a signature crunchiness to its products.
8. Is Biscoff an American biscuit brand?
No. Biscoff is not an American biscuit brand—it was created by Lotus Bakeries in Belgium. However, the brand has since become very popular with American consumers.
9. Which cookie brand makes soft frosted cookies?
Lofthouse is well known for its soft, colorful, frosted sugar cookies. This brand is especially popular around holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations.
10. Which biscuit brand is known for making shortbread?
Walker’s Shortbread is one of the most recognizable shortbread brands in the United States. It is a Scottish brand with a rich history and has been delighting consumers with traditional shortbread for over a century.
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