Here’s something that will blow your mind: “different” brands crowding your grocery cart might just be siblings. Many of the labels you see as competitors are actually owned by the same few mega-companies. The result? Fewer real choices than you think and family ties you many not have guessed.
8. Annie’s Homegrown and Cheerios (General Mills)
That’s right, the organic-feel Annie’s brand and classic Cheerios are actually siblings! General Mills owns both, but Annie’s markets itself as independent and eco-friendly. The acquisition in 2014 helps General Mills reach health-conscious shoppers while still dominating mainstream cereal sales through Cheerios.
7. Skittles and Cheez-Its (Mars + Kellanova merger)
Skittles candy and Cheez-It crackers are about to become pantry buddies. Mars Inc. is merging with Kellanova (owner of Cheez-Its), and it’s expected to close before the end of 2025. This could affect innovation, and yes, prices too, as consolidation often trims competition.
6. Dove Chocolate and M&M’s (Mars)
Dove chocolate, known for being fancy and silky, is a sibling of M&M’s candies. They became a part of the same sweet family when Mars Inc. acquired Dove back in 1986. Clearly, Mars is using brand variety to appeal to different cravings. For you, that means more sweet choices, but often from the same supply chain and R&D.
5. Kraft Singles and Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat (Kraft Heinz)
You’d think processed cheese and deli meat come from different worlds, but Kraft Heinz offers both. The two brands were joined under one banner when Kraft Foods merged with Heinz in 2015. It helps the company streamline packaged convenience meals like easy sandwiches with single-serve cheese and meat.
4. Betty Crocker Cake Mix and Cheerios (General Mills)
Betty Crocker cake mixes and Cheerios both live under the same corporate baking kitchen of General Mills. This lets the company cross-promote and tweak ingredients across brands, enjoying economies of scale in production and marketing. For you that means wide variety, but a single corporation steering flavor trends.
3. Whiskas Cat Food and Pedigree Dog Food (Mars Petcare)
Yes, pet’s brands are also part of a larger world. Whiskas (for cats) and Pedigree (for dogs) are both brands under Mars Petcare. The company acquired Whiskas back in the 1960s and Pedigree decades ago. Now, they share marketing, distribution, and nutrition science.
2. Pringles and Pop-Tarts (Kellanova)
Crispy Pringles and sweet Pop-Tarts come from the same snack giant that is Kellanova, spun off from Kellogg’s in 2023. This keeps savory and sweet under the same roof, allowing cross-category deals and shared supply. This also means convenience when shopping, but fewer independent companies behind thee names you love.
1. M&M’s and Pringles (Mars post-merger)
Imagine this jaw-dropping combo: M&M’s and Pringles, both of which will live under the house of Mars, after the merge with Kellanova. That means your candy and chip cravings will soon be managed by one giant snack empire. You can also expect broader “snack bundles” and potential pricing shifts.