Confectionery giant Mars has struck a deal to snap up Pringles and Pop-Tart-maker Kellanova for nearly $36bn (£28bn).
The firms called it the biggest snacking buyout this year, while legal experts don’t expect any objections from regulators.
The deal comes as cash-strapped consumers have been opting for cheaper own-brand junk food, according to market data specialists Mintel.
There is also a trend to towards healthier snacking in the UK, it said.