7 Popular Food Brands That Are Owned by the Same Company

You might think your favorite food brands are all competing for space on store shelves, but many of them actually fall under the same corporate umbrella. Major food companies own dozens of popular names, from cereal to snacks, frozen foods to drinks. It’s why you often see similar marketing styles, shared shelf space, or bundled deals. Learning which brands are connected can change how you see the grocery aisle. Here are seven food brands that share the same parent company.

1. Lay’s and Cheetos (PepsiCo)

Lay’s and Cheetos may seem like very different snacks, but both are part of PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Lay’s built its reputation as the classic potato chip brand, offering everything from plain salted to bold flavors like sour cream and onion. Cheetos carved its own lane with the unmistakable crunch of cheese-dusted corn puffs. Despite their differences, both brands are marketed with playful, approachable personalities that keep them household favorites. PepsiCo’s reach in the snack aisle is massive, and these two brands prove it.

2. Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum (Unilever)

Ben & Jerry’s is known for its chunky, creative ice cream pints, while Magnum built its identity around indulgent chocolate-coated ice cream bars. At first glance, they don’t have much in common beyond being frozen desserts. But both fall under the Unilever umbrella, which owns a wide range of household food brands. Ben & Jerry’s leans into quirky names and social messaging, while Magnum goes for luxury and indulgence. Together, they let Unilever cover both fun-loving ice cream fans and those chasing a more upscale treat.

3. Cheerios and Lucky Charms (General Mills)

Cheerios is marketed as a heart-healthy breakfast staple, often chosen by families looking for simple nutrition. Lucky Charms, with its colorful marshmallows and cartoon leprechaun, has long appealed to kids and the young at heart. Both cereals, however, are made by General Mills. The company strategically uses different branding and messaging to target completely different audiences within the cereal aisle. This approach lets General Mills dominate breakfast choices, from wholesome to whimsical, all while keeping its products side by side in stores.

4. Oreos and Ritz Crackers (Mondelēz International)

Oreos and Ritz might not seem connected. One is the world’s most famous sandwich cookie, while the other is a buttery, savory cracker. Yet both belong to Mondelēz International, a company that oversees a wide array of snack brands. Oreos are known for their iconic black-and-white design and countless flavor spinoffs, while Ritz built a reputation for versatility, pairing with both sweet and savory toppings. Together, they highlight Mondelēz’s strategy to dominate snack time, whether you’re craving salty, sweet, or a mix of both.

5. Tropicana and Quaker Oats (PepsiCo)

Tropicana is famous for its orange juice and other fruit-based drinks, while Quaker Oats is practically synonymous with oatmeal. They don’t seem like natural partners, but both belong to PepsiCo (though only the controlling share for Tropicana). Together, they give the company a foothold in the breakfast category, where consumers often reach for both juice and cereal or oats. By owning both, PepsiCo not only controls two morning staples but also positions itself as a trusted provider of nutritious starts to the day. The pairing shows how one company can shape your breakfast table.

6. Doritos and Gatorade (PepsiCo)

Doritos is the go-to brand for bold, flavored tortilla chips, while Gatorade dominates the sports drink market. Both seem unrelated, but they fall under PepsiCo. This gives the company control over two different categories: salty snacks and performance beverages. While Doritos markets itself with humor, flavor intensity, and pop culture tie-ins, Gatorade takes a serious tone, promoting hydration and athletic performance. Together, they show how PepsiCo balances fun and function, securing its place in both snack time and sports nutrition.

7. Capri Sun and Jell-O (Kraft Heinz)

Capri Sun is the pouch drink that became a lunchbox icon, while Jell-O has long been the go-to wobbly dessert. At first, they seem worlds apart, but both are part of Kraft Heinz’s portfolio (though Kraft Heinz only foresees the US operations under a license). Capri Sun is marketed around convenience and fun for kids, while Jell-O has been reinvented countless times, from snack cups to creative recipes. Together, they let Kraft Heinz own both the drink and dessert space for younger audiences, cementing its role in shaping everyday family snacks and treats.