So the results are in – and just in time for the New Year. MSNBC gives us a guide of the top brand names on Facebook.

So who are the winners? Well, the #1 makes sense, but the rest of the field may surprise you. The top brands in terms of annual advertising spending don’t show up on this list. Why? Because Facebook allows users to connect with their favorite products, services, brands and people in far more personal ways than advertisers have ever had the opportunity to monitor.

If branding – and sales – is all about popularity, Facebook is one tool that allows you to see, quite clearly, how you really stack up.

Oh, and keep in mind that ad agencies value each FB “like” as equivalent to $3.60 in advertising dollars. One more reason why every consumer products company should never overlook Facebook.

1. COCA-COLA
No. of Likes: 21,357,836

2. STARBUCKS
No. of Likes: 18,972,288

3. OREO
No. of Likes: 16,138,569

4. DISNEY
No. of Likes: 15,472,915

5. SKITTLES
No. of Likes: 14,544,182