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Report
en_GB
Nutrition and better-for-you claims are trending in snack bars, with a particular emphasis on protein. Mikolaj Kaczorowski, Innovation Analyst…
Global
Snacks
simple
A Year of Innovation in Snack Bars 2025
"Nutrition and better-for-you claims are trending in snack bars, with a particular emphasis on protein."
Mikolaj Kaczorowski, Innovation Analyst
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What we have seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Global spotlight: chocolate leads snack bar flavour innovation
Graph 1: [no title]
The Future of Snack Bars: 2025
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: brands are tapping into consumer interest in better-for-you snack bars
Consumers are looking for healthier versions of snack bars
Private label snack bar launches lag behind branded in better-for-you claims
Graph 2: % of private label and branded snack bar launches by share of select claims, 2024/25
Protein, collagen and nutrient fortification feature in these private label snack bars
Branded snack bar launches are infused with adaptogens, protein and fibre
Brand renovation/innovation: Danone expands its HiPRO brand into the snack bar category
Europe: textures play a key role in snack bar innovation
Consumers are seeking out novel sensory experiences
Crunchy textures lead snack bar innovation in the region, with soft textures growing
Graph 3: share of snack bar launches, by top five textures, 2024/25
Snack bar brands offer consumers a diversity of texture options
The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Consumers are seeking out more natural snack bars
Snack bar brands highlight recipes with natural and organic ingredients
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Asia: brands are tapping into demand for snack bars with nutritional benefits
Consumers are looking for a nutritional boost from snack bars
Protein and fibre claims are trending
Graph 4: % of snack bar launches with a high/added protein or fibre claim, 2020-25
Protein messaging takes centre stage in these snack bar launches
Asia: brands respond to consumer demand for reduced-sugar snack bars
Sugar content is a concern for snack bar consumers
No added sugar claims are growing in snack bar launches in the region
Graph 5: % of snack bar launches with a sugar related claim, 2020-25
Snack bar brands are keen to highlight no sugar recipes
Australia & New Zealand
Chocolate flavours grow in snack bar launches in Australia and New Zealand
Graph 6: % of snack bar launches with the chocolate flavour component subgroup, 2020-25
Chocolate flavours are popular in snack bar launches in the region
Brand renovation/innovation: Uncle Tobys launches snack bars with flavours inspired by popular chocolate bars
THE AMERICAS
North America: high-protein claims are growing in snack bar launches
Consumers are seeking out high-protein snack options
High protein claims record a jump in snack bar launches
Peanut butter and chocolate feature prominently in high protein snack bars
North America: natural snack bar recipes are in demand
Consumers are looking for snack bars with simple ingredients
Natural claims have stalled in snack bar launches
Graph 7: % of snack bar launches with select natural claims, 2020-25
Snack bar brands highlight additive-free and minimal ingredient recipes
Brand renovation/innovation: Joolies launch flavoured date and nut energy bites
Latin America
Protein leads better-for-you claims in snack bar launches in Latin America
Graph 8: % of snack bar launches with select plus claims, 2020-25
Snack bar brands highlight fibre and protein rich formulations
Explore the latest innovation in snack bars in 2025 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
Key innovation trends in the global snack bar market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global snack bars market. Understanding innovation in snack bars has never been so easy.
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