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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."
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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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
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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The future will see snack bars evolve into guilt-free desserts, own and manage kids' nutrition, and prioritise micronutrients in personalised formulations.
Hansika Subramanian, Principal Analyst - Food and Drink
...
Flavour and texture are key innovation areas for salty snacks, while clean label and better-for-you recipes are flourishing.
Mikolaj Kaczorowski, Innovation Analyst
...
Consumers will appreciate multi-sensory snacking experiences, healthy snacking habits will evolve in response to GLP-1 drugs, and supply chains will undergo changes.
Jolene Ng, Senior Food and Drink Analyst
...
Snacking has disrupted 'old-fashioned' mealtimes. However, snacking needs differ as consumers age. Get inspired; discover how to make each generation hungry for your snacks.
Jonny Forsyth, Director of Mintel...
Consumer snacking habits will evolve from day to night. The importance of flavour will dominate and climate change will continue to be an ongoing threat.
Jolene Ng, Senior Food...
Snack bar innovation continues to focus on consumers' interest in better-for-you and more natural foods, as added/high protein claims soar in Europe.
Mikolaj Kaczorowski, Innovation Analyst
...
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