2026
10
The Future of Snack Bars: 2026
2026-10-09T10:01:45+00:00
REPBB65FF57_5A28_45F2_A5FF_575A28D5F2C2
2195
196898
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Report
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Rather than relying solely on formulation innovation, unlock growth by redefining snack bars' role across new occasions, life stages, wellness needs and consumption moments.Hansika Subramanian, Principal Analyst - Food and…
Global
Snacks
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The Future of Snack Bars: 2026

Rather than relying solely on formulation innovation, unlock growth by redefining snack bars' role across new occasions, life stages, wellness needs and consumption moments.Hansika Subramanian, Principal Analyst - Food and Drink

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  1. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    • Where are we now
    • In the next two years
    • In five years and beyond
  2. IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Reposition snack bars for appetite-controlled lifestyles
    • Appetite-control mindsets reshape snacking
    • Graph 1: interest in and usage of GLP-1 medications and dietary supplements for weight management, 2024-25
    • Graph 2: consumer interest in medication for weight loss, by region, 2025
    • Balance function with indulgence in smaller eating moments
    • Snack bars are the perfect vehicle for nutrient-dense indulgence
    • Graph 3: function claims within snack bars, 2021-26
    • Graph 4: flavour landscape for snack/cereal/energy bars, 2026
    • Reframe portion control around nutritional adequacy, not size
    • Snack bars can simplify purposeful eating
    • Bars can turn portion guidance into an everyday decision tool
    • Redefine what protein delivers in snack bars
    • Turn protein leadership into deeper differentiation
    • Graph 5: launches with a high/added protein claim, by select categories, 2024-26
    • Bars will address the barriers limiting protein's potential
    • Snack bars will bridge protein performance with digestive wellness
    • Graph 6: snack bar launches with high/added protein combined with digestive, pre-/probiotic and fibre claims, 2021-26
    • Protein powders will offer bars a digestive blueprint
    • Innovate or reposition protein bars to help consumers 'eat their hydration'
    • Fruit bars will find a new role in hydration
    • Bars will give protein a distinct role at every life stage
    • Give savoury bars a role beyond just being 'not sweet'
    • Revisit savoury bars as snacking becomes more meal-like
    • Dessert flavours remain relevant, but innovation is becoming more familiar
    • Graph 7: flavour landscape for snack/ cereal/energy bars, 2026
    • Bars will use meal replacement to unlock savoury flavours
    • Graph 8: purchase of different bar types, by GLP-1 usage and interest, 2025
    • Bars will adapt format and temperature to savoury expectations
    • Savoury will learn from warm sweet bar formats
    • Time of day as part of communication
    • Graph 9: snack attribute by time of day, 2026
    • Three elements will define the proposition for savoury bars in the future
  3. IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND

    • Mintel's perspective
    • Bars will build on growing demand for functional snacks
    • Graph 10: top five functional claims in snack bars, 2023-26
    • Graph 11: interest in snack bar concepts, 2026
    • Bars will sharpen their functional positioning to target life-stage needs
    • Graph 12: interest in functional concepts within snack bars, 2026
    • Bars will rethink formulation as cost pressures converge
    • Ingredient alternatives will drive consumer value
    • Bars will address the gap in women's functional nutrition
    • Graph 13: launches carrying a 'suitable for women' claim, 2021-26
    • Graph 14: health issues faced by women in the span of a year, 2025
    • Bars will move women's nutrition beyond weight management and wellness into strength
    • Graph 15: fitness goals/motivations, by gender with an exercise habit, by age, 2024
    • Graph 16: snack bars for women by plus, minus and functional claims, 2021-26
    • Bars will translate strength into product positioning
  4. KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Key takeaways
Download Report Summary

Rather than relying solely on formulation innovation, unlock growth by redefining snack bars' role across new occasions, life stages, wellness needs and consumption moments.

Hansika Subramanian, Principal Analyst – Food and Drink

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