What's New in Snack Bars

When it comes to snack bars, better-for-you options are trending higher, with new arrivals greatly sighted thus far in 2022. In February, Aloha, makers of organic plant-based protein bars, powders and drinks, launched four protein bar flavors at Whole Foods Market nationwide. And No Cow’s new plant-based Chocolate Dipped line meets consumers’ growing desire for options that marry health with full flavor.

According to Straits Research, based in Maharashtra, India, the global protein bar market is expected to reach nearly $80 billion by 2027 due to rising demand for convenient, better-for-you options and increased protein intake. Yet, there are limited plant-based options on the market, and those available often compromise on taste and/or nutrition, according to the firm.  

Click through for six recent snack bar releases in the grocery channel. 

Hemp Love introduced three new flavors of chocolate bars: Roasted Almond, Coconut and Espresso. The bars are made with organic coconut milk and protein rich hemp hearts. Like the original six flavors, they're organic, dairy-free, vegan and paleo-friendly.

HighKey, maker of confectionery treats and snacks that are low in sugar and carbs, launched a Caramel Filled Bar and Chocolaty Stix. The Caramel Filled Bar has 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of net carbs per serving, and each individually wrapped bar (3.17 ounces) can be broken into eight pieces. Each Chocolaty Stix bar—featuring peanut butter nougat and a layer of caramel, all enrobed in a milk chocolate coating—contains 9 grams of fiber and 1 gram of sugar. Six individually wrapped bars come in a box.

BodyBar Protein is a line of clean, protein-based bars (in both vegan and non-vegan options) that come in three flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Sweet Cocoa and Chocolate Brownie. BodyBar was designed to reset the bar and serve as a better-for-you replacement for traditional nutrition bars. The gluten-free bars are packed with protein and fiber and contain no added sugar.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain is helping parents prepare for breakfast and snack time with three new flavor mashups: Strawberry & Squash and Apple & Carrot Nutri-Grain soft-baked breakfast bars and Chocolatey Banana Nutri-Grain Bites. Each variety has 8 grams of whole grains in every serving. The breakfast bars have an SRP of $3.99 for an eight-count box, while the Nutri-Grain Chocolatey Banana Bites have an SRP of $3.69 for a five-count box and $5.79 for a 10-count box.

Dipped in plant-based chocolate with zero compromise to the bar’s macro profile, each No Cow Dipped bar contains a proprietary blend of rice and pea protein. The bars are packed with 20-plus grams of plant protein, 3 to 5 grams of net carbs, and a single gram of sugar per bar. The Dipped lineup features six flavors: six delectable flavors: Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Mint Cookie, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut and Chocolate Coconut Almond.

Aloha recently launched four of most popular plant-based protein bar flavors at Whole Foods Market nationwide. Now available are Peanut Butter Cup, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Coconut Chocolate Almond. The bars contain a proprietary brown rice and pumpkin seed protein blend and deliver 14 grams protein and 5 grams of sugar per serving.