Smarter Snack Bars – A Digital Magazine Feature

These bars have shifted from traditional energy and protein bars to goal-specific nutrition bars, featuring trendy ingredients such as nootropic enhancers like mushrooms and gut-friendly probiotics.

This shift reflects growing consumer demand for healthier, functional snacks. New formulations include combinations like protein with functional mushrooms, carbs with caffeine, and bars designed to support brain health and hormone balance. Snack bars now serve as “permissible indulgences,” providing convenient, on-the-go nutrition while offering additional health benefits.

Functional ingredients are playing an increasingly prominent role in new product launches. To explore this trend further, download the free digital magazine, which covers:

1. Viewpoint: A ‘Blank Canvas’ for Innovation
   Audarshia Townsend delves into the potential of new technologies to improve the texture and appeal of functional bars, driving innovation in the industry.
2. Multifunctional Power Bars: Beyond Protein and Energy
   Nick Collias examines how snack bars have evolved from simple protein bars to addressing broader health concerns like cognitive function and nutrient stability.
3. Mastering Texture and the Science of Bar Structure
   Cindy Hazen explains the technical challenges in maintaining the softness and texture of functional breakfast bars, focusing on moisture control and ingredient choices.
4. How To: Design Allergen-Free Energy Bars Consumers Will Crave
   Kimberly J. Decker explores the growing demand for allergen-free bars and provides insights into successful allergen management strategies in manufacturing.
5. Functional Bar Insiders Talk Taste, Formulation, and Holistic Benefits
   Leaders from brands like Mindright, MOSH, and Truth Bar share insights on formulating bars with holistic health benefits using ingredients like marine magnesium and MCT oil.

Key takeaways for businesses:

• Functional ingredients are featured in 40% of new product launches, reflecting a shift toward healthier, purpose-driven snacks.
• Portable nutrition is becoming increasingly essential, with snack bars often doubling as meal replacements.
• Ingredient choices like tapioca syrup, acacia gum, and allulose are crucial for meeting nutritional goals and ensuring desired texture.