Protein Bar Market Report 2025

The protein bar market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.15 billion in 2024 to $5.51 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising health and wellness trends, fitness and sports nutrition, on-the-go snacking culture, weight management and dietary trends, increasing vegan and plant-based options.

The protein bar market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.36 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to focus on clean label and transparency, customization and personalization trends, e-commerce growth, health and fitness apps integration, sustainability and eco-friendly packaging. Major trends in the forecast period include plant-based protein dominance, functional ingredients and nutrient boosts, personalization and customization, snacking convenience, innovative flavors and textures.

The growing popularity of protein-based diets is anticipated to drive the growth of the protein bar market in the future. Protein-based diets primarily include foods rich in protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, nuts, beans, seafood, and plant-based options like soy. As demand for these diets rises, the protein bar market benefits, as protein bars serve as convenient sources of protein and essential nutrients. For example, in July 2022, Glanbia Nutritionals, a nutrition company based in the US, reported that the increasing emphasis on health and fitness among European consumers is significantly contributing to the growth of the continent's $3.4 billion sports nutrition market. Sports protein products dominate this sector, with annual sales reaching $2.5 billion, nearly half of which comes from protein powders. The market is expected to experience an 8% increase in protein/energy bars, 10.5% in protein powders, and 13.3% in sports protein ready-to-drink (RTD) products. Thus, the rising popularity of protein-based diets is driving the protein bar market.

The rising demand for convenience foods is projected to fuel the growth of the protein bar market in the coming years. Convenience foods are commercially prepared or partially prepared food products designed for quick and easy consumption or preparation by consumers. Protein bars generally contain a mix of protein sources, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, sweeteners, and occasionally added vitamins and minerals, making them a convenient and nutritionally balanced choice for people on the go. For example, in 2022, Avika, a potato processing company based in the Netherlands, reported that the UK fast food market grew by 9%, increasing from US$20.6 billion (£18.9 billion) in 2021 to US$22.45 billion (£20.61 billion) in 2022. Thus, the rising demand for convenience foods is a significant driver of growth in the protein bar market.

The prevailing trend in the protein bar market centers around product innovation. Major players in this market are dedicated to creating novel products as a means of reinforcing their market standing. For example, in June 2022, the US-based Kellogg Company, known for its production of protein bars, breakfast cereals, cookies, and other items, introduced Protein Snack Bars under its Special K brand. These Protein Snack Bars by Special K are robust, delectable, and satiating, offering 90 calories and a quick protein boost for those on the go, all without compromising on taste. Featuring six grams of protein, they are available in two tempting flavors - sweet Berry Vanilla and rich chocolaty Brownie Sundae.

Prominent companies in the protein bar market are introducing innovative products such as low-sugar protein bars to gain a competitive advantage. Low-sugar protein bars are a category tailored for individuals who seek a convenient protein source while keeping sugar intake in check, often achieved through the use of sugar substitutes. In August 2023, Mars Inc., a US-based food company, expanded its protein product range with the launch of Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar and Snickers Hi Protein Low Sugar White. These low-sugar bars, retaining the familiar Snickers flavors of peanut, nougat, and caramel, contain only 2g of sugar, 20g of protein, and 217-218 calories. Mars aims to capture both major multiples and impulse channels, leveraging the well-known Snickers brand to attract new consumers in a competitive market. The individually wrapped Snickers Low Sugar High Protein Bar not only offers a delicious and protein-packed snack but also provides the convenience of easy transport, making it a suitable choice for a quick and satisfying post-workout or on-the-go indulgence.

In April 2022, Ferrero International SpA, an Italy-based confectionery company known for producing sweets and snacks, acquired Fulfil Holdings Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to enhance Ferrero's product portfolio and broaden its market presence, allowing the company to attract new consumers and strengthen its position within the global confectionery industry. Fulfil Holdings Ltd. is an Ireland-based food and beverage company that specializes in the production of nutritional bars and snacks.

Major companies operating in the protein bar market include Nestlé S.A., Abbott Laboratories, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International Inc., General Mills Inc., Kellogg Company, Hormel Foods Corporation, Amway Corporation, Glanbia PLC, Post Holdings Inc., Danone North America LLC GNC Holdings LLC, ONE Brands LLC The Simply Good Foods Company, Premier Nutrition Company LLC, The Nature's Bounty Co, Clif Bar & Company, Quest Nutrition LLC, Orgain Inc., MusclePharm Corporation, NuGo Nutrition, Natural Balance Foods Limited, RXBAR & Co KIND LLC, PowerBar Inc, GoMacro LLC, Caveman Foods LLC, ProBar LLC.

North America was the largest region in the protein bar market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global protein bar market report forecast period. The regions covered in the protein bar market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the protein bar market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Protein bars are nutritious snacks composed of plant-based or milk-derived proteins such as hemp, whey, pea, or rice protein. Featuring a 2:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, protein bars are designed for energy and recovery. These bars offer quick energy replenishment, especially beneficial after strenuous activities.

Protein bars derive protein from either plant-based or animal-based sources. Plant-based proteins, obtained from sources such as pulses, tofu, soy, nuts, and certain cereals, offer advantages such as increased fiber intake, reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers, and weight management benefits. Protein bars are available in forms such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and sports nutrition bars, each with varying protein content, catering to different demographics such as adult males, adult females, and others.

The protein bar market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides protein bar market statistics, including protein bar industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a protein bar market share, detailed protein bar market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the protein bar industry. This protein bar market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The protein bar market consists of sales of low-sugar protein bars, chocolate protein bars, peanut butter protein bars, collagen protein bars. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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