Market Trends of Energy Bar Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Energy Bar Market according to our research experts:
Rising Demand for Healthy On-the-go Snacking
Globally, the convenience food demand is growing faster due to changes in social and economic patterns, increased expenditure on food and beverage, awareness about healthy foods, changes in meal patterns and existing food habits, and the desire to taste new products. According to the International Food Information Council report on food & health survey, the proportion of American consumers who actively looked for health benefits in their food in 2021 was 20%.
On-the-go snacking is becoming extremely popular, especially among the working-class population, teenage children, people living in hostels, and bachelors due to their hectic lifestyles. Moreover, the on-the-go snacking concept is closely associated with energy bars' easy consumption and product handling. Energy bars, packed into small quantities with high amounts of instant energy and all the daily essential nutrients and micronutrients, are widely available. It is also widely adopted, thus, propelling the market growth. Keeping the consumers' demand for healthy on-the-go snacking, companies have been innovating snack bars, including energy bars, to take advantage of the new opportunities in the market studied.
North America to Dominate the Market
In North America, consumers in the US, one of the most developed nations, demand highly convenient food owing to their fast-paced lifestyles. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), as of 2021, consumers in the US spend more than half of their food budget on convenient foods, including energy bars, thus, driving the consumption of energy bars in the country. Moreover, manufacturers are focusing on the region's health and wellness trends, targeting young consumers and the working population. The changing lifestyles of consumers, resulting in their consumption of smaller meals, are further leading to the increased consumption of healthy snacks, expected to propel the demand for energy bars. With consumers increasing their spending on packaged foods and having no time to prepare meals, people are turning toward convenience foods, like energy bars, for their energy requirements on the go.
Moreover, product launches with various label claims, such as "no artificial additive," "high or added fiber," and "reduced sugar," achieved strong growth in the past few years. Expensive brands offering products with natural and organic ingredients are expected to increase energy bars' sales in North America.
