North America Cereal Bar Market Size
Study Period | 2018 - 2030 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 5.85 Billion | |
Market Size (2030) | USD 8.31 Billion | |
Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 6.04 % | |
Largest Share by Country | United States | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Cereal Bar Market Analysis
The North America Cereal Bar Market size is estimated at 5.85 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 8.31 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.04% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
5.85 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
8.31 Billion
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
5.13 %
CAGR (2018-2023)
6.04 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Distribution Channel
40.26 %
value share, Supermarket/Hypermarket, 2023
Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer confectioneries under various labels, like clean-label and free-form products, which give consumers choices according to their preferences.
Largest Segment by Country
77.23 %
value share, United States, 2023
The change in consumer preferences as they seek health-promoting and convenient products to satisfy hunger by replacing a meal is driving the market in the United States.
Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel
7.08 %
Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030
The ease of shopping experience and availability of many products and the increasing number of retailers in this channel have become a major driver of the segment's growth.
Fastest-growing Segment by Country
8.75 %
Projected CAGR, Mexico, 2024-2030
The increased nutritional value of cereal bars with intense health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol levels, is anticipated to drive the segment's growth in Mexico.
Leading Market Player
14.17 %
market share, General Mills Inc., 2022
General Mills Inc. has gained a competitive edge due to its extensive product portfolio and wide brand presence, along with its strategic moves toward innovation.
Supermarkets/hypermarkets and convenience stores accounted for major shares of sales of cereal bars due to easy accessibility coupled with the provided discounts
- The sales of cereal bars in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 14% in the region from 2022 to 2024, owing to the easy availability of cereal bars among these retail channels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the leading channels for these sales. From 2019 to 2023, the sales of cereal bars across supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 23% in volume. Consumer preference for these channels is driven by seasonal offers, discounts on bulk purchases, and access to diversified brand and product varieties in a single marketplace. Supermarket chains such as Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Amazon Fresh, Target, Whole Foods, Publix, and Aldi have a dedicated section to showcase cereal bars.
- After supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for purchasing cereal bars in the region. The segment had a 28% share of overall sales through off-trade channels in 2022. The broader reach and easy access to private label brands drive the consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. The cereal bars sales value through convenience stores is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.82% from 2023-2029 to reach a sales value of USD 2224.79 million in 2029.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for cereal bars, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.90% in terms of value during 2023-2029. The evolving role of online channels in grocery purchases is influenced by the vast population in the country having internet access. In 2022, 93.4% of the population in the region have accessed the internet. The leading online retailers that offer cereal bars are Walmart, Amazon, Dell, Sears, Costco, and Best Buy.
The United States dominates the market with growing consumer preference toward ready-to-eat products, supporting the sales of cereal bars
- The North American cereal bars market has observed a growth of 15% from 2021-2023. The growth is attributed to consumer preference toward cereal-based ready-to-eat (RTE), meal replacement, and packed food items. Cereal, including cereal bars, is the nation’s number one choice for breakfast. 14% of the US population preferred it as their favorite breakfast option in 2023. The sales of cereal bars in North America are anticipated to grow by 19% during 2024-2027.
- By country, the United States is a leading market for cereal bar consumption in the region. It is anticipated that the sales value will increase by 23% in 2024 compared to 2021. As of 2023, more than 90% of consumers in the United States stated that they are consuming snacks, including cereal bars. Cereal bars are the largest-growing segment in the country, with an estimated value growth of 7% in 2023 relative to 2022. They are promoted as a portable and handy breakfast or snack choice.
- Canada is also one of the leading countries consuming cereal bars in the North American region. Consumers believe a cereal-based diet rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and nuts improves blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. The growth is aided by the growing demand for clean-label products and the rising awareness of healthy food. Canadians are increasingly consuming cereal bars with nutrient-rich, gluten-free, sugar-free varieties. Some popular brands offering sugar-free, organic cereal bars in Canada include Made Good, GoGo Quinoa, Nature's Path, Nii Bar, and True Nature. The sales of cereal bars in Canada are anticipated to grow by a value of 15% during 2024-2027.
North America Cereal Bar Market Trends
Growing consumer concern toward nutrition intake has resulted in a strong demand for healthy snacking options like cereal bars
- Cereal bars are most frequently preferred to be consumed as a supplement to meals, especially as breakfast meals or on-the-go snack items in the region. For instance, the United States’ favorite breakfast in 2023 was cereals, with 14% of people having them as a preferred choice.
- In North America, gums have various product attributes that cater to consumer preferences and needs. Many consumers in the region prefer sugar-free gums to reduce their sugar intake. Sugar-free gums are sweetened with alternative sweeteners like xylitol.
- With the growing demand for healthy snack alternatives, cereal bar manufacturers have been experiencing a surge in their sales. The fluctuation in the product’s price is connected with the rise and fall in the prices of its raw materials, including cereals, grains, sugar, and others. In North America, in 2023, the retail price of a cereal bar was USD 6.54.
- In North America, cereal bars are consumed to either replace or supplement a meal. The importance of the nutritional aspect is best reflected by the fact that among all the different snack bars, cereal bars are consumed as a healthier alternative to meals among Americans. The cereal bar is the second-largest snack bar segment in the United States, with a value share of 40% in 2023.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Addition of unconventional ingredients like amaranth, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds among others are getting highly popular in the market
North America Cereal Bar Industry Overview
The North America Cereal Bar Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 26.28%. The major players in this market are General Mills Inc., Mars Incorporated, McKee Foods Corporation, Mondelēz International Inc. and PepsiCo Inc. (sorted alphabetically).
North America Cereal Bar Market Leaders
General Mills Inc.
Mars Incorporated
McKee Foods Corporation
Mondelēz International Inc.
PepsiCo Inc.
Other important companies include Core Foods, Kellogg Company, Probar Inc., Riverside Natural Foods Ltd, Simply Good Foods Co..
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
North America Cereal Bar Market News
- March 2023: CORE® Foods has announced its partnership with American Professional Snowboarder and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chloe Kim. This news strengthens the recently established cooperation between CORE® and the Alterra Mountain Company, serving the company's various mountain destinations across the United States.
- March 2023: Cascadian Farm, a General Mills brand, has launched granola bars that are made in a peanut-free facility. The bars are also USDA-certified organic and made with 35% less sugar compared to the original Annie’s Dipped Granola Bars.
- December 2022: CORE® Foods has announced its partnership agreement with Alterra Mountain Company, which is designed to enhance the on-site guest experience by making CORE® Bars the official nutrition bar of Alterra Mountain Company's US destinations.
Free with this Report
We provide a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers for global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the confectionery industry. With the help of 45+ free charts, clients can access in-depth market analysis based on price trend analysis of confectionery ingredients and per capita consumption of confections, through granular-level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on confections, confectionery variants, sugar content, insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, an overview of key market players, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel-based data worksheets.
North America Cereal Bar Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Regulatory Framework
- 4.2 Consumer Buying Behavior
- 4.3 Ingredient Analysis
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
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5.1 Distribution Channel
- 5.1.1 Convenience Store
- 5.1.2 Online Retail Store
- 5.1.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket
- 5.1.4 Others
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5.2 Country
- 5.2.1 Canada
- 5.2.2 Mexico
- 5.2.3 United States
- 5.2.4 Rest of North America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Core Foods
- 6.4.2 General Mills Inc.
- 6.4.3 Kellogg Company
- 6.4.4 Mars Incorporated
- 6.4.5 McKee Foods Corporation
- 6.4.6 Mondelēz International Inc.
- 6.4.7 PepsiCo Inc.
- 6.4.8 Probar Inc.
- 6.4.9 Riverside Natural Foods Ltd
- 6.4.10 Simply Good Foods Co.
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
8. APPENDIX
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8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 10:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY COUNTRY, METRIC TONNES, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY COUNTRY, USD, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY COUNTRY, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE SHARE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET BY COUNTRY, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 19:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CANADA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 20:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, USD, CANADA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, METRIC TONNES, MEXICO, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, USD, MEXICO, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, METRIC TONNES, UNITED STATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, USD, UNITED STATES, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VOLUME OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, METRIC TONNES, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- VALUE OF CEREAL BAR MARKET, USD, REST OF NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 28:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, NORTH AMERICA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 29:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, NORTH AMERICA, 2022
North America Cereal Bar Industry Segmentation
Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.
- The sales of cereal bars in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 14% in the region from 2022 to 2024, owing to the easy availability of cereal bars among these retail channels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the leading channels for these sales. From 2019 to 2023, the sales of cereal bars across supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 23% in volume. Consumer preference for these channels is driven by seasonal offers, discounts on bulk purchases, and access to diversified brand and product varieties in a single marketplace. Supermarket chains such as Safeway, Walmart, Costco, Amazon Fresh, Target, Whole Foods, Publix, and Aldi have a dedicated section to showcase cereal bars.
- After supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channel for purchasing cereal bars in the region. The segment had a 28% share of overall sales through off-trade channels in 2022. The broader reach and easy access to private label brands drive the consumer preference for traditional grocery stores over other retail channels. The cereal bars sales value through convenience stores is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.82% from 2023-2029 to reach a sales value of USD 2224.79 million in 2029.
- The online channel is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel for cereal bars, with an anticipated CAGR of 6.90% in terms of value during 2023-2029. The evolving role of online channels in grocery purchases is influenced by the vast population in the country having internet access. In 2022, 93.4% of the population in the region have accessed the internet. The leading online retailers that offer cereal bars are Walmart, Amazon, Dell, Sears, Costco, and Best Buy.
Distribution Channel | Convenience Store |
Online Retail Store | |
Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
Others | |
Country | Canada |
Mexico | |
United States | |
Rest of North America |
Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
Keyword | Definition |
---|---|
Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
RDD | Recommended daily dose |
Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms