Market Trends of United States Children's Snack Bar Industry
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Remain a Significant Distribution Channel
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are some of the most visited retail locations in the United States due to the availability of a wide range of products from various brands that cater to varying consumer preferences. Over the last decade, supermarkets and hypermarkets have been experiencing an immense expansion in the country. They are some of the most dominant channels for the sales of snack bars. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary distribution channels for snack bars owing to their huge retail spaces and capacity to accommodate a wide range of preferences. Another major reason behind them holding the highest share is the strong penetration of popular chains. Walmart US had a total of 4,717 stores throughout the United States as of 2023. Thus, this channel is the primary sales channel for the sales of children’s snack bars.
This distribution channel is the most preferred by snack bar manufacturers to launch new products and increase their market share because of the high footfall in supermarkets/hypermarkets compared to other channels. For instance, in July 2021, This Saves Lives, a food brand, expanded the retail distribution of its Snack Bars, Kid’s Snack Bars, and Kids Krispy Treats to more than 1,200 Kroger banners across the United States. The Classic Snack Bars, the Kid's Snack Bars, and Kid's Krispy Treats have been made available across such stores. In addition, every single This Saves Lives purchase sends life-saving food to a child suffering from severe acute malnutrition globally.
Age Group of 4 to 6 years Dominating the Consumption Share of Snack Bars in the United States
Parents in the United States are seeing lots of snack bars for children that are smaller and often offer more nutritional benefits. Consumers are mainly buying snack bars as a healthy replacement for chocolates, which children are prone to indulge in. Ideally, snack bars consist mainly of whole foods and less-processed ingredients, which are good for children’s health compared to chocolates.
Moreover, companies are adding functional ingredients such as omega-3s, DHA, and choline to their products to support child development, growth, and cognitive health. Parents are actively looking for convenient snacking options that are healthy and nourishing snack options for their children on the go. Owing to the convenience factor, the demand for snack bars is increasing as more school-going kids can easily carry and eat snack bars during breaks as healthy snacking alternatives. In addition, a variety of flavors, such as strawberries and apples, offer diverse options for parents to select from.
Health-conscious parents are also looking for low-sugar and no-added-sugar snack bars for their kids. For example, brands such as Clif Bar offer organic whole-grain oats bars that are ideal for school snacks. The company’s products, such as CLIF Kid Z Bar, are certified USDA organic, making them non-GMO.
