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Snacks and bars

Snacks/bars are small, portable food items that are designed to be eaten on the go or as quick and convenient snacks between meals. They can come in various forms such as energy bars, protein bars, granola bars, fruit bars, and snack bars.

These bars usually contain a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats and may also include other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks like chips, candy, and cookies.

Snack bars can be a convenient option for people who are busy and on the go or for those looking for a quick and easy snack to satisfy their hunger between meals. They can be found in many grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers.

The market scope for snacks/bars is quite large and continues to grow as consumers increasingly look for healthy, convenient, and on-the-go options. The global market for snack bars was valued at approximately USD 15.7 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research.

The growth of the market can be attributed to various factors, including increasing consumer awareness regarding the importance of a healthy diet, changing lifestyles and dietary habits, rising demand for convenient and portable snacks, and the availability of various types of snack bars with different flavours and ingredients.

The market for snack bars is also segmented based on the type of bars, such as protein bars, energy bars, meal replacement bars, granola bars, and others. Protein bars are the most popular type of snack bar, followed by energy bars. These bars are widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, health food stores, and online retailers, making them easily accessible to consumers.

The market scope for snacks/bars is broad, with increasing demand from health-conscious consumers looking for convenient and healthy snack options. The market is projected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, lifestyle changes, and increasing product availability.

The major players in the Market for Snacks/bars are as follows:

1. Kellogg's

2. Clif Bar & Company

3. General Mills

4. Quest Nutrition

5. KIND Snacks

6. RXBAR

7. Nature's Bakery

The commercial production of snacks/bars typically involves several steps, including ingredient sourcing, mixing, and blending, molding or forming, baking or cooking, cooling, packaging, and labelling. Here is a brief overview of each step:

1. Ingredient sourcing: Snack bar manufacturers source high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, and sweeteners, from suppliers. These ingredients may be purchased in bulk quantities to reduce costs.

2. Mixing and blending: The ingredients are mixed and blended in large machines to create a homogenous mixture. Depending on the recipe, various ingredients may be added at this stage, such as protein powders, flavourings, or preservatives.

3. Molding or forming: The mixture is then formed into the desired shape using molds or presses. Some bars may be extruded or rolled into shape, while others may be pressed into molds.

4. Baking or cooking: Most snack bars are baked or cooked in ovens or industrial-sized equipment to ensure they are fully cooked and give them a desirable texture.

5. Cooling: After baking or cooking, the bars are cooled to room temperature. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and ensures the bars have the desired texture.

6. Packaging: Once cooled, the bars are wrapped in airtight packaging to maintain freshness and extend their shelf life. The packaging may be printed with brand information, nutritional information, and other details.

7. Labelling: Finally, snack bar manufacturers add product labels, which typically include information such as the name of the product, ingredients, nutritional information, and any other relevant information.

The production process may vary slightly depending on the type of snack bar being made and the specific manufacturing equipment used. However, these general steps are typically involved in the commercial production of snack bars.