United Kingdom Snack Bar Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

United Kingdom Snack Bar Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The United Kingdom snack bar market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

Snacks and nuts, along with crisps, confectionery, and soft drinks categories, have witnessed a significant decline in the food sector due to the pandemic restrictions in place, as many people were no longer traveling to work, significantly impacting on-the-go snacking and the snack bar market.

Supermarkets re-allocated stock priorities toward staples and essential supplies due to the coronavirus outbreak during the initial stage. This was mainly due to the mass lockdown instructions given by the governments of several countries to avoid the spread of the pandemic, which impacted the market significantly.

However, specific claims such as energy-boosting, immune support, digestive health, high protein, etc., will continue to drive sales of snack bars and brands, which can potentially capitalize on such claims in the coming years.

Over the long term, the snack bar market is driven by the rising demand for portion-control replacement options and the reduction in average eating times of adults, especially among working-class consumers.

Cereal bars have acquired greater importance as suitable breakfast replacement options. Fruits and nuts are also featuring in an increasing number of snack bar launches, as these ingredients have high health perceptions attached to them.

There has been strong demand for a blend of ingredients such as fruit, whole nuts, rolled oats, etc., that contribute to high nutrient density, coupled with exotic flavors, such as dark chocolate, to increase the product appeal.

Key Market TrendsDemand for Convenient and Healthy On-the-go Snacking

The demand for convenience foods is growing at a faster pace due to growing awareness about healthy foods, changes in meal patterns and existing food habits, and the desire to taste new products. The fast-paced lifestyle of the population has contributed to an on-the-go eating pattern in the country, with consumers preferring ready-to-eat healthy foods to accommodate their need for quick energy and nutrition. The stores in the United Kingdom are heavily flooded with multifarious types of snack bars, ranging from protein-rich bars, nutritious bars, gluten-free bars, and dairy-free bars. This large variety of snack bar options aid in attracting a broad spectrum of consumers. Two-thirds of these consumers are interested in the nutritional benefits offered by these bars. End users in the country consume snack bars often during breakfast. However, snack bars are now being consumed for lunch and afternoon tea, with a growing number of consumers in the United Kingdom consuming products labeled “on-the-go” at least once a day.

Energy Bars Hold a Significant Share in the Market

Initially, diet-conscious individuals and athletes consumed energy bars as a workout aid or a meal supplement. However, the health benefits associated with energy bars attracted health-conscious consumers, creating a surge in their market share. This category rapidly transformed and increased its market share. Energy bars are rapidly replacing breakfast bars, thus contributing to their market growth. The market is driven by rising health awareness and willingness to pay for healthier food options. Many consumers prefer energy bars as a supplement in their regular diet; they also substitute breakfast with one or two energy bars. Companies like Kellogg's have products with high-protein content in snack bars and multiple flavors, like caramel pretzel cashew protein, which includes ingredients, such as soy protein isolate, soluble corn fiber, cashew, palm kernel, soy lecithin, and palm oil, among other ingredients.

Competitive Landscape

The United Kingdom snack bar market is highly competitive owing to the presence of a large number of players. The key players of the market are The Kellogg Company, Weetabix Ltd, General Mills Inc., Yıldız Holding, Mars Inc., and GlaxoSmithKline PLC, among others. Product innovation is the most preferred strategy adopted by the majority of key players in the snack bar market. Also, while developing new products, manufacturers are sensitive to ongoing consumer wariness and trends about choosing products that are suitable for their healthy lifestyle choices. Thus, players are offering products with international standards and certifications such as organic, Kosher, and others.​

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

Companies Mentioned

The Kellogg Company
Weetabix Ltd
General Mills Inc.
Yildiz Holding
Mars Incorporated
GlaxoSmithKline PLC
Clif Bar & Company
Lotus Bakeries
Natural Balance Foods Ltd
KIND LLC

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