Protein Bars Market Research Report Information By Product Type (Snack Bars, Meal Replacement Bars, Energy Bars, and Others), By Category (Gluten-Free, Organic, Vegan, Multi-Claim, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Store-Based, and Non-Store-Based), And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) – Market Forecast Till 2030

Global Protein Bars Market Overview

Protein Bars Market Size was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2022. The Protein Bars market industry is projected to grow from USD 4.88 Billion in 2023 to USD 7.05 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.30% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). Increasing Growing demand for convenient and healthy snacks, the rise in health consciousness and fitness trends, and the increasing popularity of plant-based and vegan diets are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Protein Bars Market Trends

• Growing demand for convenient and healthy snacks to boost market growth

With busy lifestyles and on-the-go eating habits, consumers are increasingly turning to convenient snacks that are also healthy. Protein bars are seen as a convenient and easy way to supplement one's diet with protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, and for promoting satiety. Manufacturers are introducing new and innovative flavors and formats of protein bars to cater to different tastes and preferences. This includes the introduction of new flavors such as salted caramel, chocolate chip cookie dough, and birthday cake, as well as the development of new formats such as protein bars with added fiber or vitamins and minerals.

As more consumers become health-conscious and adopt fitness-oriented lifestyles, there is a growing demand for protein bars as a source of protein and nutrition to support muscle growth and recovery. With the popularity of high-protein diets, such as the paleo and ketogenic diets, protein bars have become a convenient way to supplement protein intake.

Moreover, increasing demand for plant-based and vegan products has been on the rise in recent years, driven by concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health. Protein bars made from plant-based sources, such as soy, pea, and rice protein, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers looking for a vegan-friendly protein source.

Protein Bars Market Segment Insights

Protein Bars Product Type Insights

The Protein Bars market segmentation, based on product type, includes snack bars, meal, replacement bars, energy bars, and others. The energy bars segment held the majority share in 2022 contribution to the Protein Bars market revenue. This is because energy bars are designed to provide a quick burst of energy, typically from carbohydrates, and are often consumed by athletes or people engaged in physical activity and this makes them popular amongst athletes. Also, Meal replacement bars are intended to replace a full meal and provide a balance of macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Snack bars are designed to provide a convenient and healthy snack option between meals.

March 2019: Mars Inc. announced the acquisition of a majority stake in a sports nutrition company named Foodspring. Foodspring offers a range of protein bars and snacks aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Protein Bars Category Insights

The Protein Bars market segmentation, based on Category, includes gluten-free, organic, vegan, multi-claim, and others. The vegan segment dominated the market in 2022 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. This is due to the concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health. Protein bars made from plant-based sources, such as soy, pea, and rice protein, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers looking for a vegan-friendly protein source.

January 2021: RXBAR launched a line of protein bars made with plant-based protein from peas and nuts. The bars are vegan and available in four flavors.

Protein Bars Distribution Channel Insights

The Protein Bars market data has been bifurcated by distribution channel into store-based, and non-store-based. The store-based distribution channel segment dominated the market in 2022. This is because protein bars can be purchased from a variety of retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and health food stores. However, the non-store-based segment is expected to grow at a faster rate. This growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of e-commerce and the convenience it provides to consumers. The distribution channel can impact the price and availability of protein bars, with online retailers often offering a wider selection of brands and flavors at a lower price point.
Figure 1:  Protein Bars Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Protein Bars Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. North America protein bars market accounted for USD 2.10 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. The region is driven by the growing demand for healthy and convenient snacks, as well as the rise in health consciousness and fitness trends. The United States is the largest market in the region, followed by Canada and Mexico.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2:  PROTEIN BARS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe Protein Bars market accounts for the second-largest market share. The market is driven by the increasing demand for protein bars among health-conscious consumers and the growing popularity of vegan and plant-based diets. The market is also driven by the high disposable income of consumers in the region. Further, the Germany Protein Bars market held the largest market share, and the UK Protein Bars market was the fastest growing market in the European region due to the high demand for protein bars and the presence of several major manufacturers in the country.

The Asia-Pacific Protein Bars market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The market is driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing health awareness among consumers. The market is dominated by countries such as China, India, and Japan. The region is also witnessing a rise in demand for plant-based and vegan protein bars. Moreover, China Protein Bars market held the largest market share, and the India Protein Bars market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Protein Bars Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Protein Bars market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Protein Bars industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the Protein Bars industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, Protein Bars industry has provided innovative products with some of the most significant benefits. The Protein Bars market major player such as Naturells India Pvt. Ltd. (India), General Mills Inc. (US), Kellogg Company (US), Mars Incorporated (US), Natural Balance Foods Ltd. (UK), Atkins Nutritionals Inc. (US), The Nature's Bounty Co. (US), Clif Bar & Company (US), Abbott Laboratories Inc. (US), Quest Nutrition LLC (US) and others are working to expand the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

General Mills Inc. is a multinational food company that manufactures and markets a wide range of consumer food products. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Minnesota, USA. General Mills has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Pillsbury, and Nature Valley, among others. One of General Mills popular product lines is Nature Valley protein bars. These bars are made with natural ingredients such as whole grain oats, nuts, and seeds and provide a convenient and nutritious snack option for consumers. In February 2021, General Mills announced the acquisition of a nutrition bar company named One Brands. One Brands offers a range of protein bars made with whey and milk protein.

Quest Nutrition LLC is a nutrition company that specializes in producing protein bars, protein cookies, and protein powders. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in California, USA. It offers high-quality, nutritious, and convenient snack options for consumers. Its protein bars are among its most popular products. The bars are made with high-quality protein sources such as whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate and come in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Blueberry Muffin, and S'mores. Its protein bars are also low in sugar and carbs, making them a popular choice for consumers following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. In August 2020, Quest Nutrition announced a partnership with Beyond Meat to develop a plant-based protein bar. The bar will be made with Beyond Meat's plant-based protein and is expected to launch in 2021.

Key Companies in the Protein Bars market includes

• Naturells India Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• General Mills Inc. (US)


• Kellogg Company (US)


• Mars Incorporated (US)


• Natural Balance Foods Ltd. (UK)


• Atkins Nutritionals Inc. (US)


• The Nature's Bounty Co. (US)


• Clif Bar & Company (US)


• Abbott Laboratories Inc. (US)


• Quest Nutrition LLC (US)

Protein Bars Industry Developments

May 2019: SimplyProtein launched a line of plant-based protein bars in the US market. The bars are made with pea protein and are gluten-free and non-GMO.

December 2020: KIND Snacks launched a new line of protein bars made with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pea protein. The bars are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

August 2021: Clif Bar launched a new line of protein bars made with organic, plant-based protein. The bars are available in three flavors and contain 14 grams of protein per bar.

Protein Bars Market Segmentation

Protein Bars Product Type Outlook

• Snack Bars


• Meal Replacement Bars


• Energy Bars


• Others

Protein Bars Category Outlook

• Gluten-Free


• Organic


• Vegan


• Multi-Claim


• Others

Protein Bars Distribution Channel Outlook

• Store-Based


• Non-Store-Based

Protein Bars Regional Outlook

• North America


• US


• Canada


• Europe


• Germany


• France


• UK


• Italy


• Spain


• Rest of Europe


• Asia-Pacific


• China


• Japan


• India


• Australia


• South Korea


• Australia


• Rest of Asia-Pacific


• Rest of the World


• Middle East


• Africa


• Latin America