Packaged The modern fast-paced lifestyle has heightened the need for convenient, portable snacks. Snack bars fulfill this demand, offering quick options suitable for busy schedules. Their portability makes them ideal for various occasions—from breakfast to post-workout nosh to a meal replacer.
Going Nuts for Nutrition
And, to drive demand even further, consumers are increasingly seeking more nutritious snack bar options with whole food, all-natural ingredients, high protein content and functional benefits. For example, In the U.S., the high protein bar segment, comprising bars with at least 15 grams of protein, reached nearly $1.5 billion in sales, marking an 8% increase over the past year. Additionally, gluten-free and fiber are key terms consumers are eyeing in the global snack bars market.
For product developers, these trends present both challenges and opportunities. Incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients like California walnuts can enhance the functional profile of snack bars, aligning with consumer desires for functional benefits. One ounce of walnuts is a powerhouse of important nutrients for optimum health1, including:
- An excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (2.5g)—the most ALA of any other tree nut.
- 4g of protein
- 2g of fiber
- A good source of magnesium (45mg)
Rise in Plant-Based and Specialized Diets
The growing popularity of plant-based, gluten-free, keto, and low-sugar diets has also influenced snack bar formulations. Manufacturers are developing products that cater to these dietary preferences, incorporating plant proteins and other consumer-friendly ingredients to meet diverse needs.
These made-with-walnut examples make it easier for consumers to enjoy what they’re craving—delicious, feel-good snack bars. They also showcase how product developers can meet the evolution of this exciting bar category.
Lauren’s Mega Nuts, Laird Superfood
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Lauren’s Mega Nuts, a deliciously nutty snack bar featuring walnuts as a star ingredient. Walnuts bring a naturally robust flavor and creamy texture, perfectly complemented by semi-sweet chocolate chips, honey and dried cranberries for just the right amount of sweetness.
Tropical Trio Organic Artisan Energy Bar, JAMBAR
A bright and breezy blend of tropical fruits, banana, pineapple and coconut, bound together with walnut butter for a delicious texture. Tropical Trio is vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO.Cherry Walnut, Good Thinking Foods
Consumers can get fruits and veggies in a bar! Cherry Walnut contains one-half cup of leafy green vegetables, one-half cup of colorful vegetables and one-quarter cup of cherries rounded out with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. The bars are baked in an oven and make for a delicious plant-based bar.
Cherry Walnut, Good Thinking
Consumers can get fruits and veggies in a bar! Cherry Walnut contains one-half cup of leafy green vegetables, one-half cup of colorful vegetables and one-quarter cup of cherries rounded out with the satisfying crunch of walnuts. The bars are baked in an oven and make for a delicious plant-based bar.
Red Walnut Protein, Garuka Bars
Made with red walnuts, pepitas, tart cherries and coconut oil, this bar is the perfect partner for a workout or with morning coffee. Plus, packaging is 100% recyclable, and 1% of all profits are donated to silverback mountain gorilla—the Garuka—conservation.
Peanut Banana Walnut Snack Bar, Thunderbird
The mini version of this superfood snack bar debuted at Natural Products Expo West, epitomizing portion control and convenience. Only simple, real food ingredients like walnuts and coconut, seeds and spices are included in this gluten-free, vegan, dairy- and soy-free plant-based snack bar.
If you make a snack bar with walnuts, we’d love to hear about it! Email us at foodinnovation@walnuts.org.
Products mentioned for informational purposes only, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement.
