KANSAS CITY — Product manufacturers are continuing to innovate in the bar aisle with high protein formulations and functional offerings.
San Diego-based Perfect Snacks, for instance, expanded its Perfect Bar portfolio with the Protein + Prebiotics line. The refrigerated bars are formulated with quinoa and organic honey to offer 20 grams of protein and prebiotic fibers. Flavors include peanut butter chocolate crunch and chocolate mint crunch.
“People shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality when choosing a high-protein snack option,” said Cara Liebrock, chief executive officer of Perfect Snacks. “With Protein + Prebiotics, we set out to prove that high-protein bars can be made with simple, recognizable ingredients. As more people prioritize protein in their everyday routines, we’re delivering an option that they can feel good about while upholding the quality, freshness and nutrition standards that define Perfect Bar.”
Sports nutrition company Raw Nutrition launched a line of protein bars intended to serve as an alternative to candy bars. At 230 calories per serving, the bars contain up to five times the protein content of standard candy bars (with 18 to 21 grams of protein) and up to 96% less added sugar (with 1 to 5 grams of added sugar). The bars are available in peanut butter fudge, double fudge brownie, salted caramel pretzel and dark chocolate cookie butter flavors.
“Our goal was simple,” said Dom Iacovone, co-founder and chief executive officer of Raw Nutrition. “Make a protein bar that people would actually choose, not just over other protein bars, but over candy bars. Not because they ‘should,’ but because it actually tastes better. We obsessed over flavor first, then built the macros to match. The result is something you’ll get addicted to but feel good about eating.”
Barebells, a Swedish protein-focused company, introduced mint chocolate crisp protein bars to its US portfolio. The bars contain 207 calories, 20 grams of protein derived from whey and no added sugar.
“We wanted to recreate that nostalgic mint chocolate chip moment — the cool, creamy freshness combined with rich chocolate in every bite,” said Isa Galvan, global brand manager at Barebells.
