Flavors and Functions in Nutrition Bar Formulations

Whenever a nutrition bar formulator thinks of flavors, options such as chocolate, strawberry, cinnamon, coconut, blueberry, and others are the first ones that mostly pop up in the mind. Nowadays, there has been an upsurge in demands for complex combinations like coconut cashew or white chocolate raspberry. The deadly Covid-19 pandemic has also contributed to this upsurge in demand by compelling users to switch to healthier snacks. And considering this rise in demands, a report from Research Dive states that the global energy bar market is expected to cross $29,447.10 million by 2028 at a healthy CAGR of 10.50%.

As nutrition bars are becoming more intricate and offering nutrients that provide energy or effectively replace an unhealthy snack, formulators should now get familiar with the growing category of functional flavors that serve the exclusive purpose of modifying taste. In the food and beverages industry, the functional flavors are called modulators that might not possess the actual flavor but are generally designed to control how the characterizing flavors and the basic tastes are valued while consumption.

Usually, modulators function in the background to either elevate the characterizing/obvious flavor by subduing the off-flavors from the elements or enhancing various tastes like sweet and salty altogether.

Some Must-Haves Ingredients in Nutrition Bars

Despite the complex combinations in meal bars, the audience prefer some core nutritious values to date that are mentioned below:

1. Lower sugar

Considering the prevailing diabetic issues, many consumers have now switched to snacks with lower sugar percentages. Limiting sugar is one of the top concerns for consumers and so, many are now checking labels for added or total sugarcontent before buying meal bars.

2. Protein

The top functional ingredient in nutrition bars, protein helps in muscle building and weight loss, besides maintaining overall health. These beneficial characteristics make protein bars highly appealing to users.

3.  Natural elements

Now that most individuals have health concerns in their minds, demand for plant-based bars with natural ingredients has hiked exponentially. Consumers are now excitedly buying meal bars with no added preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors.

4. Fiber

It is evident that dietary fibers boost the digestive health and so, users are getting more interested in nutrition bars with prebiotic and dietary fibers. These ingredients effectively support gut health and maintain heart health.

Top Nutrition Bar Ingredients in 2021

Protein is one of the top nutrition bar ingredients that is very much captivating to a wide group of audience, including children. Not just athletes, but those looking for a nutritious meal without stressing over the kitchen chores are the main consumers of protein bars. In addition, protein bars help in weight management, improve muscle mass, and boost energy, making them the topmost preferable choice. And for those allergic to nuts or soy, plant-based bars that include pea protein and seeds are a savior.

Another paleo-friendly ingredient that is currently doing well is coconut. The reason why coconut is a highly preferred ingredient is because of its savory taste, creaminess, and some healthy aspects of coconut oil.

Other ingredients that help to maintain digestive health are nuts, seeds, dates, and plant-based proteins. According to studies, consumers look for snacks with probiotics in them. Probar, a company that makes vegan and gluten-free meal bars, started producing GMO-free certified nutritious bars consisting of 10 grams of plant-based protein along with other dry fruits.

Considering digestive health as the key consumer need, Dang Foods, an innovative and healthy snacks manufacturer, launched its new plant-based nutritious bar consisting of almond butter, coconut, creamy cocoa butter, pea protein, chia, and sunflower seeds. These bars are keto and vegan friendly and gluten-free for health-conscious fanatics.

As the world has suffered from the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, people are now preferring healthy meals and snacks, including beneficial food bars to boost and maintain their overall health to combat nutrition deficiencies and other illnesses.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.