Veganism, Changing Lifestyles, and Quick Food Energy Products: A Guide to Top 10 Plant-Based Bars Manufacturers of the Market

Plant-based bars refer to supplemental bars having only plant-based protein sources, including nuts, cereals, flavor ingredients, and fruits, meant to supply quick food energy to consumers. The growing demand for plant-based protein sources, surging health consciousness among consumers, and changing lifestyles are set to pave the way for market growth. As per the report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market for plant-based bars reached USD 7.55 billion in 2022 and is set to reach USD 14.31 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of 8.57%. The market is also set to reach a valuation of USD 8.05 billion in 2023. Leading players have been introducing innovative plant-based bars for the expansion of their business lines.

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles Top 10 Key Manufacturers in this arket

1. PepsiCo Inc.

PepsiCo Inc., an American food, beverage, and snack company, is recognized as one of the leading names in convenience food and beverages. It has a consistent focus on boosting the development of its business through entry into new markets by leveraging mergers and acquisition strategies. For instance, in September 2019, PepsiCo Inc. announced the acquisition of Cytosport Inc., a manufacturer of plant-based bars and supplements and sports-oriented nutritional products in America. This move helped the company in the growth of its dynamic business by offering plant-based products such as powders, bars, shakes, and other supplements.

2. General Mills Inc.

General Mills Inc., an American multinational conglomerate, produces processed consumer foods with more than 100 brands spanning over 100 nations across six continents. The company has an emphasis on catering to people through new product launches that are in line with key consumer trends, such as a consistent interest in convenience, taste, and snacking. For instance, in January 2021, LARABAR announced the U.K. launch of its vegan snack bars. The brand provides over 24 bar varieties in the U.S. and launched three flavors in the U.K., including banana choc chip, apple cinnamon, and peanut butter choc chip.

3. Kellogg Company

Kellogg Company produces snacks, convenience food products, and breakfast cereals. Product launches with high nutrition and taste are being emphasized by the company. For instance, in June 2021, Rxbar announced the launch of its plant-based bar of protein. The new plant-based bar has 10g of plant protein and is available in variants such as peanut butter and chocolate chip.

4. GNC Holdings, LLC

General Nutrition Centers, Inc., also known as GNC Holdings, LLC, is a retail firm and is one of the prominent global wellness, specialty health, and performance retailers. With an emphasis on innovation and improving people’s health and wellness, it consistently emphasizes new product launches with vegan alternatives. For instance, in March 2022, No Cow, a well-known brand of GNC Holdings, LLC, launched chocolate-dipped protein bars. The plant-based rice and pea protein blend is present in the new product range.

5. 88 Acres

88 Acres is a plant-based bar company based in Boston that produces butter and bars from whole seeds and simple ingredients. The company emphasizes making its retail presence strong to cater to a large regional consumer base. For instance, in September 2022, the company partnered with Walmart, an American multinational retail corporation. This move aided the company in broadening its business portfolio of seed + oat and vegan protein bars to customers.

6. Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG

Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KG, a food company based in Germany, has the ownership of a popular snack manufacturing brand, Rawbite, with a global presence spanning over 30 nations. The brand sales in newer markets are being consistently pushed by the company through the deployment of partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategies. For instance, in August 2021, the brand inked a deal with VfL Wolfsburg, a professional sports club based in Germany. The company offered its products at the Volkswagen Arena and AOK Stadion on the days of the match. The vegan bars were perfectly ideal for the demand for a snack of elite sportswomen and it aided the company in gaining momentum in its business.

7. USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. is a publicly held direct-selling personal health, wellness, and nutrition company producing science-based and high-quality skincare and personal care products. The high-quality nutritional supplements, personal care products, and functional foods are manufactured and developed by the company and it emphasizes entering newer markets by deploying several strategies. For instance, in November 2022, the company announced the acquisition of Rise Bar, a California-based protein bar manufacturer providing vegan snack bars and other supplements. This move helped the company create products, enhance customer experience, expand its core business, and enter the health and wellness product business.

8. MadeGood

MadeGood, owned by a family, offers healthy, nutrient-rich, minimally processed, and allergen-free snacks. One of the best plant-based bars manufacturers, MadeGood is committed to offering healthy snacks and, therefore, has a focus on providing snack bars with wholesome organic ingredients that satisfy the sweet tooth of consumers without guilt.  For instance, in March 2021, the company unveiled the U.S. launch of a new granola bar range. Birthday cake, cookie crumble, and vanilla flavors are the forms in which this new range was available.

9. Green Gone Wild LLC

Green Gone Wild LLC, a food company based in Colorado is one of the best plant-based bars manufacturers that develops spinach-packed and vegan protein bars. The company has a consistent emphasis on launching new products in the market with unique ingredients to develop a healthier community and healthy business. For instance, at the start of 2023, the company unveiled its intent to launch a unique flavor in the vegan protein bar portfolio. The company also has a plan to launch a salted chocolate cherry bar free from nuts.

10. Vaxa Nutrition

Vaxa Nutrition, based in South California, is a family-owned business that develops healthy snack bars. Bars made of organic and plant-based ingredients are offered by the company, which contain less sugar and are additive and preservative-free. Moreover, the company has a plant-based emphasis on providing products suitable for grocery stores and co-ops, gyms, gift shops, and coffee shops.

How Will Growing Trends of Flexitarianism and Veganism Pave the Way for Plant-based Bars?

The development of healthier, eco-friendly, and viable solutions to restrain the consumption of animal-based products has been allowed due to an increasing inclination toward healthy lifestyles coupled with growing initiatives implemented by government authorities, which has birthed new opportunities. Moreover, food service manufacturers and operators are working toward high-quality vegan food alternatives to satisfy consumer demands as more people become plant-curious.