Guilt-free protein bars for a tasty treat
It’s what today’s active consumers hope to find on the shelf: Nutritious protein bars that look, taste and chew just like a candy bar - perfect for satisfying impulse carb-cravings or as a snack after a run. And without the guilty feelings! Yet 55% say it is hard to find indulgent snacks they believe are healthy1.
Healthy indulgence meets sports nutrition
Targeting the increasing number of consumers who follow high-protein, low-carb diets is a highly attractive opportunity for sports nutrition and health brands2. Putting tastier, more indulgent, yet conscience-easing protein snacks in the hands of such consumers bridges the gap between health and indulgence. And, with a projected 2021-25 CAGR of 6%3 there are plenty of rewards for manufacturers with a recipe for protein bar success.
Taste and texture play together
As better-for-me snacking becomes increasingly mainstream, established brands from both the sports nutrition and confectionary categories are scrambling to launch new consumer favourites. With nutritional content as a relatively easily included feature, the battlefield is focused on taste and texture - two of the biggest challenges for protein bars, yet key choice criteria for consumers on all snacking occasions and at all times of day4.
A smoother road to innovation
Protein bars are a classic try-it-once, love-it-or-forget-it product. So it’s important to optimise taste, texture and nutrition value right from the start. Pairing ever-popular peanut butter, for example, with protein bars for a full-flavoured, melt-in-the-mouth experience doesn’t always go smoothly! Hardening texture and dry mouthfeel can shorten shelf-life, putting consumer trial purchases at risk.
Introducing Lacprodan® SoftBar
Lacprodan® SoftBar delivers it all: Taste, texture, high protein, long shelf-life and ease of manufacture. To demonstrate this texture-softening ingredient’s power, we’ve developed and thoroughly tested a creamy peanut butter protein bar that delivers an unforgettable and indulgent high-protein experience. It’s a recipe that puts success on the shelf - and delivers a consistent, delicious experience week after week, month after month.
- Indulgent and creamy thanks to the soft nut butter base made possible with Lacprodan® SoftBar
- Documented soft texture throughout the entire shelf-life
- Simple, recognisable ingredients list, featuring real, natural peanut butter
Ready for roll-out
Comprehensive production trials and shelf-life assessments conducted at our pilot production facilities make this recipe a plug-and-play solution that brands can use as is, or as a basis for trying additional flavour combinations or nut butter varieties that can support:
Product benefits
- No maltitol
- No soy
On-pack claims:
- High protein*
- High fibre*
- Gluten-free
- Contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass and normal bones**
Taste sweet success today with Lacprodan® SoftBar - or contact us to help you create other nutritious, chewy and delicious protein bars that are perfect for candy-loving health-conscious consumers and for your brand.
*Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
** Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
1. HealthFocus® International: Global Trend Study, 2020
2. Innova Market Insights, 2020
3. Euromonitor International, 2021
4. HealthFocus® International: Global Healthy Indulgence & Snacking Report, 2020