The Bountiful Company unveils chilled protein bars for clean label crowd

19 Jul 2021 --- The Bountiful Company has expanded its Pure Protein brand with chilled protein bars containing 15 g of protein from sources such as grass-fed whey. The offering joins the company’s existing range of bars, ready-to-drink (RTD) shakes, powders and snacks.

Pure Protein chilled protein bars do not contain GMOs or added preservatives and thus, need to be refrigerated.

The protein bar’s ingredients tap into the clean label evolution, predicted by Innova Market Insights data, showing a shift toward products claiming to be natural and have no additives.

“We’ve been in functional snacking for years, providing high protein, low sugar and non-refrigerated bars, shakes and snacks to consumers who rely on us to help achieve their health and wellness goals,” says Kent Cunningham, general manager, sports and active nutrition at The Bountiful Company.

“We’re excited to introduce this seriously delicious refrigerated format to consumers, offering them even more wholesome nutrition they can feel good about.”

Unpacking protein bars
The bars are available in three flavors including peanut butter dark chocolate, vanilla fruit and nut, and blueberry vanilla almond.

The bars include blueberries, cherries, chia seeds, dark chocolate, nuts and honey. These ingredients contribute toward the soft, fudge-like protein bar consistency.Pure Protein chilled protein bars need to be chilled in the refrigerator as they do not contain added preservatives.

Innova Market Insights data reveals that protein claims for sports nutrition are on-trend, with an average yearly growth of 31 percent between 2015 and 2019.

Also, the market researcher found that global food and beverage launches with whey protein hydrolysate experienced a 39 percent average annual growth between the years 2014 to 2018.

Protein bars in focus
Also in the protein space, FrieslandCampina Ingredients recently introduced a new portfolio with six dairy-derived ingredients intended to improve nutrition, texture, flavor and shelf life. The company says the range reacts to the mainstreaming of protein bar products.

Meanwhile, Nutritional Growth Solutions took part in the growing market for children’s nutritional bars to launch its Healthy Height Snack Bar.

Accordingly, Glanbia recently reported that 51 percent of global customers have moved from traditional snack foods like chocolate to high protein or low sugar alternatives. Research by the company showed that consumers are purchasing protein bars and RTD protein shakes as they are convenient and healthy.

Moreover, functional bars for healthy on-the-go snacking have risen. For a more practical on-the-go protein boost, One Bars introduced miniature versions of its existing snack.

By Nicole Kerr