Snack Bars Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By packaging type (Bags, Pouches, Trays, Cartons, Others), By Material Type (Paper & Paperboard, Plastic, Biopolymers, Others), By End- User (Food & Beverages, Agriculture, Healthcare, Cosmetics, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Snack Bars Market size was valued at US$ 26,582. million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 47,054.81 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025-2031. The increased demand for packaged food as people's disposable incomes rise worldwide is driving the expansion of the market. Packaged food has long been a major health concern, and as a result, governments around the world have implemented numerous regulations governing food packaging, which is positively impacting market growth. Food processing firms invest much in developing healthier packaging solutions to meet these legal requirements, which fuels demand for antimicrobial packaging.

In addition, the usage of antimicrobial packaging in the healthcare business is driving up product sales. Consumers' growing awareness of cleanliness and packaging of food products, grooming solutions, and pharmaceuticals is helping to drive market expansion. Furthermore, antimicrobial packaging is increasingly being used in the beverage packaging industry. Antimicrobial agents are used to extend the shelf life of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, fruit juices, flavoured milk, wines, and dairy-based beverages and drinks. Furthermore, rising demand for baked and confectionary products among consumers in emerging economies is likely to propel market expansion throughout the forecast period.

Key Developments

• In August 2024, think! a prominent snack brand under Glanbia Performance Nutrition, teamed up with singer and best-selling cookbook author Jessie James Decker to introduce its new product line, think! MINIS Protein Snack Bars. Offered in seven appealing flavors and crafted for convenient, on-the-go snacking, these perfectly sized bars are easy to slip into a pocket or purse.
• In January 2024, the launch of the limited-edition Fazer "Taste the Future" snack bar, featuring Solein®, marked another significant step toward bringing this innovative ingredient to market. Fazer and Solar Foods have a shared vision of expanding the use of Solein in a wider range of products over the coming years as production capacity increases.
• In August 2022, Mondi plc purchased the Duino mill near Trieste (Italy) from the Burgo Group for a total of €40 million to expand its packaging operation. The mill now operates one paper machine that produces lightweight coated mechanical paper. Mondi intends to convert this paper factory to generate around 420,000 tons of high-quality recycled containerboard per year for an estimated €200 million expenditure.
• In March 2022, BERRY GLOBAL, which provides innovative packaging solutions, and PYLOTE, a producer of industrial mineral chemistry, have announced a strategic agreement to develop breakthrough antimicrobial packaging solutions that promote cleanliness and are safer for consumers and patients. They introduced a multidose ophthalmic dropper with antibacterial characteristics.

Snack Bars Market Segmentation

Based on the packaging type

• Bags
• Pouches
• Trays
• Cartons
• Others

The Pouche segment is dominated share in the market in 2024, driven by their unmatched convenience, portability, and modern appeal. Consumers increasingly favor pouches because they are lightweight, easy to reseal, and suitable for on-the-go lifestyles, which perfectly aligns with the core value proposition of snack bars. Brands leverage pouches to create sleek, visually attractive packaging that enhances shelf visibility and reinforces premium positioning. Additionally, pouches often use less material compared to rigid alternatives, making them an eco-friendlier option, which resonates with environmentally conscious buyers. The flexibility of pouches also allows for innovative designs and portion control, further strengthening consumer preference. As busy, health-conscious consumers look for snacks they can carry effortlessly to work, gyms, or outdoor activities, pouches continue to dominate the segment. This packaging format not only improves practicality and functionality but also supports brand storytelling through vibrant graphics and clear messaging, driving stronger market adoption.

Based on the Material type

• Paper & Paperboard
• Plastic
• Biopolymers
• Others

Among material types, plastic dominates the market in 2024, primarily due to excellent barrier properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Plastic packaging offers superior protection against moisture, oxygen, and external contaminants, ensuring that snack bars maintain their freshness, taste, and texture throughout their shelf life. Consumers value this assurance of quality, particularly for products meant to be consumed on-the-go or stored over time. Additionally, plastic's lightweight nature and design flexibility enable innovative, convenient packaging formats like single-serve pouches and resealable options, which strongly appeal to busy, health-conscious buyers. Brands also prefer plastic for its ability to support high-quality printing and vibrant graphics that improve shelf appeal and brand differentiation. Increased environmental concern about plastic waste, advances in recyclable and partially biodegradable plastic options are helping mitigate these issues. Overall, plastic remains the preferred material due to its unmatched combination of protection, versatility, and marketing advantages, solidifying its leadership in this segment.

Based on the end-user

• Food & Beverages
• Agriculture
• Healthcare
• Cosmetics
• Others

Among end users, food & beverages represent the largest share in the market, driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, nutritious snacking options. Snack bars are increasingly viewed as functional meal replacements or energy boosters, making them highly attractive to both busy professionals and health-focused individuals. The food & beverages sector actively promotes snack bars as healthy indulgences that fit into balanced diets, often emphasizing added protein, fiber, and natural ingredients. Manufacturers within this segment continuously innovate to meet shifting tastes and dietary trends, introducing vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar variants. Additionally, collaborations with sports nutrition and wellness brands further reinforce snack bars' appeal as a mainstream food product rather than a niche health item. Strong retail distribution in supermarkets, gyms, and specialty health stores ensures easy accessibility, which strengthens consumer trust and drives repeat purchases. Overall, the food & beverages segment’s emphasis on health, convenience, and variety solidifies its leading role in the market.