India Snack Bar Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The India snack bar market is projected to be worth USD 29.82 million in 2025 and is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 56.26 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.54% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by changing consumer preferences in urban areas, where busy lifestyles are increasing the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snack options. Products that emphasize functional benefits, such as being high in protein, rich in fiber, or made with clean-label ingredients, are appealing to a wider range of consumers. The rise of quick-commerce platforms is also playing a key role in improving accessibility by ensuring faster and more efficient delivery to customers. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with both global companies and local startups introducing innovative flavors, diverse ingredient combinations, and improved packaging designs to attract consumers. Among the product types, cereal bars dominate the market, while fruit and nut bars are rapidly gaining traction due to their health-focused positioning. The India snack bar market is moderately fragmented, with numerous players contributing to its dynamic and evolving landscape.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, cereal bars held 51.24% of the India snack bar market share in 2024, while fruit and nut bars are forecast to expand at a 15.67% CAGR to 2030.
- By ingredient base, granola and oat formats accounted for 54.81% of the Indian snack bar market size in 2024, and nut-based bars are projected to advance at a 15.19% CAGR through 2030.
- By price range, the mass segment captured a 67.84% revenue share of the Indian snack bar market in 2024, whereas premium offerings are set to grow at a 14.58% CAGR to 2030.
- By distribution channel, convenience stores accounted for 80.52% of the Indian snack bar market size in 2024, while online retail is growing at the fastest rate, with a 15.83% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.
India Snack Bar Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising health and wellness awareness towards high-protein and high-fiber snack options | +2.5% | National, with concentration in metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad) and tier-1 cities | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Increasing popularity of consumption of protein and energy bars due to fitness culture and gym usage | +2.0% | Urban India, particularly metros and tier-1 cities with gym penetration; spillover to tier-2 cities | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Product innovation in flavors, ingredients, and formats | +1.8% | National, with premium innovations concentrated in metros and mass innovations in tier-2/3 cities | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Meal replacement trends among diet-conscious consumers | +1.5% | Urban working professionals in metros and tier-1 cities; corporate hubs | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Growth in premium gifting and curated snack hampers | +1.0% | Metros and tier-1 cities during festive seasons (Diwali, New Year); corporate gifting hubs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Increasing aspiration among Gen Z for "healthy but instagrammable" snacks | +1.2% | Urban Gen Z in metros and tier-1 cities; social media-active demographics | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising health and wellness awareness towards high-protein and high-fiber snack options
India’s increasing focus on health is changing the way people snack, as they pay more attention to their protein intake due to the rise in nutrition-related health issues. According to the Press Information Bureau, the average protein consumption in 2023–24 was 69.9 grams per person per day[1]Source: Press Information Bureau, "Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: 2022-23 and 2023-24", pib.gov.in. This has led to a growing demand for easy-to-consume snacks that help meet daily protein needs without relying too much on supplements. The Indian Council of Medical Research's Dietary Guidelines also advise against overusing protein concentrates. Urban consumers are now opting for snack bars that offer 8–12 g of protein and added fiber, making them a healthier alternative. Brands are responding with new products. For example, SuperYou launched India’s first protein wafer bar in 2024, offering 10g of protein, 3g of fiber, and no added sugar, thereby meeting the demand for tasty and clean-label snacks.
Increasing popularity of protein and energy bars due to fitness culture and gym usage
Fitness trends are driving the growing demand for protein and energy bars in India. As of September 2025, the Health and Fitness Association of India reported that around 12.3 million people were members of fitness facilities, highlighting the popularity of structured workout routines[2]Source: Health and Fitness Association, "India's Fitness Market Set to Double by 2030", healthandfitness.org. To meet this demand, brands offer innovative products, such as the Yoga Bar breakfast protein bars and the RiteBite Max protein daily choco almond bar. These products are designed for active consumers seeking convenient and nutritious snack options to support their fitness goals. A survey published in March 2025 by the International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science found that 17% of Indians use protein supplements, showing a growing focus on health and nutrition[3]Source: International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, "Protein Supplements Market Insights: Understanding Trends, Consumer Preference and Growth Potential", agriculturaljournals.com. This shift in consumer preferences is driving the adoption of protein and energy bars as a practical and healthy alternative to traditional snacks.
Product innovation in flavors, ingredients, and formats
The Indian snack bar market is witnessing rapid growth, with brands focusing on new flavors, ingredients, and formats to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Nut-based bars, made with almonds, cashews, and peanuts, are gaining popularity due to their higher protein content compared to grain-only bars. For instance, in 2025, Phab introduced its street collection bhel bars, offering savory, chaat-inspired flavors such as OG bhel, curry leaf podi, and peri peri. These bars provide 10 grams of plant-based protein, include chana jor, and are free from palm oil, making them a healthier snack choice. To make their products more innovative, brands are launching sustainable packaging. For instance, the collaboration between Pakka Limited and Brawny Bear, which introduced India’s first energy bars packaged in compostable flexible packaging in August 2024.
Growth in premium gifting and curated snack hampers
Premium gifting and curated snack hampers are becoming a key growth driver in India’s snack bar market. During festivals like Diwali and New Year, more consumers are opting for healthier alternatives to traditional sweets, such as snack hampers priced between INR 1,000 and 3,000. These hampers often include a mix of protein bars, energy bites, nuts, and functional snacks, appealing to health-conscious buyers. E-commerce platforms are making it easier for customers to personalize these hampers, allowing them to select specific items to suit their preferences. While demand peaks during festive seasons, brands are also working to secure corporate gifting contracts throughout the year to maintain steady sales. For instance, the Angroos healthy gift hamper offers a combination of multigrain bars, premium nuts, and clean-label snacks, making it a popular choice for both festive and corporate gifting needs.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High price sensitivity in India limits mass adoption | -2.5% | National, with acute impact in tier-2, tier-3 cities and rural areas | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Strong competition from deeply rooted Indian snack habits such as namkeen, biscuits, and street snacks | -2.0% | National, particularly in tier-2, tier-3 cities and rural areas where traditional snacks dominate | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| High sugar content in some bars | -0.8% | National, with heightened scrutiny in metros and tier-1 cities among health-conscious consumers | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Regulatory compliance related to nutrition claims, fortification, and labeling | -0.7% | National, affecting all manufacturers; compliance costs higher for smaller players | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Strong competition from deeply rooted Indian snack habits
The growth of snack bars in India faces significant challenges due to the strong presence of traditional Indian snacking habits. Popular Indian snacks, such as namkeens, bhujia, sev, and regional mixes, continue to dominate the market. These snacks are widely available and supported by major players like Haldiram’s, Balaji Wafers, Bikanervala, Bikaji, and Pratap Snacks, which have established a strong foothold in Indian households. This makes it difficult for snack bars to compete directly on taste or sensory appeal. As a result, snack bar brands are focusing on other areas to stand out, such as offering convenient, portable options, emphasizing high nutritional value, and promoting clean-label products. These strategies aim to attract health-conscious consumers and those seeking on-the-go snacking solutions, rather than relying solely on taste to compete with traditional snacks.
High sugar content in some bars
High sugar content poses a significant challenge to the growth of the Indian snack bar market. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, added sugar should make up less than 5% of a person’s total energy intake[4]Source: Indian Council of Medical Research, "Dietary Guidelines for Indians", nin.res.in. However, many snack bars available in the market contain over 10 grams of sugar per serving, which exceeds these recommendations. With stricter front-of-pack nutrition labeling expected in the near future, consumers may become more cautious about purchasing such products unless brands take steps to reduce sugar levels. A notable example of innovation in this space is the partnership between Pakka Limited and Brawny Bear. In August 2024, they launched India’s first energy bars with compostable flexible packaging. These bars utilize dates as a natural sweetener, eliminating the need for added sugar and addressing both health concerns and environmental sustainability.
Segment Analysis
By Product Type: Cereal Bars Anchor Market, Fruit and Nut Bars Sprint Ahead
Cereal bars accounted for 51.24% of the Indian snack bar market in 2024, maintaining their leadership due to their long-standing association with breakfast grains, such as oats, which are perceived as healthy and nutritious. These bars are widely available in retail stores and online platforms, making them easily accessible to consumers. Their affordable pricing and mild flavors appeal to a broad audience, making them a convenient and reliable snack option for households. This familiarity and comfort factor continue to drive their market dominance.
Fruit and nut bars are expected to grow rapidly, with a projected CAGR of 15.67% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for clean-label products that utilize natural ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These bars are minimally processed and offer natural sweetness, making them a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. Brands are introducing innovative flavors and premium textures to attract health-conscious urban consumers. These factors are likely to support the segment's strong growth in the coming years.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Ingredient Base: Granola and Oats Dominate, Nut-Based Formats Gain Momentum
Granola/oat-based snack bars accounted for 54.81% of India’s snack bar market in 2024, highlighting their popularity among consumers seeking healthier options. These bars are widely preferred due to their association with digestive health, weight management, and their alignment with traditional breakfast habits. Their availability across various retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, has made them easily accessible. The variety of flavors and affordable pricing make them appealing to both regular consumers and those trying snack bars for the first time.
Nut-based snack bars are expected to grow at a 15.19% CAGR through 2030, driven by increasing demand for snacks that provide higher satiety and are rich in nutrients. Consumers are drawn to nut-based bars for their natural protein content, healthy fats, and premium image, making them a preferred choice over grain-only bars. These bars are also gaining popularity as gifting options for corporate events and festive occasions. Innovations in mixed nut combinations, crunchy textures, and clean-label ingredients are further enhancing their appeal, especially among health-conscious urban consumers.
By Price Range: Mass Segment Leads, Premium Accelerates on Gifting and Gen Z Demand
In 2024, mass products accounted for 67.84% of India’s snack bar market, indicating that affordability remains a key factor in consumer choices. These snack bars are priced lower, making them widely available in convenience stores and local kirana shops, where quick and budget-friendly purchases are common. Their straightforward flavors and familiar ingredients appeal to a broad audience, encouraging repeat purchases. This segment is viewed as a practical and accessible snacking option for everyday consumption rather than a premium indulgence.
On the other hand, premium snack bars are expected to grow at a 14.58% CAGR through 2030, driven by increasing consumer interest in clean-label products, minimalist packaging, and visually appealing designs that resonate with younger generations, especially Gen Z. These bars often include high-quality ingredients, functional benefits, and unique textures, which justify their higher price points. The demand for premium bars is boosted by their popularity in curated gift hampers and corporate gifting, which helps brands maintain sales throughout the year. This positions the premium segment as a fast-growing, aspirational choice for consumers seeking quality and exclusivity.
By Distribution Channel: Convenience Stores Reign, Online Retail Surges on Quick Commerce
In 2024, convenience outlets accounted for 80.52% of snack bar sales in India, underscoring their significance in meeting consumers' quick snacking needs. Locations such as petrol pumps, cafés, chemists, and neighborhood kirana stores are popular due to their accessibility and strategic placement of products. These outlets cater to impulse purchases with affordable pricing and easy availability, making them a preferred choice for frequent buyers. Their consistent presence ensures high visibility and regular restocking, driving repeat purchases throughout the day.
Online retail is expected to grow at a 15.83% CAGR through 2030, driven by the increasing convenience of digital platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, which offer 10–15 minute delivery services. These platforms attract consumers with features like faster delivery, personalized recommendations, and bundled offers, encouraging households to shift some of their snack purchases online. With the expansion of dark-store networks and improved coverage in smaller towns, e-commerce is steadily bridging the gap between unplanned offline purchases and more organized online shopping habits.
Geography Analysis
Major metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, accounted for the majority of snack bar sales in 2024. These cities benefit from higher disposable incomes, a growing number of gyms, and exposure to global food trends. Tier-1 cities, such as Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, are also experiencing growth as organized retail chains expand and the middle-class population increases. While tier-2 and tier-3 cities have lower market penetration, they are experiencing faster growth due to the expansion of quick commerce, which helps reach areas beyond traditional retail stores.
The availability of gyms and fitness centers plays a significant role in driving the consumption of snacks. Boutique gyms in metro cities are growing rapidly, with an 18.8% CAGR, boosting the demand for protein-rich snack bars. Tier-2 cities, such as Coimbatore, Indore, and Lucknow, are also experiencing increased exposure to functional snacks as retail chains like D-Mart and Reliance Fresh expand into these areas. Government health initiatives promoting low-sugar diets are indirectly supporting the demand for healthier snack options, although their direct impact on snack bar sales remains limited.
Corporate hubs in cities like Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune, and Hyderabad are contributing to steady demand as companies provide healthy snack options through vending machines and office pantries. Seasonal gifting during festivals significantly boosts sales in metro cities. Meanwhile, tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam are emerging as promising markets for future growth. Over the next five years, companies in the snack bar market are expected to focus more on deepening their presence in metro cities while selectively expanding into high-growth tier-2 cities to maintain profitability.
Competitive Landscape
The India snack bar market is moderately fragmented, with major companies, such as ITC Ltd., Kellanova, and Mondelēz International Inc., utilizing their established presence in biscuits, cereals, and confectionery to expand into the snack bar segment. On the other hand, startups such as Yoga Bar, RiteBite, and MuscleBlaze are gaining popularity by focusing on ingredient transparency and engaging directly with consumers. ITC’s acquisition of Yoga Bar and the launch of Sunfeast Farmlite Protein Bars in June 2024 highlight a strategy to grow in high-potential niches. Similarly, Mondelēz’s Cadbury Fuse extensions focus on taste to address consumer concerns about the taste of wellness products.
There is a growing opportunity in meal-replacement bars designed for working professionals, regional flavors that appeal to local tastes, and the underdeveloped Rs 30-50 mid-premium price range. Startups are utilizing data-driven direct-to-consumer models to quickly respond to consumer preferences, enabling them to launch new flavors and limited-edition products with minimal inventory risk. However, their reliance on third-party quick commerce platforms continues to impact profit margins. Stricter Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations on nutrient claims are expected to benefit companies with strong compliance systems, which could lead to market consolidation over the next few years.
Large multinational companies benefit from their scale and extensive distribution networks, but startups are making an impact through social media engagement and building loyal communities. Collaborations with fitness influencers are helping smaller players establish credibility and reduce customer acquisition costs. Investment in research and development for sugar-reduced products is becoming a key advantage as stricter regulations on sugar content are expected. Over the forecast period, companies that focus on premium product differentiation and regulatory compliance are likely to succeed more than those relying solely on widespread availability.
India Snack Bar Industry Leaders
-
General Mills Inc.
-
Mondelēz International Inc.
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Bagrrys India Pvt Ltd
-
ITC Limited
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Kellanova
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- February 2025: EatFit introduced its new energy bar line, Hustl, designed to cater to the growing demand for convenient and nutritious snack options. The launch was made in collaboration with Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal, adding a touch of credibility and appeal to the product.
- November 2024: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh introduced a new brand named 'SuperYou' in collaboration with entrepreneur Nikunj Biyani. This partnership marked Singh's foray into the lifestyle and wellness segment, aiming to cater to the growing demand for products that promote self-care and personal well-being.
- March 2023: Bagrrys India introduced "The Mighty Muesli Bars." Known for offering a range of healthy and innovative products such as oats, mueslis, corn flakes, nut butters, and bran, Bagrrys India continues to expand its portfolio with this new launch.
- March 2023: Nutrizoe introduced India’s first energy bar specifically designed for women. This innovative product aimed to cater to the unique nutritional needs of women, offering a convenient and healthy snacking option.
India Snack Bar Market Report Scope
Cereal Bar, Energy Bar, Protein Bar, Fruit and Nut Bar are covered as segments by Product Type. Nut-Based Bars, Granola/Oat-Based Bars, Date-Based, Dairy/Protein-Based, Hybrid Blends, and Others are covered as segments by Ingredient Base. Mass and Premium are covered as segments by Price Range. Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, and Other Channels are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
| Cereal Bar |
| Energy Bar |
| Protein Bar |
| Fruit and Nut Bar |
| Nut-Based Bars |
| Granola/Oat-Based |
| Date-Based |
| Dairy/Protein-Based |
| Hybrid Blends |
| Others |
| Mass |
| Premium |
| Supermarkets/Hypermarkets |
| Online Retail Stores |
| Convenience Stores |
| Other Channels |
| By Product Type | Cereal Bar |
| Energy Bar | |
| Protein Bar | |
| Fruit and Nut Bar | |
| By Ingredient Base | Nut-Based Bars |
| Granola/Oat-Based | |
| Date-Based | |
| Dairy/Protein-Based | |
| Hybrid Blends | |
| Others | |
| By Price Range | Mass |
| Premium | |
| By Distribution Channel | Supermarkets/Hypermarkets |
| Online Retail Stores | |
| Convenience Stores | |
| Other Channels |
Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
| White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
| Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
| Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
| Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
| Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
| Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
| Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
| Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
| NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
| CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
| Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
| GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
| Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
| Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
| WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
| LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
| HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
| BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
| Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
| Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
| Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
| Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
| Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
| CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
| European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
| Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
| FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
| Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
| Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
| Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
| Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
| Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
| Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
| Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
| RDD | Recommended daily dose |
| Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
| Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
| Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
| BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms