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UK Snack Bar Market Size

The UK snack bar market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, with supermarkets and hypermarkets dominating the distribution landscape. These channels benefit from their extensive reach and strategic locations, particularly in urban areas, which play a crucial role in shaping consumer snacking preferences. Convenience stores also hold a substantial share due to their accessibility and extended operating hours. Meanwhile, the online retail segment is emerging as the fastest-growing channel, driven by consumer trends favoring the convenience of online shopping for familiar products.

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Market Size of uk snack bar Industry

UK Snack Bar Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2018 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.55 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 2.42 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Distribution Channel Supermarket/Hypermarket
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 7.70 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel Online Retail Store
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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UK Snack Bar Market Analysis

The UK Snack Bar Market size is estimated at 1.55 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.42 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.70% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

1.55 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

2.42 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

5.30 %

CAGR (2018-2023)

7.70 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant

41.40 %

value share, Cereal Bar, 2023

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Bars with Pro-health ingredients are considered the healthiest, making sales for products like cereal bars grow attributed to their high suitability for various consumers.

Largest Segment by Distribution Channel

53.69 %

value share, Supermarket/Hypermarket, 2023

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Availability of a wide range of products with several brand options in sugar confectionery and ease of free checkout and delivery options are aiding the supermarket segment.

Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant

8.15 %

Projected CAGR, Cereal Bar, 2024-2030

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Sedentary lifestyles and the hectic work schedules of Britans are leading them to look for healthier alternatives, increasing market shares for products such as protein bars.

Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel

8.43 %

Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030

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Online channels remove the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff, allow for investment in better marketing and customer experience may drive the growth.

Leading Market Player

9.96 %

market share, General Mills Inc., 2022

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General Mills Inc. has gained competitive edge due to its extensive product portfolio, wider brand presence, and strategic moves toward innovation in flavors and ingredients.

Supermarket/hypermarket accounted for a major share due to strong penetration across the country coupled with discounts offered on the snack bars

  • Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the largest channels in the UK snack bar market. The channel held the major share of 53% by value in the overall distribution channels segment. These channels provide a super-sized shopping experience with suitable displays and assortments of indulgent snacking products. The proximity factor of these channels, especially in bigger cities and metropolitan areas, gives them an added advantage of influencing the snacking habits of consumers. Some of the popular stores operating across the country are Tesco PLC, J Sainsbury PLC, Asda Stores Ltd, Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, Lidl, and Aldi. In 2022, Tesco and Asda had 3,456 stores and 497 Morrisons stores in the United Kingdom.
  • Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channels after supermarkets and hypermarkets for the purchase of snack bars. The volume sales of snack bars through convenience stores is estimated to register a 35.56% volume share in 2024. Consumer preference toward convenience stores is due to ease of access and being open for longer hours compared to traditional stores. In 2022, there were 48,590 convenience stores located across the United Kingdom.
  • The online retail channel is considered the fastest-growing segment across the country. Snack bar sales are anticipated to grow through these channels at a rate of 6.58% from 2023 to 2024 in value terms due to consumers' preference for buying on the internet, especially the goods they are familiar with, such as confectionaries, in terms of the manufacturer’s name, brand positioning, image, and packaging design.
UK Snack Bar Market

UK Snack Bar Industry Segmentation

Cereal Bar, Fruit & Nut Bar, Protein Bar are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the largest channels in the UK snack bar market. The channel held the major share of 53% by value in the overall distribution channels segment. These channels provide a super-sized shopping experience with suitable displays and assortments of indulgent snacking products. The proximity factor of these channels, especially in bigger cities and metropolitan areas, gives them an added advantage of influencing the snacking habits of consumers. Some of the popular stores operating across the country are Tesco PLC, J Sainsbury PLC, Asda Stores Ltd, Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, Lidl, and Aldi. In 2022, Tesco and Asda had 3,456 stores and 497 Morrisons stores in the United Kingdom.
  • Convenience stores are the second most widely preferred distribution channels after supermarkets and hypermarkets for the purchase of snack bars. The volume sales of snack bars through convenience stores is estimated to register a 35.56% volume share in 2024. Consumer preference toward convenience stores is due to ease of access and being open for longer hours compared to traditional stores. In 2022, there were 48,590 convenience stores located across the United Kingdom.
  • The online retail channel is considered the fastest-growing segment across the country. Snack bar sales are anticipated to grow through these channels at a rate of 6.58% from 2023 to 2024 in value terms due to consumers' preference for buying on the internet, especially the goods they are familiar with, such as confectionaries, in terms of the manufacturer’s name, brand positioning, image, and packaging design.
Confectionery Variant
Cereal Bar
Fruit & Nut Bar
Protein Bar
Distribution Channel
Convenience Store
Online Retail Store
Supermarket/Hypermarket
Others
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UK Snack Bar Market Size Summary

The UK snack bar market is experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the expansion of distribution channels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the market, offering a wide range of snack bar options with appealing displays and convenient locations, particularly in urban areas. Convenience stores also play a crucial role, providing easy access and extended hours, which cater to the busy lifestyles of consumers. The online retail segment is rapidly expanding, reflecting a shift towards digital shopping, where consumers prefer familiar brands and convenient purchasing options. This trend is further supported by the increasing demand for snack bars as quick meal alternatives, particularly among working-class adults with shorter mealtimes.

Consumer preferences in the UK snack bar market are increasingly leaning towards ethically produced and clean-label products, with a notable interest in fair trade options. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, influencing the popularity of premium snack bars. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including high-protein bars aimed at active individuals. The competitive landscape is fragmented, with major players like Ferrero International, General Mills, Kellogg Company, Lotus Bakeries, and Mondelēz International holding significant market shares. Recent innovations, such as Nature Valley's savory snack bars and Mars' sustainable packaging initiatives, highlight the industry's focus on flavor diversity and environmental responsibility.

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UK Snack Bar Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Confectionery Variant

      1. 1.1.1 Cereal Bar

      2. 1.1.2 Fruit & Nut Bar

      3. 1.1.3 Protein Bar

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Store

      2. 1.2.2 Online Retail Store

      3. 1.2.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket

      4. 1.2.4 Others

UK Snack Bar Market Size FAQs

The UK Snack Bar Market size is expected to reach USD 1.55 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7.70% to reach USD 2.42 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the UK Snack Bar Market size is expected to reach USD 1.55 billion.

UK Snacks Market Report Snapshots

UK Snack Bar Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030