Pure bars, an organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian snack bar brand, has been acquired by Kashi. 

Snack mixes today show much promise for widespread appeal. “There is opportunity for growth in the snack mixes industry, as we are beginning to see consumers snack almost as much as they eat full meals,” says Trip Kadey, director of culinary, The French’s Food Co. LLC, Chester, NJ.

Fruits, nuts and chocolate are go-to ingredients for inclusions, toppings and fillings that add nutritional benefits to baked goods and snacks.

Though niche customization represents the new frontier for bar manufacturers, select ingredients still appeal to a wide segment of bar-buying consumers.

Nadia Leonelli, general manager of clean-label, non-GMO, gluten-free Element Snacks, talks about the company’s background, growth and future.

Nutritionally enhanced drizzles and compound coatings help bakers and snack manufacturers create better-for-you products for health-conscious consumers.

This specialty Stout Wheat Bread with Cherries and Chocolate combines elements of tart and sweet without overwhelming the end product with either taste.

HERZA Schokolade has added sucrose-free and high-protein organic chocolate pieces to its product line.

Innovative Product Services offers a premium cocoa powder made from South American cocoa beans.

The current popularity of ready-to-eat popcorn is leading snack food developers to experiment with popcorn as an ingredient in other products.