# Candy-Like Protein Bars Misfit's Plant-Based Protein Bars are Chewy and Gooey By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-01-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/misfit-plant-based-protein-bars References: [vegnews](https://vegnews.com/this-week-in-food-news-trader-joes-pistachio-spread-vegan-bone-in-ribs-and-ikea-invests-in-plant-based-dairy) & [misfits.health](https://misfits.health/collections/protein-bars-new?srsltid=AfmBOooLC8g8aCyUqiUgaMT2m8fT4hWGVWj36ieGDESx3VbU7D9wSd9I)  Texture and flavor are among the top complaints when it comes to protein bars, and Misfits remedies this with nutritious plant-based protein bars that are comparable to candy bars—loaded with chewy layers, crunchy bits, and gooey centers. Top-selling varieties from the brand include Caramel Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge and Cookie Dough, each with the sweet taste and a softer texture of a candy bar. Cookie Butter, for example, is a rich caramelized biscuit flavor with a touch of cinnamon, spice and cocoa, plus cocoa crispies. In terms of macros, [Misfits'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/misfits-stuffed) plant-based protein bars boast 15 grams of protein and less than a gram of sugar, and protein-wise, the primary ingredient, vegan proteins, come from a combination of pea and soya protein. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.0/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 59% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Candy-infused Nutrition:** Blending the indulgence of candy with health-focused ingredients, these bars redefine the traditional snack bracket. - **Texture Innovation in Snacks:** Innovative textures in plant-based protein bars cater to consumers seeking a satisfying mouthfeel previously lacking in health snacks. - **Low-sugar Treat Alternatives:** The rise of low-sugar yet indulgent snacks provides a solution for sweet cravings without compromising dietary goals. ### Who This Affects Most - **Plant-based Products:** The surge in plant-based innovations is meeting consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious alternatives in food products. - **Protein-enhanced Foods:** The market for protein-packed snacks is expanding rapidly, with creative flavor profiles pushing the boundaries of traditional health foods. - **Functional Confectionery:** A new wave of confectionery combines indulgence with functionality, offering nutritious candy-like options with health benefits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Protein Bar Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-bar-advent-calendar.md) - [Savory Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savory-protein-bars.md) - [Gooey Protein Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gym-candy-bursts.md) - [Replenishing Protein Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-bar-pop-up.md) - [Wafer Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wafer-protein.md) - [Craveable Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linear-bar.md) - [Cherry Chocolate Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloha-chocolate-cherry.md) - [Employee-Only Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celebration-bar.md) - [Grass-Fed Whey Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grassfed-whey-protein-bars.md)