# Naturally Flavored Protein Bars smul's Protein Bars are Fiber-Rich, Gluten-Free & Low in Sugar By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-03-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smul References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/4673-new-products-from-natural-products-expo-west) & [smul](https://smul.com/products/cherry-almond-protein-bar?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=d6d6a90a4&pr_rec_pid=8737534640383&pr_ref_pid=8737533329663&pr_seq=uniform)  smul makes protein bars that are rich in fiber, gluten-free, low in sugar and perfect for on-the-go snacking. These naturally flavored protein bars are abundant in plant-based protein, and varieties like the Strawberry Almond Protein Bar—with roasted almonds and freeze-dried strawberries—are especially treat-like thanks to a sugar-free, [plant-based white chocolate coating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weena). Fans of dark chocolate will find satisfaction in varieties like the [Cherry Almond Protein Bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloha-chocolate-cherry), which boasts 13 grams of plant protein per bar and no artificial sweeteners or added refined sugar. These plant-powered bars feature a base of chicory root fiber and a blend of fava beans, chicory extract, pea protein isolate, and other ingredients for their nutritious qualities, flavor, and texture. At Expo West 2025, smul offered a look at its expanded protein bar range, which includes flavors like Coconut, Pecan Caramel, and Hazelnut Cocoa. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 37% - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Protein Innovations:** The rising popularity of plant-based proteins offers a fertile ground for creating novel, sustainable snacking options without compromising on taste. - **Flavor-focused Healthy Snacks:** The emphasis on diverse and natural flavors in protein snacks is reshaping consumer expectations for health foods that deliver both nutrition and indulgence. - **Sugar-free Snacking Solutions:** Increasing demand for sugar-free products highlights opportunities to innovate with alternative sweeteners and natural flavorings that satisfy the sweet tooth without added sugars. ### Where This Applies - **Health-conscious Snack Foods:** The health-conscious snack industry is being transformed by products that offer nutrient-rich profiles combined with satisfying flavors. - **Functional Food Ingredients:** Innovation in functional ingredients like chicory root fiber provides new avenues for enhancing the nutritional value of everyday snacks. - **Plant-based Food and Beverage:** The plant-based food and beverage industry is increasingly integrating diverse protein sources to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Decadent Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms-high-protein-bars.md) - [Candy-Like Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/misfit-plant-based-protein-bars.md) - [Fiber-Rich Plant Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shreddy-protein-bars.md) - [Free-From Protein Bar Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkless-protein-bars.md) - [Plant-Based Protein Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chewy-protein-bars.md) - [Plant-Based Nut Bar Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-protein-nut-bars.md) - [Tropically Themed Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebells-coco-caramel-almond.md) - [Balanced Bakery-Inspired Snack Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-protein-soft-baked-bars.md) - [Nutrient-Packed Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-protein-ammmaze-bars.md)