# Soft-Center Protein Bars Yubi Gives Its 99-Calorie Bar a Gooey Center in Soft Protein Bars By Adam Harrie | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-15 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-center-protein-bars References: [stack3d](https://www.stack3d.com?p=153734)  Yubi is expanding beyond its regular protein bar with 'Soft Protein Bars,' a spin on its compact 99-calorie format that swaps in a [softer chew](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebells-marshmallow-peanut-road) and a gooey center. The separate line gives UK fans a texture-focused alternative without sacrificing the smaller portion that defines Yubi Bar. Each piece stays at 99 calories and drops to only 9g of protein, so the softer format still reads as a light snack rather than a full-size bar. Yubi starts selling the range on Thursday, October 15, at 9am. It will be offered as single bars or in a 12-count mixed box. A 99-calorie protein bar with a gooey center widens Yubi's niche in a category that often emphasizes size and protein totals. It turns texture into the differentiator, giving the brand another reason to reach buyers who want [dessert cues in a smaller-format snack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raw-protein-bars). Image Credit: Stack3d ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.4/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Texture-led Protein Snacks:** Gooey centers and softer chews create room for snack brands to compete on sensory satisfaction rather than protein density alone. - **Dessert-inspired Portion Control:** Low-calorie bars with indulgent cues reflect a growing opportunity to merge treat-like formats with restrained serving sizes. - **Light Functional Snacking:** Compact protein products with moderate nutritional claims can appeal to consumers seeking everyday snacks that feel lighter than meal replacements. ### Who This Affects Most - **Protein Bars:** The category is being reshaped by formats that prioritize flavor, texture, and snackability over maximum macronutrient performance. - **Better-for-you Confectionery:** Candy-like centers in calorie-conscious products suggest new space between traditional sweets and functional nutrition. - **Convenience Retail:** Single-serve functional treats with indulgent profiles offer retailers differentiated grab-and-go options for health-aware snackers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Balanced Bakery-Inspired Snack Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pure-protein-soft-baked-bars.md) - [Candy-Like Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/misfit-plant-based-protein-bars.md) - [Soft Core Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grenade-cadbury-creme-egg-protein-bar.md) - [Dessert-Style Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dessert-style-protein-bars.md) - [High-Protein Dessert Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ndulge.md) - [Multi-Texture Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puff-n-crunchy-protein-bars.md) - [Soft-Center Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/core-whipped-protein-bar.md) - [Crispy Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-crunchy-bar.md) - [Low-Calorie Dubai Chocolate Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yubi-dubai-choc-bar.md)