In mid-September, we had the opportunity to attend BarTech 2025 in Solingen, an event organized by ZDS – The Academy of Sweets, that brought together professionals from across the cereal bar industry. BarTech has become a key event for anyone involved in the development, formulation, and manufacturing of cereal bars, showcasing the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in this fast-growing segment.
Cereal bars are no longer just seen as simple on-the-go snacks. They have evolved into a versatile product category that meets the growing demand for health, convenience, and indulgence. At BarTech, industry experts emphasized how this segment continues to expand, driven by three main factors: health-driven innovations, sustainability, and the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks that align with their health goals, and cereal bars have adapted to this demand. There is a clear focus on developing bars with high protein, low sugar content, and added functional ingredients such as fibers, antioxidants, and probiotics. Manufacturers are also exploring plant-based options to cater to the growing demand for vegan-friendly products. These innovations not only meet consumer needs but also create opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Another major theme discussed at BarTech was the importance of sustainability. With increasing consumer awareness around environmental issues, cereal bars are expected to meet higher standards of sustainability. This includes responsibly sourcing ingredients, reducing packaging waste, and prioritizing clean label formulations that exclude artificial additives and preservatives. The clean label trend is crucial for appealing to today’s informed consumers who seek transparency and natural ingredients in their food products.
While health and sustainability are important, taste and texture remain essential drivers of consumer choice. At BarTech, many discussions focused on finding the perfect balance between nutrition and taste appeal. The challenge for manufacturers is to create cereal bars that satisfy consumers’ taste expectations without compromising on nutritional value. This requires innovation in ingredient formulation and processing techniques, ensuring that bars are not only healthy but also indulgent and satisfying.
One of the standout features of BarTech is its ability to combine market insights with technical expertise. Presentations and workshops covered a range of topics, from formulation challenges to advanced processing solutions and ingredient performance in cereal bar applications. This blend of science and market vision provided valuable insights for anyone involved in product development, offering both practical knowledge and inspiration for overcoming industry challenges.
Beyond the technical sessions, BarTech also served as an excellent networking platform. The event brought together suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators, providing opportunities for collaboration and new business relationships. The chance to exchange perspectives and ideas with industry professionals opened doors to new opportunities and provided fresh insights that we look forward to incorporating into our future projects.
Attending BarTech 2025 reinforced our belief that the cereal bar market will continue to grow as a dynamic and innovative category. The event left us feeling inspired, with new knowledge and ideas that will help shape our approach to product development in the years ahead. We are excited about the future of cereal bars and the role that innovation in ingredients and formulations will play in the continued success of this segment.
A big thank you to ZDS for organizing such a well-run event, and to all the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. We are already looking forward to the next edition and the opportunity to continue exploring the evolving world of cereal bars.
