Few food products have enjoyed a bigger explosion in recent years than protein bars. As more consumers focus on healthy, active lifestyles, sports nutrition products have increasingly worked their way into the mainstream.
With more people than ever buying protein bars, manufacturers have worked to perfect their various flavors. While new flavors are always intriguing, there are also several classic flavors that no manufacturer should go without. Before you think about experimental new flavors, you should focus on perfecting these staples first.
Caramel
Caramel flavoring may not get as much attention as some of the other classic flavors on this list. But that does not mean it’s not an incredibly popular option. Consumers everywhere love the rich, smooth taste of caramel. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy after a rewarding workout for fitness enthusiasts with a sweet tooth.
Part of what makes caramel so great for protein bars in particular is how well this flavor pairs with others. Caramel flavor blended with chocolate or any type of nut flavoring creates an extra rich and delectable flavor combination. Caramel may not be the first flavor that comes to mind, but it is one that every manufacturer should utilize.
Chocolate
You can’t have a discussion about “classic” flavors without mentioning chocolate. Chocolate flavors make up the most popular version of just about any snack you can think of. So it should go without saying that protein bar manufacturers would benefit from concentrating on perfecting their chocolate flavor.
What makes chocolate so essential, aside from its great taste, is how easily it pairs with other flavors. Chocolate goes great with other sweet flavors like caramel or vanilla. It also pairs great with nutty or fruit flavors. Plain chocolate on its own and flavored chocolate alike are absolutely essential for any manufacturer.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter flavoring is popular in a variety of products. This flavor has a special place when it comes to protein bars. Peanut butter is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. And perhaps more importantly, peanut butter is a good source of protein all on its own. This makes peanut butter flavoring the perfect choice before or after a workout. It’s not too sugary, but it tastes sweet and it is a good way to replenish.
Like other flavors on this list, peanut butter is a good choice to blend with other flavors. Peanut butter and chocolate is one of the most famous (and delicious) flavor combinations out there. These are all reasons why peanut butter should be one of the first flavors any protein bar manufacturer should consider.
Strawberry
Fruit flavors may not be as commonly associated with protein products as chocolate or peanut butter. But many consumers still love strawberry-flavored protein bars. This flavor offers something different than many of the other popular protein bar flavors on the market. Strawberry flavoring is sweet, making it a great pre or post-workout snack. But what makes strawberry unique is its fresh and fruity flavor. Strawberry flavoring can provide a more refreshing alternative to many of the other flavors on the market.
Vanilla
Last but certainly not least on this list is vanilla. Perhaps the most overlooked flavor in the industry, vanilla is absolutely essential for all kinds of snack manufacturers. Vanilla offers a complementary smooth and sweet flavor that is extremely versatile.
When it comes to protein bars, there are few flavor combinations that vanilla does not work well with. It can pair well with chocolate, caramel, nut flavors, and fruit flavors. Perfecting vanilla flavoring is a crucial step for every protein bar manufacture. Nobody should go without this staple flavor.
OSF Flavors are flavor experts who excel at creating flavors for sports nutrition products. To learn more or request a flavor sample for your business, visit OSF Flavors today!