Low Sugar Fruit Snacks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Fruit Bars, Dried Tropical Fruit), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarket & Supermarket, Online Retailers), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global low sugar fruit snacks market size was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% from 2021 to 2028. The rising demand for essential vitamins and minerals to boost immunity, along with the improved demand for fiber-enriched products, is expected to propel market growth over the forecast period. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the strong demand for vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat-free low sugar snacks. An increasing number of consumers are staying at home, which has led to an increased inclination toward weight management and personal health.

In the U.S., fruit bars emerged as the largest product segment in 2020. Consumers are gradually shifting toward healthy snacks at home and the workplace. According to the data published by the NDP Group in January 2021, U.S. consumers are increasingly turning to healthy snacks, nuts, and ready-to-eat snacks including savory snacks with less and natural sugar content.

The growing demand for healthy eating among consumers is anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. Furthermore, rising health and wellness concerns, combined with busy lives, are expected to fuel these altering dietary preferences and amplify industry growth throughout the projected period.

The market growth is primarily attributed to shifting consumer preference toward convenient and healthy on-the-go snacking options. As a meal replacement, the majority of these customers choose low sugar fruit snacks as they are high in vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, all of which help to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Rising consumer preference for processed foods that are rich in nutritional content, as compared to other regular processed food, is expected to aid the market growth. The market is expected to rise significantly owing to increased consumer knowledge pertaining to the need for eating healthy foods and their nutritional content.

Product Insights

Fruit bars held the largest revenue share of over 40.0% in 2020 and are expected to maintain their lead over the forecast period. Greater nutritional value of fruit bars than fruits, as nutrients are concentrated, emerged as a convenient food assortment. Furthermore, various fruit-flavored bars such as strawberry and orange have been gaining popularity due to their natural sugar content.

Consumers prefer fruit bars with more flavor, followed by suitable textural qualities, which is achieved by balancing components, selecting the right manufacturing steps, and controlling the product's ultimate moisture level. The rising new trend of the mixture of pulps, fresh or dried fruit, low sugar, and binders will lead to market growth.  

The dried tropical fruit segment is projected to register the fastest growth rate from 2021 to 2028. The rising health concerns and healthy eating habits among millennials are driving the market. These fruits are free from insects, mold, damages, and blemishes without added preservatives or sugars.

Dried tropical fruits have been gaining popularity among diet-conscious consumers with the increasing spending on product innovation in this category. According to the international tropical fruits network, with the increased papaya and pineapple production, the agriculture sector is now packaging them as dried fruits for international demand.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hypermarket and supermarket segment held the largest revenue share of over 35.0% in 2020. Hypermarkets and supermarkets attract a large number of consumers and are usually located in the central parts of the city. Owing to the availability of various brands, consumers are choosing these stores to buy products.

An increasing number of modern retail outlets across all the regions will support the segment growth. For instance, the Indian government approved 51% FDI on multiband retail and 100% FDI on single-brand retail, which has prompted the interest of industry participants in this sector.

The online retailers segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of smartphones and improved logistics infrastructure have been fueling the growth of this distribution channel across the globe.

Convenient shopping and fast delivery options have been boosting the popularity of online retailers among consumers. As of 2019, around 49% of the consumers bought food online. The simplicity with which consumers may select their chosen brands from a wide selection of flavors and product options is the key cause for the surge in sales through internet retailing.

Regional Insights

North America captured the largest revenue share of over 30.0% in 2020. The increasing inclination of millennials towards low sugar convenience foods that have a high nutritional portfolio will fuel the market growth in this region. The growth of the sector will be aided by advancements in technology, well-established cold chains, and distribution channels.

According to the USDA, the average American eats 2.2 snacks per day and can consume up to one-quarter of the total calories from snacks. This drives the demand for healthier snacks to replenish energy and blood sugar levels.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 10.7% from 2021 to 2028. The market in the region is mainly driven by economies such as China and India. The demand is projected to be bolstered by the popularity of processed food varieties due to health benefits and ease of storage when compared to fresh fruits.

This region holds a potential growth opportunity due to the increasing per capita consumption and the expanding population. Furthermore, a growing number of middle-class households and rising health consciousness among the consumers are expected to stimulate the product demand.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of a few well-established players and medium players. New product launches are one of the key strategic initiatives in the industry. For instance, in March 2018, KIND launched fruit bites made with less sugar for healthier alternatives to competing options. Some prominent players in the global low sugar fruit snacks market include:

• Calbee, Inc.

• Tyson Foods, Inc.

• Danone S.A.

• Welch's

• Kellogg NA Co.

• PepsiCo

• Chaucer Foods Ltd.

• Nestle S.A.

• WALLAROO

• BEAR

Low Sugar Fruit Snacks Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global low sugar fruit snacks market report on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Fruit Roll-ups

  • Fruit Bars

  • Dried Tropical Fruit

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Hypermarket & Supermarket

  • Convenience Store

  • Online Retailers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa