Arla Foods Ingredients bites into South America’s protein snack boom with Easy Bite concept

Arla Foods Ingredients has introduced a bite-sized protein bar concept aimed at capturing growing demand for healthier snack options in South America, with the product set to make its regional debut at the Nutri Ingredients Summit in São Paulo.

• Arla Foods Ingredients has unveiled its Easy Bite protein bar concept for the South American market ahead of its debut at the Nutri Ingredients Summit in São Paulo.
• The 18g bar delivers up to 40% protein and contains no added sugar, fat, or maltitol while maintaining softness for up to two years.
• Consumer data suggests demand for high-protein snacks is rising across Latin America as health awareness and weight management goals influence purchasing decisions.

The Easy Bite concept will be presented for the first time in South America at the event, taking place from March 31 to April 1 in Brazil. The 18g snack format was designed to combine convenience with high protein content while maintaining taste and texture over long shelf-life periods.

The bar uses Arla Foods Ingredients’ customized whey protein solution, Lacprodan EasyBar, and can deliver up to 40% high-quality protein. The formulation also contains high fiber levels and includes no added sugar, fat, or maltitol.

According to the company, the concept uses just eight ingredients and maintains stable softness throughout a two-year shelf life. This stability is achieved without additional fat or water-binding ingredients such as collagen, which are commonly used in protein bar formulations.

The concept was developed to appeal to active and health-conscious consumers who want convenient snacks without compromising on nutritional value or taste.

Arla Foods Ingredients reported that interest in healthier snack formats has been growing across South America. According to research by FMCG Gurus, 56% of consumers in Latin America have switched from traditional snacks such as chocolate to alternatives with higher protein or lower sugar content during the past year.

The shift has been linked to increased health awareness among consumers. Research indicates that 67% of consumers identify weight loss as a key motivation when selecting products, while 62% cite general health concerns.

Taste and perceived health benefits remain major drivers of purchase decisions in the category, highlighting the importance of product formulation and sensory quality.

A recent survey conducted by Arla Foods Ingredients among 1,000 consumers in Brazil found that taste, natural ingredients, and high protein levels were the most important factors influencing food purchasing decisions. The research also showed that 40% of respondents wanted bars with higher protein content, rising to 49% among consumers aged between 25 and 29.

Ignacio Estevez, Application Manager for South America at Arla Foods Ingredients, said the company had seen strong interest in the concept at industry events globally.

“The Easy Bite concept has been a big hit globally across tradeshows and conversations with the industry, and now we’re showcasing it for the first time in South America,” he said. “We can provide specialized whey and milk protein ingredients for indulgent, high-protein bars and snacks to help South American manufacturers stay ahead of the game. Our protein bar ingredients deliver great taste, high protein content, and soft texture and bite for extended shelf life. They are ideal for optimizing texture, strengthening labelling claims, and creating a fast, easy-to-formulate solution that will keep consumers coming back for more.”

Visitors to the Nutri Ingredients Summit will be able to sample the Easy Bite concept at Arla Foods Ingredients’ exhibition stand.

Alongside the protein bar concept, the company will also present a range of clear protein beverage formulations designed for hydration and nutrition applications.

These include ready-to-drink concepts developed with Lacprodan ISO.Water whey protein isolate as well as shake concepts formulated with Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake. The beverages are designed to offer a clear, water-like appearance while delivering protein without dryness or off-tastes often associated with protein-fortified drinks.

Arla Foods Ingredients develops whey and milk-based ingredients for applications including sports nutrition, health foods, medical nutrition, early life nutrition, and functional beverages.

The company reported that its ingredient portfolio is designed to support manufacturers seeking to combine high protein levels with appealing taste and texture in a variety of food and beverage formats.