A comprehensive review on nutrition bars as the emerging functional foods: insights into their composition, health benefits and market trends
摘要
Modernization– including urbanization, social development and transforming work culture have greatly influenced the eating habits and dietary needs of the majority of the population. Mechanization has reduced the need for laborious work and most of the youth is engaged in the static occupations where they have minimal body activity. This has reduced their total calorie expenditure and has led to the strong preference for foods that relieve stress without significantly increasing their overall calorie intake. Munching and snacking have become a common eating habit nowadays and this trend has collectively resulted in the higher global demands for accessible on-the-go products. Nutrition bars have become increasingly popular among the youngsters engaged in desktop jobs. This review highlights the nutritional composition, production process and consumer perceptions of nutri bars, and emphasises their role in modern dietary patterns. It also discusses emerging trends and challenges in the nutri bar market, innovations in product development, and the potential of nutri bars as convenient and healthful snacks in the contemporary diets.