Food manufacturer Wholebake has announced a £3m investment in the business to meet the growing demand for healthy snacks.

Consumers are shifting their focus from traditional confectionery towards cleaner and more functional alternatives, choosing snacks which are higher in protein, lower in sugar and made with recognisable ingredients.

Figures from NIQ EPOS show that Wholebake sold over 145m bars over the past year, with volume increasing by 10 per cent and sales going up by 18.7 per cent year-on-year.

Additionally, NIQ market data found that the total cereal bar market is now worth £819m over the past year and grew at three per cent compared to 2.4 per cent in the year prior.

According to the figures, protein bars are now worth £261m and have increased at 8.3 per cent year-on-year and now account for 83 per cent of the category’s value growth.

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This reflects a rising demand for an alternative to traditional snacking and has led to significant investment across the food manufacturing industry.

The business is set to invest £3m in two new high-speed production lines which will launch later this year, which operate at 360 bars per minute compared to 120 on its existing line.

As part of the expansion, the food manufacturer will recruit skilled operators and engineers to work on the project.

The food manufacturer has plans to continue further investment for 2026 as the demand for healthy snacks accelerates.

John McMullen, CEO of Wholebake, said: “The way Britain’s snacks are undergoing a structural shift. The data makes clear this is not a passing fad but a lasting change in behaviour, and one where consumers are willing to pay more for snacks that fit their lifestyle.

“As a manufacturer, our job is to help brands and retailers keep pace with that demand. We’re investing in new high-speed production lines this year, to give our customers the capacity, quality and flexibility they need to grow in one of the fastest-moving parts of the food industry.”