As health and wellbeing become larger priorities for the majority of consumers, snack preferences are shifting toward high-protein options. In particular, cheese products such as Babybel are seen as a quick way to power up before a run, during a road trip, or headed into an afternoon meeting.

Looking to meet this demand, Babybel has released a two-piece snack pack to quell hunger pains and ease productivity. Here, we explore why convenience stores, mini marts, and other grab-and-go retailers can capitalize on this market by offering the cheese product.

Taking a Bite Out of Hunger

Protein helps the body build muscles and create energy. But you don’t need to ask, “where’s the beef?” to find good sources of this enrichment. 

High-protein products build body muscles, fend off disease, and create energy. Most importantly, they head-off the need for another snack because protein-rich foods slow digestion and prevent your blood sugar from spiking. On-the-go snacks are an important part of the diet and can be a convenient protein source, says Meghan Flynn, Registered Dietitian for The Food Group.

“Snacks can make up 20% of our total energy intake per day, so it is important to make those

calories count toward your overall dietary goals,” says Flynn. “Rather than reaching for candy or chips that contain too much sugar, fat and sodium, think about healthier alternatives.”

As health and wellness become bigger priorities in daily lives, 29% of consumers in the United States have stated that protein has become more important over the course of the last year, according to Food Navigator USA. The trend should only grow, as the Natural Marketing Health and Wellness Trends Database 2022 indicates 42% of Americans want more protein in their diet.

A Healthy Idea

Babybel, in particular, meets many consumers’ needs. Each pack contains 8 grams of protein and is made from 100% real cheese with no artificial growth hormones, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Flavors include Original and White Cheddar.

The two-pack option makes it simpler to get the proper amount of nutrients without going overboard. It also provides an opportunity to balance the diets for many Americans who tend to in-take too little at breakfast and overload protein at dinner.

Flynn says the following are ideal protein servings:

• 25 - 30 grams of protein at each meal
• 20 grams of protein after a workout
• 10 - 15 grams of protein as a snack.

Meanwhile, protein bars – a popular quick bite– tend to have more calories, fat and sugar than two Babybel cheese snacks, says Flynn, who suggests combining Babybel with crackers or fruit for a well-rounded snack.

“The majority of Americans do not get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet.  The average

adult also does not get enough fiber and calcium,” she explains. “Combining Babybel, which is a good source of protein and calcium, along with a high fiber fruit or vegetable, such as raspberries, mango,  carrot or celery sticks, makes for a perfect snack that is both high in calcium and fiber, and a good source of protein.”

Babybel, with its distinctive packaging and established popularity, already attracts devoted consumers. Studies show 49% of adults eat more than one Babybel on the same occasion, an indication that the two-pack offer is meeting a demand. 

High-trafficked retail outlets where the offer could be a good fit include:

• Convenience stores and mini markets in and around office buildings
• University shops/bookstores
• Hospitals and health care facilities
• Airports and other transit stations with grab and go options. 

Conclusion

The single-serving portion is a win-win for consumers and for stores that can harness Babybel’s established fan base to draw attention to a new product that merchandises perfectly on shelf. 

Babybel is a healthy, fast snack feeding into the high-protein trend that helps regulate a whole day’s diet. Consumers will benefit from its nourishment and stores selling should achieve greater sales meeting this demand, as it fills a need during increasingly busy days. 

“Consumers are looking for snacks that fit their on-the-go lifestyle, that also provide nutritional

benefits,” Flynn says. “Increasingly, consumers are also seeking snacks with functional benefits, such as probiotics and fiber for gut health, adaptogens for mental health/clarity, collagen fortified for healthy skin, etc.”

For more information about why Babybel is a natural addition to your store and why consumers will eat up the new two-pack, click here.