Concerns for health can lead to healthier food choices, especially if the consumer is well informed. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of package and health-related claims on Brazilian consumers' acceptance of snack bars. In order to evaluate package attributes, in focus groups discussions, 19 consumers chose the most important factors that influence their purchase decisions. Next, 102 consumers evaluated six commercial brands of snack bars in a three-session acceptance test: the first with no information about the product, the second containing the product package and the third with information on health-related claims associated with consumption of the bar. In general, package attributes, price and flavor were the most important factors that influence the purchase of snack bars. Health claims positively influenced consumer acceptance, but information concerning the absence of gluten and lactose did not significantly alter sensory acceptance. The presence of omega-3s, sugars, preservatives, flavorings and colorings have the potential to improve acceptability, because they were able to raise the acceptance of the seed bar, removing it from the rejection region. Protein and nut bars are not well known to the general public and the lower mean acceptance of the seed and protein bars demonstrated the need for sensorial improvement.

Background: Health can be a key factor in the choice of foods. Aligned with health trend, literature concerning the snack bars shows that improvements have been made in the snack foods’ nutritional values by modifying their nutritive composition, making them healthy, natural and safe. Scope and Approach: This pilot study aimed to discuss the trends for snack bars in Brazil, focusing on the insights to improve this food category’s competitiveness. Methods: A self-administered survey was made on different days and times, in the city of Viçosa, Brazil, during the winter of 2016, to assess how 408 consumers perceive snack bars and from this perspective link industry, consumers and other stakeholders, considering their attitudes and health perceptions on these foods. Conclusion: Consumers consider the body concern, health benefits, health concerns, convenience and habits to guide their purchase decisions. Cereal and fruit bars were mentioned as the most consumed, while nut and protein bars should be more affordable, maintaining prices that are more attractive for all. Overall, the results showed that more information on sensory aspects, health and ingredient content leads to higher purchase intentions. However, consumers also demand larger portion size and lower price. The expected results corroborated world consumer trends, proposing more healthy, diverse and accessible snack bars to low-income people. It would be interesting to provide older consumers with the background knowledge needed in order to choose healthier varieties of these foods.