How Granolas & Clusters Are Revolutionizing Plant-Based Snacking

What used to be a niche category has officially gone mainstream. Plant-based eating is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle adopted by millions of consumers seeking better-for-you products that align with wellness goals and sustainability values. And when it comes to snacking, few formats are generating as much buzz as granolas and clusters.

These versatile snack formats are leading the evolution of health-forward convenience foods. They offer a perfect mix of flavor, nutrition, and functionality, making them a go-to option for consumers and a major opportunity for brands.

Plant-Based Clusters: Nutrient-Rich, Market-Ready

The U.S. plant-based food market is currently valued at over $7.4 billion. Yet, a significant portion of consumers still hesitate due to taste concerns. In fact, 44% of Americans say they don’t enjoy the taste of many plant-based options. This gap between interest and enjoyment presents a powerful opportunity for innovation.

CII Foods is bridging that gap through science and creativity. Our Nutri-Crisps® line includes high-performing ingredients like extruded rice, soy crisps, and pea protein crisps. These ingredients elevate the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of plant-based clusters and granolas. By incorporating quinoa, soy, peas, and other ancient grains, manufacturers can create protein-rich, delicious snacks that meet demand without compromising taste.

Granolas That Support Gut Health

Consumer interest in gut health continues to grow, with studies linking digestive wellness to disease prevention and overall well-being. As more people recognize the importance of a healthy microbiome, snacks that support gut health are experiencing strong demand.

Granolas and clusters are ideal vehicles for delivering gut-friendly benefits:

• Naturally high in fiber thanks to whole grains, fruits, and nuts

• Easily fortified with prebiotics and probiotics

• Compatible with ingredients like SlimBiome to support digestion

Formulations focused on fiber and functional inclusions not only satisfy consumer expectations but also deliver clinical-grade benefits in a familiar and craveable format.

The Power of Complete Protein

Modern consumers want more from their snacks—especially those replacing meals. Protein is top of mind, and not just any protein. They want products with all nine essential amino acids and high digestibility. That’s where granolas and clusters excel.

By utilizing a blend of high-quality plant-based proteins, these snacks can achieve a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1. This score indicates that the protein is fully digestible and meets the standards for complete proteins.

Meal replacements and performance-oriented snacks benefit most from this development. Granola clusters made with complete protein sources offer a clean, plant-based solution for busy consumers seeking both nutrition and convenience.

Next-Gen Flavor and Format Innovation

Flavor innovation is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Functional snacks must still satisfy the palate, and granolas and clusters open the door to a wide range of creative possibilities.

CII Foods enables brands to go beyond traditional formats and experiment with novel combinations and coatings. Examples include:

• Choco-coated granola clusters

• Honey-roasted pumpkin seed bites

• Mocha-latte flavored hazelnuts

• Lemon-blueberry coated almonds

Beyond snacking, these ingredients can be incorporated into bars, yogurts, and even frozen desserts. With savory, salty, sweet, and spicy options, the opportunities for flavor exploration are nearly endless.

Six Paths to Innovation with Granolas and Clusters

If you’re a brand ready to innovate, there are six clear strategies to help you bring the next big thing to market:

1. Partner with R&D experts to move from concept to shelf with speed and precision.

2. Customize formulas to meet consumer needs like gluten-free, low-sugar, or keto-friendly.

3. Replicate successful products by matching flavor, texture, and nutrition profiles.

4. Streamline production with flexible batch sizes and quick-turnaround options.

5. Explore pet-friendly nutrition, leveraging the growing demand for clean-label pet snacks.

6. Use ingredient technology to optimize taste, functionality, and shelf-life.

Each path creates an opportunity to differentiate, delight, and dominate your category.

Why CII Foods?

CII Foods is more than an ingredient supplier—we are a partner in innovation. We combine technical expertise, culinary creativity, and market insight to help food manufacturers develop snack products that resonate.

With Nutri-Crisps®, Clust-R-Snax®, a diverse range of plant proteins, and advanced formulation capabilities, we help bring bold ideas to life. Whether you’re entering the health and wellness market or upgrading your current product line, our team is here to support you at every stage.