Why Are Australia’s Snack Bars Still Stuck on the Shelf?

Let’s call it what it is: Australia’s snack bar scene is stale. Not because we’re short on options, but because almost every option looks the same. Long shelf life. Added sugars. Stabilizers. The same old “better-for-you” story, stretched thin.

Meanwhile, something huge is happening overseas.

Globally, over 60% of shoppers say they want more from their snacks—nutrition, function, and clean ingredients. In Europe and the U.S., fresh, refrigerated snack bars are having a moment. A multi-billion-dollar moment, actually. Brands like Perfect Snacks, Mid-Day Squares, and Once Upon a Farm are changing what we expect from a grab-and-go snack. Cold-pressed. No preservatives. These snacks aren’t built to last forever on a shelf—they’re made to fuel real people living whole, busy lives, without sacrificing nutrition or taste.

And the demand is massive, it’s not niche! Snacks are moving from the pantry to the fridge. The perimeter of the store—the part with fresh produce, fridge cases, and now snacks—is where the real growth is happening. It’s the new frontier for better food.

So Why Isn’t Australia on Board?

It’s not that Australians don’t want better snacks. We do. Research shows more than half of us are looking for snacks that go beyond basic nutrition. Snacks that offer functional benefits, real ingredients, and fresh energy. We’re more wellness-savvy than ever, but our grocery model hasn’t caught up.

The challenge is that most retailers are still heavily invested in shelf-stable formats. The convenience channel is slow to pivot. Cold shelf space is limited and reserved for legacy categories. And let’s be honest, launching something chilled, functional, and new in a conservative market? It’s risky. It’s expensive. BUT, it’s also exactly what needs to happen.

Australia isn’t short on demand. We’re just short on brands willing to take a risk on something different.

A New Standard for Snacking

We created Bar None because we were done compromising. We wanted a snack bar that tasted amazing and actually delivered on nutrition. We couldn’t find it, so we made it ourselves!

Our bars are cold-pressed and stored in the fridge. That’s how we keep them fresh without preservatives. It’s how we protect the fibre, flavour, and nutrients that come from real ingredients. We don’t just do it differently because it sounds good. We do it because it works better. Because our bodies—and our tastebuds—deserve more.

And yes, it’s harder. A lot harder. It takes more thought, more care, and more conversations with retailers about chilled storage and short supply chains. But this is what innovation looks like, and we’re super proud to be leading the way for a new category in Australia.

This Is About More Than a Bar

Bar None is Australia’s first cold-pressed snack bar. It’s the kind of snack that makes you feel good after you eat it. Not just full, but energised. And that shouldn’t be rare. It should be normal!

This is about reimagining how we snack in Australia. It’s about proving that real food can still be convenient. That innovation doesn’t have to come at the cost of quality. And that big ideas can start small, in a kitchen, with a blender and a stubborn refusal to compromise.

We’ve got bold flavours. Real ingredients. No shortcuts. And a growing community (that’s you!) ready for something better. So if you’re ready to support something fresh, now’s the time.

Vote for Bar None

We’re up for Best New Brand at the Naturally Good Awards and have also been nominated for People’s Choice, and this one’s decided by you! If you believe Australia deserves better snacks and like what we’re building, your vote would mean absolutely everything!

No signup. Just a few clicks. And a step toward better food.

We’re so grateful for your support. We truly can’t do this without you.