Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars are changing how you snack

As consumers make more conscious buying choices, Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars have made a big change to its iconic snack. While the change might not be instantly recognizable, the difference might make a shift in consumers’ habits. How will this decision disrupt the snack aisle?

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars have been a staple in many people’s pantry. Whether it is a convenient snack, part of breakfast or just a way to curb a hunger, that granola bar has become a food tradition.

Recently brands have been looking at their environmental impact and eco-footprint. From the energy used to produce food to how that food arrives on the table, those decisions are impacting which brand consumers purchase. Sometimes the story behind the brand is just as important as the taste.

How are Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars disrupting the snack industry?

While many consumers are aware of single use plastic, it isn’t the only concern when it comes to the food containers. In a big step toward innovation, General Mills created a recyclable wrapper for the Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars.

Recently, I received a box of the granola bars with the new wrappers. While the colors on the wrapper are more vibrant, the feel of the wrapper is similar to the previous version. If it wasn’t for the instructions on how to recycle the packaging, no one would have been realized the change.

Sometimes consumers shy away from eco-friendly products because they do not have the same feel as the traditional counterparts. Given that it is near impossible to tell the differences in these wrappers, consumers will easily make the switch.

While the recyclable aspect is important, consumers need to actually recycle the product. Although people are accustomed to putting that water bottle in the right trash bin, this idea needs to have consumers buy into the concept.

Luckily, General Mills does a great job of explaining the hows and whys on the packaging. It is simple, straightforward. For the eco-conscious consumer, the new packaging will be a big draw.

Given this product launch, it seems likely that other General Mills products will start to adapt recyclable packaging. More importantly, it could spark other brands to embrace the concept, too. As consumers want businesses to be forward thinking, brands will have to take notice.

What do you think of this change to the Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars? Do you think that it will change the snack industry?