On-the-go Breakfast Products That Fuel Your Day

The Growth of Convenience Breakfast Items

As daily schedules continue getting busier, consumers are increasingly seeking convenient breakfast options that they can enjoy on the go. Traditional sit-down breakfast meals are falling out of favor as people look for foods they can easily eat in the car or at their desks. Various factors like time constraints, hectic lifestyles, and the demand for portable breakfast solutions are driving this expansion.

Breakfast Bars Lead the Pack

Among the most popular on-the-go breakfast products choices are meal bars. Granola and cereal bars offering a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients have become breakfast staples for many people. Manufacturers are innovating with new flavors, ingredients, and formulations to attract consumers. Energy bars formulated for sustained morning energy are another segment seeing rapid gains. Sports nutrition brands in particular have entered the breakfast bar space with products tailored for pre-workout fueling. The global breakfast bar market size reached $6 billion in 2020 and is estimated to surpass $8 billion by 2027.

Yogurt Takes On New Portable Forms

Yogurt has emerged as a highly versatile breakfast ingredient. While traditional yogurt cups remain strongly sold, many companies are introducing yogurt in innovative packaging designed for eating on the go. Single-serve drinkable yogurts packaged in bottles or cartons mimic the taste and protein benefits of regular yogurt in an ultra-portable liquid form. Yogurt tubes and pouches offer mess-free portable experiences. Yogurt pretzels, breads, and snacks infused with yogurt complement the category's expansion beyond cups. Plant-based non-dairy yogurts are also growing the market by appealing to vegan and lactose-intolerant demographics.

Breakfast Sandwiches Rise in Popularity

For those seeking heartier breakfast options beyond bars and snacks, portable breakfast sandwiches have caught on. Major fast food chains and grocery stores offer a variety of pre-made breakfast sandwiches with egg, meat, and cheese in convenient grab-and-go packaging. Customizable breakfast platforms like Einstein Bros. Bagels thrive thanks to their broad selections of hot and cold breakfast sandwiches. As on-the-go lifestyles persist, more people are opting for the savory, filling experience of a breakfast sandwich versus a lighter snack or bar. The breakfast sandwich category in the US grew over 35% between 2015-2020.

Sliced Fresh Fruit Gains Ground

While snacking on whole fresh fruit can be messy and impractical when on the run, pre-cut and packaged fruit is satisfying consumers' demand for healthy breakfast options. Companies process and slice varieties like apples, oranges, grapes, and melons then package them in portable resealable containers or pouches. These products fit easily into briefcases, purses, and glove compartments for a boost of fiber and natural energy. Private label brands as well as big names like Dole standardize methods for pre-slicing and packaging different fruits depending on the season. Pre-cut fruit sales jumped by double digits during the pandemic as people sought nutritious breakfasts and snacks.

Ready-to-Eat Cereals Leverage Convenience

The ubiquity of cereals like Frosted Flakes and Honey Nut Cheerios means many turn to these classics in a pinch. However, to compete with more portable solutions, cereal companies reformat their staple for on-the-go Breakfast products. Special single-serve cereals portioned in microwavable cups now allow consumers to enjoy cereal away from home with only water needed. Cereal bars merge the cereal taste experience with a handheld format. Cereal balls function like granola bites. Marketing campaigns emphasize the grab-and-go functionality of these reinvented cereals. Retailers dedicate more shelf space to cereal makers' convenience-oriented products.

Breakfast Drinks Quench and Energize

For the segment seeking liquid breakfast formats, meal replacement shakes and breakfast smoothies provide nutrition in a beverage. Major players like Premier Protein and Ensure feature high-protein shakes designed to power the morning. Companies blend yogurt, fruit, grains, and supplements then package their smoothies in bottles or cartons for easy consumption. Smoothie and juice bars cater breakfast blends to customers on the run as well. Coffee shops expand menus with protein-packed cold brew coffee drinks. Energy drinks venture into breakfast territory with morning-focused “GO” formulations. Breakfast drinks fuse hydration, calories, and convenient portability into one portable package.

New Delivery Methods Enable High-Speed Breakfasts

As digital technology transforms how consumers get meals, breakfast delivery caters to time-strapped schedules. Third-party delivery platforms offer morning selections from local bakeries and cafes. Fast casual chains leverage their smartphone apps and websites for easy breakfast pickup or drop-off. Many restaurants roll out limited breakfast menus alongside dinner menus on delivery apps. Meal kit companies assemble ingredients and instructions for homemade breakfast burritos