Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about supplement manufacturing with Nutrikal
Getting Started
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for protein bars?
For stock formulations with your own branding, the MOQ is 5,000 bars. For custom formulations with minor modifications (flavor, texture, or ingredient adjustments), the minimum is 50,000 bars. This applies to all bar categories: protein bars, collagen bars, energy bars, meal replacement bars, vegan protein bars, and low sugar bars.
How long does it take to manufacture my first protein bar order?
Stock products with private labeling take 4-6 weeks from order confirmation to delivery. Custom formulations require 8-12 weeks from formula approval to finished products. This includes production, quality testing, packaging, and shipping preparation.
What information do I need to provide to get started?
To begin, we need: 1) Which bar category you’re interested in (protein, collagen, energy, etc.), 2) Target market and customer profile, 3) Desired quantity (5,000 or 50,000+), 4) Timeline expectations, 5) Branding/packaging preferences. If requesting custom formulation, please share your specific requirements for protein content, flavor profile, or special ingredients.
Do you offer samples before placing a full order?
Yes! We provide samples of all our bar categories. For stock formulations, we can send existing flavor samples. For custom formulations over 50,000 bars, we create prototype samples for your approval before full production. Contact us to request samples of specific bar types.
Formulation & Customization
Can you create custom protein bar formulas?
Yes, for orders of 50,000+ bars, we can make minor modifications to our existing formulations. This includes flavor changes, texture adjustments (soft-baked vs crunchy), protein source selection (whey, pea, soy, rice), and specific ingredient additions. Please note we cannot create completely new recipes from scratch – modifications are based on our proven formulations.
What protein sources do you use?
We work with premium protein sources including whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, pea protein, rice protein, soy protein isolate, and blended proteins. For collagen bars, we use Type I and Type III collagen peptides from trusted European suppliers. All protein sources are verified for quality and authenticity.
Can you make bars with specific dietary requirements?
Absolutely! We manufacture vegan protein bars (100% plant-based), gluten-free bars, low-sugar bars (<3g sugar), keto-friendly bars (low net carbs), dairy-free options, and allergen-friendly formulations. Let us know your specific dietary requirements when requesting a quote.
What flavors are available?
Our stock flavors include: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Double Chocolate, Vanilla Almond, Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Brownie, Berry Blast, and more. For orders of 50,000+ bars, we can create custom flavors to match your brand vision.
Manufacturing & Quality
What certifications does your protein bar facility have?
Our Varna, Bulgaria facility (operated by Nutrikal) is GMP certified, HACCP certified, ISO 9001 certified, and registered with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. We maintain full compliance with EU food safety regulations and undergo regular third-party audits. All protein bars are manufactured to the highest European quality standards.
How do you ensure protein bar quality?
Quality control includes: 1) Raw material testing for all ingredients, 2) In-process checks during production, 3) Protein content verification, 4) Microbiological testing, 5) Texture and taste analysis, 6) Shelf life testing, 7) Packaging integrity checks. Every batch receives a Certificate of Analysis.
What is your daily production capacity?
Our facility can produce 50,000+ protein bars daily across all categories. This high capacity allows us to fulfill both small orders (5,000 bars) and large-scale production (500,000+ bars) efficiently while maintaining consistent quality.
How do you handle allergens?
We follow strict allergen control protocols. Our facility handles common allergens (nuts, dairy, soy, gluten) with dedicated production lines and thorough cleaning procedures between runs. All bars are clearly labeled with allergen information per EU regulations. We can produce allergen-free variants upon request.
Packaging & Branding
Do you provide packaging design for protein bars?
Yes! We offer complete packaging and label design services. Our design team creates professional, eye-catching bar wrappers that comply with EU regulations while showcasing your brand. We help with logo placement, nutritional panel design, ingredient lists, and marketing claims.
What packaging options are available for bars?
We offer flow-wrap (individual bar wrappers), multi-bar boxes, display boxes for retail, and bulk packaging for gyms/corporate clients. Materials include standard food-grade film, recyclable packaging, and eco-friendly biodegradable options. All packaging maintains freshness and extends shelf life.
Can I use my own packaging design?
Absolutely! If you have existing brand packaging, we can use your designs as long as they meet EU labeling requirements. We’ll review your artwork and provide feedback to ensure compliance. Our team can also adapt your existing design to meet protein bar-specific regulations.
What must be included on protein bar labels?
EU regulations require: product name, net weight, ingredient list (in descending order), nutritional information panel, allergen declarations, best-before date, storage instructions, manufacturer information, and country of origin. We ensure all your labels are fully compliant before production.
Pricing & Ordering
How much does it cost to manufacture protein bars?
Pricing depends on: bar type, protein content, ingredients, order quantity, and packaging. Stock formulations (5,000 MOQ) are more cost-effective than custom formulations (50,000 MOQ). Contact us for a detailed quote – we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
What is included in the price?
Our pricing includes: formulation (stock or minor customization), raw materials, manufacturing, quality testing, Certificate of Analysis, packaging materials, labeling, and individual bar wrapping. Additional costs may apply for custom packaging design, shipping, and certifications (organic, vegan, etc.).
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes! Pricing becomes more competitive at higher volumes. Orders of 25,000+ bars receive better per-unit pricing, and orders of 100,000+ bars get our best rates. We also offer loyalty discounts for repeat customers and multi-product orders.
What are the payment terms?
For first-time customers, we require 50% deposit upon order confirmation and 50% before shipping. Established customers may qualify for net-30 or net-60 payment terms. We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and can work with your preferred payment method.
Shipping & Logistics
Where do you ship protein bars?
We ship worldwide to 50+ countries. EU shipping is fastest (3-7 days), UK and US take 7-14 days, and other international destinations vary. We work with trusted logistics partners and can arrange customs clearance and door-to-door delivery.
How are protein bars packaged for shipping?
Bars are packaged in protective cartons to prevent damage during transit. We use palletized shipping for large orders and courier services for smaller quantities. Temperature-controlled shipping is available for sensitive formulations (collagen bars, chocolate-coated bars in summer).
What is the shelf life of your protein bars?
Our protein bars have a shelf life of 12-18 months when stored properly (cool, dry place). Each bar is individually wrapped to maintain freshness. We provide best-before dating and can coordinate production timing to maximize shelf life for your market entry.
Can you ship directly to Amazon FBA or retailers?
Yes! We can ship directly to Amazon FBA warehouses, retail distribution centers, or multiple locations. We provide all necessary documentation for FBA requirements including labels, barcodes (UPC/EAN), and carton labeling. We’re experienced with e-commerce fulfillment logistics.
Still Have Questions?
Our protein bar experts are here to help. Get in touch for personalized answers about your specific protein bar project.