Global Meal Replacement Products Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global meal replacement products market was valued at USD 13.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.30 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.51% during the forecast period. The market is growing significantly due to rising health consciousness, busy lifestyles, the prevalence of various health issues, diverse dietary preferences, product innovation, and technological advancements. Additionally, the growing popularity of plant-based and vegan meal replacement options, increased demand for personalized nutrition, and a rising preference for clean-label products and ready-to-drink shakes also driving the market growth.

RECENT VENDOR ACTIVITIES

1. In 2024, Abbott developed a new brand called PROTALITY. It is made for people pursuing weight loss. It is available in the form of a high-protein nutrition shake which is a blend of slow- and fast-digesting protein that helps to maintain muscle health during weight loss activities.
2. In 2024, Herbalife International of America, Inc., a premier health and wellness company and community, launched the Herbalife GLP-1 Nutrition Companion. It is a new product category supplement and food product combos. Support the individuals’ weight-loss medications and nutritional needs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Market Growth: The global meal replacement products market size was valued at USD 13.79 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.30 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.51% during the forecast period.
2. By Product: The powder segment dominates and holds the largest market share. The segment is growing due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility.
3. By Application: The specialty health segment shows the highest growth of 7.71% during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes is driving the demand.
4. By Age Group: The 35 to 64 segment accounts for the largest global meal replacement products market share. This age group includes most of the busy individuals who are getting less time for preparing meals. Thus, they are seeking meal replacement products.
5. By Gender: The male segment holds the largest market share, as they are seeking meal replacement products due to time constraints due to hectic schedules and busy lifestyles.
6. By Distribution Channel: The online segment shows the highest growth, driven by convenience, competitive pricing, detailed information, and wider selection.
7. By Geography: North America dominates the global meal replacement products market. Consumers in North America are seeking ready-to-consume and convenient meal replacement solutions, such as ready-to-drink shakes and bars.
8. Growth Factor: The global meal replacement products market is set to grow due to rising health consciousness and the growing popularity of plant-based & vegan meal replacement options.

MARKET TRENDS

Growing Popularity of Plant-based & Vegan Meal Replacement Options

Consumers are continuously focusing on maintaining their health and seeking plant-based food options for maintaining their diets. The plant-based meal replacements are known for their healthier advantages such as high fiber, essential nutrients, and lower saturated fat. Plant-based meal replacement products also have fewer calories and saturated fat than traditional meals. Many consumers opt for vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets due to health, ethical, or environmental concerns. Such dietary meal replacement products’ preferences drive the demand for plant-based meal replacement options. The advancement in food technology gives privilege to the improvement of the plant-based meal taste and texture. It makes them more appealing to a wide variety of consumers.

Increased Demand for Personalized Nutrition

The increased demand for personalized nutrition is a significant trend in the global meal replacement products market driven by several factors including focus on preventive healthcare, advancement in technology, increased awareness of individual nutritional needs, increased consumer demand for transparency, and rise of food intolerance & allergies. Personalized nutrition is offered according to gender, age, dietary restrictions, activity level, allergies, etc. The rising consumer preference for healthy and nutritious food options, in which consumers are looking for nutrition-based meal replacement products. Consumers are seeking personalized solutions to optimize their well-being and health, moving away from the approach of one-size-fits-all.

MARKET DRIVERS

Busy Lifestyle

People across the world are becoming busier due to long commutes, hectic work schedules, and various familial & social commitments. Due to this, they are getting less time for meal preparation, eating proper meals, and even grocery shopping. Meal replacement products offer easy and quick solutions for people who have busy lifestyles. They can easily consume it within a few minutes, during work hours or travel. It reduces the time required for proper meal preparation. The manufacturers are constantly focusing on innovating new and improved tastes and textures in meal replacement products, which makes them more attractive to busy individuals.

Rising Health Consciousness

The rising health consciousness is a significant driver for the meal replacement products market. This is driven by various factors, including the growing popularity of specific diets, rising interest in plant-based diets, shift towards healthier lifestyles, increasing spending on maintaining health & wellness, and focus on digestive health. Consumers are becoming health-conscious and looking for nutritious meals. Meal replacement products give balanced nutrition, such as minerals, vitamins, and proteins. It makes it more appealing to health-conscious consumers. Consumers are moving away from processed and traditional foods and seeking healthier alternatives. The adoption of meal replacement products has been seen among Gen Z and millennials who are more health-conscious.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINT

Competition from Fresh Food Alternatives

The competition from fresh food alternatives is a major challenge for the global meal replacement market. Consumers have a set perception about fresh food, that it offers higher nutritional value and better taste. Fresh food offers more healthier and natural benefits compared to processed meal replacements. Fresh food offers a variety of culinary experiences, textures, and flavors, which can be difficult for meal replacement products. With an increase in consumer preference for home cooking and clean eating, consumers may prefer fresh food. It may hinder the growth of the global meal replacement products market during the forecast period.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT

The global meal replacement products market by product is segmented into powder, ready-to-drink, protein bar, and others. In 2024, the powder segment dominates and holds the largest market share. Powder-based products are dominating the market due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. The demand for powder-based meal replacement products is rising due to several factors, including longer shelf life, health and wellness concerns, nutritional benefits, and increasing demand from young adults and sports enthusiasts. Powder-based meal replacement products have a much longer shelf life than liquid alternatives. They offer a variety of flavors and provide flexibility in portion control. The popularity of meal replacement products is increasing as they are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The segment allows consumers to customize their meals by mixing the powder with various liquids based on personal preference. This makes them a popular choice among consumers who prioritize personalization and flexibility in their nutrition options, thus driving segmental growth.

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

The global meal replacement products market by application, is categorized into general health and specialty health. The specialty health segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 7.71% during the forecast period. The segment includes meal replacement products designed to cater to specific health conditions or dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, allergies, or diabetes. Some specialty health products are used under medical supervision for various health conditions, including post-surgery recovery. The specialty health segment encompasses applications such as medical conditions, targeted nutrition, diabetes management, sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and weight loss. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes is driving the demand for meal replacement products tailored for specialty health needs. Weight management is a major factor that will drive this segment in the coming years.

INSIGHT BY AGE GROUP

Based on the age group, the 35 to 64 segment accounted for the largest share of the global meal replacement products market. This segment is driven by several factors, including specific dietary needs, busy schedules, and an increased focus on maintaining health and wellness. Due to hectic schedules and demanding work lives, individuals and parents rely on meal replacement products for convenience. These products offer a variety of options that cater to different family preferences. Some individuals in this age group may have dietary restrictions or specific needs, such as diabetic or gluten-free requirements, which can be met with specialty meal replacement products. Additionally, the high disposable income of this demographic drives the demand for premiumization in meal replacement products. As they are more health-conscious and actively engaged in physical fitness, they seek healthier options in meal replacement products.

INSIGHT BY GENDER

Based on gender, the male segment dominated the global meal replacement products market share. Meal replacement products are specifically designed for the male segment, particularly those interested in weightlifting, fitness, and bodybuilding. Companies are targeting men by offering various nutrition-based products that help maintain overall health. Men tend to consume fewer daily meals compared to women, increasing the demand for convenient and ready-to-eat food options. This demand is primarily driven by busy lifestyles, further fueling the need for meal replacement products. Busy individuals seek meal replacement products due to time constraints and hectic schedules. They prefer to maintain balanced nutrition in their daily routines, which is expected to drive the global market demand for meal replacement products during the forecast period.

INSIGHT BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The global meal replacement products market by distribution channel is segmented into offline and online. The online segment shows prominent growth, with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Online platforms offer convenient shopping with a wider selection of meal replacement products, allowing consumers to easily access the products they need. As a result, online shopping is gaining popularity in the global market. The demand for meal replacement products through online platforms is driven by the presence of various channels, such as e-commerce platforms, brand websites, and online subscription services. On brand websites, consumers can easily purchase products with subscription options and exclusive deals. Many meal replacement brands offer innovative and unique products that are not readily available in traditional stores, making their own websites and e-commerce platforms key distribution channels. Additionally, online platforms provide opportunities for smaller meal replacement brands to enter the market. Online stores cater to specific dietary needs and niche markets, offering a wider variety of products compared to traditional retail stores. This helps brands reach a broader audience and compete with established players, driving the demand for meal replacement products in the global market during the forecast period.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America dominates and holds the largest share of the global meal replacement products market. The region's market growth is driven by strong health and wellness awareness, consumer preference for convenience, and high disposable income. Key emerging trends in this market include busy lifestyles, an increased focus on health and wellness, advancements in technology, a rise in chronic diseases, a growing demand for specific dietary needs, and the personalization of nutrition. In 2024, the U.S. and Canada are the major markets for meal replacement products in North America. The U.S. dominates the region due to the presence of a large number of manufacturing companies. Additionally, the highest obesity rates for both men and women are still found in the WHO Americas region. Consumers in North America are highly focused on health and wellness, with over 65 million U.S. citizens being members of health and wellness clubs. Key trends in the U.S. and Canadian meal replacement market include the demand for organic and natural products, plant-based and vegan options, and functional ingredients.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global meal replacement products market report consists of exclusive data on 28 vendors. The market is highly competitive with a few large and several mid-sized and small companies. Large companies dominate the market by offering a variety of meal replacement products. Large companies focus on acquiring small players, such as producers and sellers, for premiumization. They also expand their product portfolio and focus on increasing their market share. Local brands in the global meal replacement products market are constantly introducing new and innovative flavors, formats, and healthier options to cater to consumers’ needs and preferences. They focus on nutritional profile-based products to stay ahead in the market. Companies are continuously seeking high-quality ingredients to offer highly nutritious and healthy meal replacement products. Companies are competing by offering promotional deals and pricing to attract budget-conscious consumers.