Global Healthy Snack Market By Type (Meat Snacks, Nuts, Seeds & Trail Mixes, and Other Types), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, and Other Distribution Channels), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

In 2022, the Global Healthy Snack Market size was valued at USD 84.4 billion and is expected to grow to around USD 142.6 billion by 2032. Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 5.5%.

In recent years, the healthy snack market has seen a surge in demand, particularly since the pandemic. Customers are becoming more conscious about their health and are looking for delicious, nutritious snacks. Market growth is also being driven by the development of the supply chain for products. Major supermarket chains have partnered with third-party delivery companies online to expand their business to include e-commerce.

Snacks became an important part of your diet because they helped you get the nutrients you needed and keep your energy levels up. Between meals, small portions of food or beverages are called snacks. A bag with low sodium, sugar, nutrients, vitamins, and saturated fat is considered a healthy snack.

Snacks that are healthy are packed with protein and fiber and help you stay energetic all day. Hard-boiled eggs, seeds, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, as well as low-fat dairy products, are all good snacks. Because snacks make up a large portion of your diet, they have a significant impact on your health.

Snacks that are healthy have a lot of advantages, like preventing weight gain, reducing the need for more food, strengthening the brain, and improving health. Healthy snacks are also a good way to get the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein that your diet needs. Avoid overeating during meals by eating snacks before or after meals.

Key Takeaways

1. Market Projection: Expected to grow from USD 84.4 billion in 2022 to USD 142.6 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.5%.
2. Functional Foods: Rising consumer interest in snacks with health benefits like protein and fiber drives market growth.
3. Convenience Trend: Busy lifestyles increase demand for ready-to-eat, healthy snacks, supporting market expansion.
4. Technological Hurdles: Processing challenges impact snack texture and nutrition, yet technological advancements promise solutions.
5. Leading Product Type: Nuts, seeds, and trail mixes dominate due to high protein and ease of consumption.
6. Primary Distribution: Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead distribution, benefiting from collaborations with rapid delivery services.
7. Regional Dynamics: North America leads the market, driven by increased health-conscious snack consumption. Asia-Pacific shows significant growth potential.

Drivers

Increasing Demand for Functional/Healthy Foods to Fuel Demand for Healthy Snack Products

The growing demand for functional foods in the global market is driving the growth of the global market. Functional foods are used to improve overall health and lower the risk of developing certain lifestyle-related chronic conditions. Consumers are continuing to look for healthier options in the food aisles. Functional ingredients, such as proteins, micronutrients, and fiber, have been adopted by mainstream retailers.

The growth of the market for healthy snacks is driven by the increasing promotion of such functional foods for weight management, improving digestive health, and lowering the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Rising Popularity of Convenience Foods & On-the-go Snacking to Support Developments

The growth of the healthy snacks market can be attributed in large part to the rising popularity of ready-to-eat, convenience, and on-the-go snacking options. In a busy schedule, on-the-go healthy snacks market products provide quick nutrition and a feeling of fullness.

Due to their portion control, snacks are also viewed as an essential component of a healthy diet by consumers. During a hectic workday, these portable and convenient packs provide a small boost of energy. By offering a variety of healthy snacks that meet the growing demand for nutrition on the go, the healthy eating trend is contributing to the development of the snack industry.

Restraints

Technological & Processing-Related Challenges to Impede Market Growth

The difficulties manufacturers face during the processing of healthy snacks hinder the market. Customers’ primary considerations when making a purchase include the snack’s texture and crispness. The final product’s texture is impacted by the moisture retention and binding capacity of the ingredients when fats and sugar are reduced or eliminated, and whole grains are added. In a similar vein, the fruit and vegetable snacks market presents challenges in terms of shelf stability and preservation.

Clean-label snack products, such as additive-free or preservative-free snacks, may face challenges without ingredients that can support emulsification and stabilization and creamy texture. These challenges will be addressed by processors through ongoing innovations and technological advances.

Type Analysis

Nuts, Seeds & Trail Mixes Hold a Major Market Share Attributed to their High-protein Content & Easy Consumption

Based on product type, This market can be divided into meat snacks, nuts, seeds & trail mixes, dried fruit snacks, and cereal & granola bars. Nut-based snacks are popular because they provide long-lasting energy, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Demand for nut and seed-based products will increase due to the growing popularity of vegan and plant-based diets. Trail mixes are in high demand because of their convenience, portability, and availability of various flavors.

Due to the rising demand for natural, organic, and clean-label products, the market for nuts, seeds, and trail mixes is also anticipated to expand at a faster rate.

Distribution Channel Analysis

In 2022, supermarkets and hypermarkets held the majority of the global market. The dominance of this distribution channel is primarily due to the sheer number of supermarkets and hypermarkets worldwide. For instance, 7-Eleven is one of the largest supermarket chains in the world. In 16 countries, it has over 46,000 locations. Additionally, the rapid development of retail infrastructure in emerging economies is accelerating industry expansion.

Instant delivery services are growing in popularity around the globe, and supermarket chains are following the trend to maximize their potential. In the past few months, there has been an increase in supermarkets investing or partnering with large rapid delivery companies. Supermarkets benefit from their existing supply chain to increase their margins. Delivery services get the same benefits from their existing supply chain to expand their distribution network and reduce market competition.

Key Market Segments

Based on Type

• Meat Snacks
• Nuts, Seeds & Trail Mixes
• Dried Fruit Snacks
• Cereal & Granola Bars
• Other Types

Based on Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retail
• Other Distribution Channels

Opportunity

Healthy Snack Options are One of the Most Widely Consumed Food Groups.

Customers are more responsible, so healthy snacks may be an alternative to certain meals. The essence of snacks is changing as empowered customers seek snacks that are healthy, nutritious, and affordable to fuel their busy lifestyles.

Eating is on the rise as people are more mobile and want to eat. In healthier snacks, premiumization drives innovation and variety. The restriction is that you can’t use unusual ingredients or fiery flavors to please people from all over the world.

This encourages growth in the provincial business sector. Comfort is also driving ready-to-eat snack sales online. One of the most sought-after categories of food that can be purchased online is healthy snack options.

Trends

Emerging Trend of On-the-go Nutrition to Propel Innovation in Snacking Industry

There is a rise in the demand for snacks due to the increasing number of people who are entering the workforce. Because snacks offer instant satisfaction and relief from stress, they are a great choice. This market for healthy snacks is driven by the growing healthy snack trend to avoid certain chronic diseases and maintain health & well-being through mindful consumption.

As working adults and millennials look for snacks to combat nutrient deficiencies, the on-the-go nutrition trend is quickly gaining popularity.

Regional Analysis

In 2022, North America dominates this market, and it is anticipated that it will continue to do so during the projected period. The U.S.’s strong demand for healthy snacks dominates the local market. In this location, snack consumption was already high, but since the COVID-19 epidemic, the rate of intake of nutritious snacks has increased dramatically. Currently, more and more people are becoming health-conscious and looking for wholesome snacks.

Europe is still the second largest market, and the growing popularity of on-the-go nutrition trends and the growing awareness of the beneficial health effects of functional foods are contributing to their enormous potential.

The demand for healthy snacks in the regional market is being driven by a positive attitude toward preventative measures, an increase in the number of older people, a busier daily schedule, an increase in mental stress, and an increasing prevalence of health conditions linked to lifestyle choices. The market for innovative granola bars and portfolios continues to expand in Europe thanks to the growing investments made by major corporations.

Due to the rising demand for “better-for-you” products that encourage healthy well-being, the market in Asia-Pacific is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR. It is anticipated that the expansion of the market in the region will be fueled by the rising disposable income that enables consumers to indulge in healthful activities. Due to low product penetration in underdeveloped markets, the Middle East and Africa, and South American markets will have lower healthy snack market share.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The market is fragmented, with global and local players offering a variety of snacks tailored to local tastes.

Market Key Players

• PepsiCo Inc.
• Nestle S.A.
• Unilever PLC
• Tyson Foods Inc.
• Kellogg Company
• B & G Foods Inc.
• Mondelēz International
• Harvest Almond Snacks
• Happytizers Pvt Ltd
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• December 2022: Agthia, a food and beverage company based in the United Arab Emirates, announced that it had acquired a 60% stake in Abu Auf, an Egypt-based company that makes healthy snacks and coffee products. Tanmiya Capital owns the remaining 10%, and the founders of Abu Auf retained a 30% stake.
• In August 2022, Mondelez International Inc., an American food- and beverage company, announced that it had completed its acquisition of Clif Bar & Company. Clif Bar & Company is a top provider of energy bars with organic ingredients in America. The acquisition increased Mondel’z International’s snack business value to over US$ 1 Billion.

Report Scope