International meal replacement products market price at USD 14,931 million in 2025 is predicted to grow quickly as nowadays individuals are searching for handy food that provides acceptable nutrition in their busy lives.
It was estimated that over the forecast period of 2025 to 2035, the market would grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, reaching USD 27,738 million by 2035.
The growth of the global meal replacement products market is primarily attributed to the rising preference towards healthy dietary patterns and the increasing consumer demand for functional nutrition on-the-go products to achieve their weight management targets.
A wide range of people are adopting meal replacement products, from busy professionals and athletes to elderly populations and people who suffer from chronic health conditions. These products whether they come as ready-to-drink shakes, powders and bars offer a convenient dose of essential nutrients, protein, fiber and vitamins, all while keeping it low on sugar and calories.
Growing consumer awareness about obesity as well as dietary-induced health issues are driving the demand for portion-controlled balanced alternatives which can play the role of traditional meals.
In addition, its plant-based meal replacement products are also growing quickly, targeting vegan, lactose intolerant, and sustainability conscious consumers. According to Innova, leading brands are doubling down with fortification with functional ingredients like probiotics, omega-3s, collagen and adaptogens to lend wellness cred to their products. Increasing acceptance of personalized nutrition and custom meal plans is additionally driving the adoption of meal replacements in fitness, weight loss & medical nutrition diets.
Taste technologies are opening a new front in the battle against plant-based progress, while the improvement of texture is furthering palatability, drumming up consumer retention, repeat purchases. Digital and DTC channels are essential to achieving growth, especially with digitally savvy millennial and Gen Z consumers.
Attributes | Description |
---|---|
Estimated Global Meal Replacement Products Industry Size (2025E) | USD 14,931 million |
Projected Global Meal Replacement Products Industry Value (2035F) | USD 27,738 million |
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.4% |
North America and Europe hold the largest part of the market globally, because of a strong culture of fitness and relatively high disposal incomes with a matured consumer base. However, the rising urbanization rate, increasing attention towards health and rising global brand names availability in Asia Pacific are the main key growth factors for the fastest growing region.
With the support of agencies like the FDA, the industry is able to innovate and market products to meet consumer demand for clean label, non-gmo and gluten-free food options, as well as for nutritional labeling. The meal replacement products category is set to be a resilient and thriving sector within the wider health and wellness segment of the economy as increasing numbers of consumers look to manage their health, weight and food sources sustainably.
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The table below provides a detailed overview of the comparative analysis of the landscape of change in CAGR during the period of 6 months for the base year (2024) & current year (2025) for the global Meal Replacement Products industry.
This exercise reveals important performance drivers, tell-tale signs of revenue realization patterns which provide stakeholders a more even-keeled perspective of growth path for the remainder of the year. H1 means first half of the year (January to June). H2 is the second half of the year, Jul-Dec.
Particular | Value CAGR |
---|---|
H1(2024 to 2034) | 6.1% |
H2(2024 to 2034) | 6.2% |
H1(2025 to 2035) | 6.3% |
H2(2025 to 2035) | 6.4% |
USA Request METRICS DEEP DIVE Meal Replacement Products Global Competitor Landscape This deep dive explanation of the meal replacement products industry embeds the information regarding the long run prediction about the increasing of the market in 2024,2025 where it highlights the vital utilization divergence in demand and supply.
The market is slated to grow at 6.1% in first half of 2024 (H1), followed by a slight uptick in growth at 6.2% in H2 2024. The growth figures, for 2025, are forecasted to be 6.3% for H1 and 6.4% for H2. The trend indicates that these growth rate figures are on the rise, which is exactly what they're expected to be given the increasing consumer interest in meal kits with their convenience, adaptability and nutritional advantages.
These episodes are frequent, when due to seasonal demand variations and uncertainty prices for raw materials create temporary market distortions. However, with long-term growth holding steady as rising health awareness and fast-paced lifestyles induce consumers to seek out convenient meal replacement alternatives to traditional meals.
The top players like Abbott Laboratories and Nestlé (Rank 1) have commanding presence in the market owing to their large-scale production capabilities coupled with powerful distribution channel. However, these big firms invest impressive amounts to R&D to create and market a well-rounded line up of meal replacements (powders, RTDs & bars) to meet the specific needs of various consumer groups. Their global presence and a strong commitment to innovation have established them as leaders in their respective markets.
Stronghold Tier 2 players such as Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. and Kellogg's Company also both have strong footprints in leading markets with a clear focus on sustainable and serious health-benefiting products. In order to strengthen their market share, these companies are targeting niche segments like plant-based and organic meal replacements to appeal to health-oriented consumer demographics. And as they fall into line with current trends towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, they therefore acquire additional market share.
Tier 3 includes smaller upstarts and niche brands such as Huel and Soylent. They deliver tailored meal replacement options for a variety of applications (vegan, allergen-free, and also for high quality requirements). Focused on direct-to-consumer channels and using e-commerce platforms, they're targeting niche markets seeking personalized and convenient approaches to nutrition. Their adaptable nature means that they can quickly respond to emerging trends such as personalized nutrition and functional foodswhich is why these products will be major players in the changing landscape of meal replacement.
Any such tiered framework is a competition among the meal replacement products firms, as they organize on different levels to deploy their resources to address the bifurcated demand and adapt to evolving industry trends.
The Growing Health Conscious and Increasing need for weight management solutions
Shift: Increasing cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has shifted the focus of people on weight management and healthy diet. Consequently, there is a greater interest in meal replacement products that offer both convenience and the nutritional balance dieters and those keen on health maintenance are looking for.
Strategical Response: The organization is working on meal replacement products with a balance of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals for the healthy consumers. Multiple brands, including Herbalife and Abbott Laboratories, have introduced additional lines of shakes and bars that market themselves as contributing to healthy weight management and overall well-being.
Rise of Plant-Based and Functional Ingredients
Shift: Narrative Growing interest of consumer towards plant based diets and functional foods, which have added health benefits. The trend is being driven by consumers’ demand for sustainable and animal-friendly, and arguably healthier, products, says Eugenio Iorio, the co-head of food and beverage strategy at the management consultancy Simon-Kucher.
Strategical Response: Meal replacement makers are introducing plant-based proteins alongside functional components, such as probiotics and fiber. Sister subbrands (Huel and Soylent across the food category) can create plant-based meal replacement shakes for vegan/vegetarian audiences at a premium price for functional health benefits.
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets in Supply Chain Management
Shift:Indomie, a meal replacement company, has adapted with the times, holding on to up to 45% market share in supermarkets and hypermarkets as of 2024. Due to the high see of retail and product accessibility from these channels, this segment accounted for the biggest share.
Strategic Response: In response, brands are doubling down on partnerships with retail partners to help ensure availability and visibility. They are also banking on attractive packaging and in-store promotions to catch consumers’ eyes and drive sales in these retail settings.
The Need for Meal Replacement and Weight-Loss Drugs
Shift: New weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro impacted what consumers eat, and impacted how meal replacement products are now positioned. Some consumers are turning to protein shakes to help preserve muscle mass while on these drugs.
Strategical Response: Meal replacement brands are marketing their products as complementary to weight-loss drugs, emphasizing benefits like muscle preservation and nutritional adequacy. This approach aims to address consumer markets who are actively regulating their weight through pharmaceutical treatments.
Market Potential & Regional Dynamics
Shift: Meal replacement products marketNorth America has the highest market share in the meal replacement products market and is expected to maintain its trend throughout the forecast period, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Some of the drivers for the regional market include growing consumer assertiveness surrounding health and wellness, and high demand for convenient nutritional products.
Strategical Response: Several businesses have introduced geographically-based products and tailored their marketing to this at North America. Plus, they’re trying to reach into developing markets as rising disposable income and urbanization generate demand for handier meal options.
Diving Deeper into Types of Products
Shift: Consumers are seeking options for meal replacement that go beyond shakes and bars and products that fit not just different meal occasions but meal styles/preferences.
Strategical Response:: Companies are expanding into powdered, ready-to-drink products and can even be mixed into chewy foods. So for instance, Huel have since branched into working with some snack bars and hot meals to meet a broader range of consumer needs, tastes.
Making Sense of Natural Ingredients
Shift: Overall, meal replacements are shifting over to natural, minimally processed ingredients without artificial additives.
Strategical Response: Companies are re-engineering products with clean labels to highlight whole food ingredients, organic sources, and the absence of artificial preservatives or sweeteners. They work to build trust and bring in health-conscious consumers.
The 8 Types of Marketing
Shift: Seniors, overscheduled professionals, enthusiastic athletes and an aging population don’t necessarily share the same dietary needs one so-called “health revolution,” means a personalized diet can no longer fit all.
Strategical Response: Strategic response Firms are developing meal replacement products targeting specific demographics For example, products targeting seniors may list their known attributes for bone health and digestibility as a benefit, while products targeting athletes may mention their high protein content or muscle recovery benefits.
The combination of tech and personalization
Shift: As consumers seek products to achieve their individual health goals and dietary requirements, technology is enabling more personalized nutrition solutions.
Strategical Response: Brands are blending technology to deliver personalized food-replacement solutions and products. These include online quizzes that evaluate individuals’ nutritional needs, apps that monitor results and suggest personalized recommendations and boost engagement.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five territories. These are set to exhibit high consumption through 2035.
Country | CAGR 2025 to 2035 |
---|---|
USA | 5.6% |
Germany | 5.9% |
China | 6.8% |
Japan | 6.2% |
India | 7.6% |
The higher demand for meal replacement product in the USA comes from factors like hectic schedules, growing incidence of obesity and increasing health and wellness awareness. People increasingly use meal replacements as part of diet plans, exercise and intermittent-fasting protocols designed to control weight.
Younger, on-the-go consumers are glomming onto ready-to-drink shakes, powders and bars with complete nutrition high protein, low sugar, clean-label ingredients. The growth of e-commerce and subscription models paved the way for increased customizability. Brands are getting creative with plant-based formulations and functional ingredients like probiotics and adaptogens to keep up with changing health trends.
Fast forward to today and Germany’s ageing population and increasing appetite for plant-based and organic nutrition is driving its meal replacement market. Meal Avoidance/Replacement Powders & Beverages: Meal replacement powders and beverages certainly fall under the meal avoidance in bowls and cups category as consumers skip meals and turn to these products for weight management with satiety, digestion and energy support at the forefront of consumer overall wellness.
Formats that are vegan-friendly, lactose-free and gluten-free are in heavy demand, especially among millennials and health-conscious seniors. Not to mention retailers that are adding on private-label functional nutrition with sustainable packaging and clean ingredients.
Key Initial Consumer Insight: Topic generated highly relevant and actionable takeaways addressing regulatory oversight and preference for non-GMO products shaping consumer trust and purchasing behavior across online and pharmacy-led retail segments.
The meal replacement segment of China’s snack market is booming, and urban, tech-savvy consumers are seeking nutrition sources for the fast-paced workplace. Younger consumers / population groups are adopting meal replacements to fit fitness, beauty, and weight control goals, and protein-enriched shakes and fiber-rich powder are the biggest sellers.
Today, products can be made more available and known faster with e-commerce platforms and influencer power marketing. To lure local consumers, brands are also localizing flavors which also includes traditional Chinese ingredients.
One of the contributing factors also bolstering therapeutic applications of meal replacements is the increasing number of diabetics and obesity cases in various nations, as theorized by a government body that indicates that a rise in lifestyle-related diseases will become a greater concern in 2020 Keck, 2014.
Hong Kong-based Herbert Chow, director at Ebb & Flow, said functional health benefits are behind the increasing consumption of meal replacement products in Japan, with aging consumers and busy professionals in general contributing to the growth. There is a particular demand for foods with a nutrition profile that focuses on digestion, blood sugar management and sustained release of energy.
Convenience leads to ready-to-drink formats dominating; old-school ingredients like soy, matcha, and rice bran are incorporated into formulas for flavor-matching. The Japanese consumers value quality, practicality, and scientifically substantiated therapeutic claims and as a result, the manufacturers are compelled to invest in research-backed claims.
This affirmation is being further strengthened in modern-day nutrition by the increasing focus on minimalist diets and small-portion micronutrient-rich food.
The meal replacement market in authentic india needs to be broader owing to better urbanization, existing working populace, along with an increasing prevalence of obesity along with diabetes. On one side, meal replacement shakes and powders are being embraced as diet regimen components used by professionals and gym rats in cities and the demand has exploded for high-protein, sugar-free, low-calorie formats.
A flurry of domestic brands are getting on board, with affordable, Ayurveda-based offerings in localised flavours to suit Indian palates. Consumer awareness of portion control, and convenience-driven nutrition sales is fostering retail and e-commerce sales. As aspirational lifestyle choices of fitness and wellness are on the rise in Tier-I & Tier-II cities, consumption of meal replacements products are also on an upward spirals.
Segment | Value Share (2025) |
---|---|
Shakes (By Product Type) | 36.8% |
Furthermore, increasing lifestyle-accelerating supplement solutions are further boosting the market demand for meal replacement shakes. Meal Shake Varieties: Different nutritional meal shakes are consumed by people who want a healthy and balanced meal, especially weight loss shakes or meal replacements.
This is also consumed by people who have less time to prepare food. The manufacturers have been churning out various varieties and formulations including plant-based to appeal to a broader customer base. This trend falls within a broader shift toward functional foods that enhance health and wellness.
Segment | Value Share (2025) |
---|---|
Bars (By Product Type) | 30.5% |
The demand for meal replacement bars has skyrocketed as consumers increasingly turn to convenient on-the-go nutrition solutions. These bars become a 1 minute, near atomic lock meal solution for professionals, busy bum around, athlete, health field people.
Manufacturers are introducing more functional ingredients and are also working on high-protein low-sugar formulations to increase the nutritional content. Data corroborating this expanding consumer demand shifts makes apparent a cultural paradigm that is turning towards convenience but not at the cost of health benefits.
Analysis of Meal Replacement Product Market: Industry Growth During the Fuels of Change-As the industry centres to different types of itself, market players working within this space are focusing upon fulfilling meals with harsh nutrients whilst maximising the power of the produce via product articulation, mergers & acquisitions, and sustainability initiatives.
By offering an extensive range of meal replacement solutions designed for all dietary needs and preferences, these companies are strengthening their competitive standing.
For instance:
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 14,931 million in 2025.
Sales increased at 5.6% CAGR between 2020 and 2024.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Abbott Laboratories, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Nestlé S.A., Amway Corp., Glanbia Plc, Huel Ltd., The Simply Good Foods Company, Soylent Nutrition Inc., SlimFast, and Orgain Inc.
The North American region is projected to hold a revenue share of 43.1% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2035.
As per Product Type, the segment has been categorized into Ready-to-eat Food, Ready-to-drink Beverages, Powder, Fruits, Plant Protein Shakes, Protein Bars and Others
This segment is further categorized into Plant-based and Synthetic
Direct and Indirect (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Independent Retailers, and Online Retailers)
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.
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