The global rice cake market is projected to grow from USD 12.7 billion in 2025 to USD 16.6 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 2.7%.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 12.7 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 16.6 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 2.7% |
The market expansion is being driven by rising health consciousness, increasing demand for low-calorie snacks, and the growing preference for gluten-free and clean-label food products. Consumers seeking healthy alternatives to conventional snacks are fueling the demand for rice cakes, which are perceived as light, nutritious, and versatile in flavour.
The market holds varying shares across its parent markets. It accounts for 4% of the global gluten-free food market and about 3% of the healthy snacks market, driven by its appeal to diet-conscious consumers. Within the low-calorie food segment, it contributes nearly 3%, while in the functional food market, its share is around 2%, reflecting its nutritional positioning. The market holds roughly 5% of the convenience food segment and about 1-2% in the broader snack food market. Its share in organic and specialty diet markets is modest but growing steadily due to evolving consumer preferences.
Government regulations impacting the market focus on food safety, nutritional labeling, and allergen disclosure. Agencies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) enforce guidelines related to ingredient transparency, health claims, and permitted additives. Additionally, certifications for organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free labeling are becoming increasingly important, driving the development and adoption of compliant rice cake products that align with regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
Japan is projected to be the fastest-growing developed market, expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035. Puffed rice cakes will lead the type segment with a 65% share, while conventional rice cakes will dominate the nature segment with a 90% share. The USA and Germany markets are expected to grow steadily at CAGRs of 1.8% and 2%, respectively. Meanwhile, France and the UK are also anticipated to witness moderate growth, expected to expand at CAGRs of 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively.
The market is segmented by type, flavour, nature, distribution channel, and region. By type, the market is divided into mochi and puffed rice cakes. In terms of flavour, the market includes chocolate, apple cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, and others (beetroot). Based on nature, the market is bifurcated into organic and conventional.
By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, departmental stores, wholesale stores, mass grocery retailers, independent retailers, specialty stores, and online retailers. Regionally, the market is classified into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, and the Middle East & Africa.
Puffed rice cake is projected to dominate the type segment, capturing 65% of the global market share by 2025. Its light texture, lower calorie content, and wide availability make it a popular choice.
Chocolate is anticipated to dominate the flavour segment with a 28% market share by 2025, owing to its broad consumer appeal, indulgent taste, and alignment with the trend toward healthy yet satisfying snacks.
Conventional is projected to dominate the nature segment with a 90% market share in 2025, driven by its affordability, widespread availability, and strong appeal among consumers with general snacking preferences.
Hypermarkets and supermarkets are projected to lead the distribution channel segment with a 35% global market share by 2025, supported by broad product variety, strong foot traffic, and high consumer preference for in-store snack purchases.
The global rice cake market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising consumer demand for healthy, low-calorie, and gluten-free snack options. Rice cakes play a crucial role in the shift toward clean-label and diet-friendly foods, especially among health-conscious and weight-management-focused consumers.
Recent Trends in the Rice Cake Market
Challenges in the Rice Cake Market
Japan rice cake market momentum is driven by traditional snack culture, growing demand for gluten-free products, and innovation in mochi-based offerings. Germany and France maintain consistent demand driven by clean-label awareness and healthy eating trends across all age groups. In contrast, developed economies such as the United States (1.8% CAGR), United Kingdom (1.7%), and Japan (4.1%) are expected to expand at a steady 0.63 to 1.52 times the global growth rate.
Japan leads the market among top OECD countries, driven by its deep-rooted cultural connection to mochi and a strong preference for seasonal, artisan-style offerings. Germany follows with demand supported by its organic and multigrain product landscape, aligned with clean-label preferences.
France mirrors Germany, with growing interest in flavoured rice cakes and adoption in school-age nutrition and calorie-controlled diets. The United States focuses on gluten-free, portable snacking and functional toppings, particularly in fitness-conscious urban markets. The United Kingdom sees steady growth through allergen-free, plant-based products, with rising interest in smaller pack formats and sweet puffed rice cakes in supermarket retail.
The report covers an in-depth analysis of 40+ countries; five top-performing OECD countries are highlighted below.
The Japan rice cake revenue is growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035. Growth is driven by the cultural significance of mochi, rising demand for traditional confections, and increasing adaptation of rice-based snacks for modern dietary needs. Japan prioritizes authenticity, texture, and seasonal relevance in rice cake production.
The sales of rice cakes in Germany are expected to expand at 2% CAGR during the forecast period, slightly below the global average. Growth is fueled by organic food popularity and clean-label preferences among urban consumers. Major applications include on-the-go snacking, school lunch options, and light evening meals.
The French rice cake market is projected to grow at a 1.9% CAGR during the forecast period, mirroring Germany in its health-driven adoption. Demand is supported by national nutrition campaigns and wellness-oriented consumer habits. Rice cakes are widely consumed as breakfast sides, diet snacks, and replacements for bread in lighter meals.
The USA rice cake revenue is projected to grow at 1.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, translating to 0.67 times the global rate. Unlike emerging markets focused on traditional uses, US demand centers on gluten-free, low-carb diets and snack portability. High demand is observed in health-conscious cities and among fitness-oriented consumers.
The UK rice cake revenue is projected to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% from 2025 to 2035, representing the slowest growth among the top OECD nations, at 0.63 times the global pace. Growth is supported by clean-label demand, allergen-free diets, and increasing interest in plant-based snacking.
The market is moderately consolidated, with leading players like Quaker Oats Company, Mars Incorporated, Element Snacks Inc, Lundberg, and Tastemorr Snacks dominating the industry. These companies offer a wide variety of rice cake products catering to health-conscious, gluten-free, and low-calorie snack segments. Quaker Oats Company is known for its classic puffed rice cakes and multigrain options, while Mars Incorporated has diversified its snack portfolio with premium rice-based snacks and confections.
Element Snacks Inc specializes in indulgent yet healthy flavoured rice cakes, such as chocolate- and yogurt-coated varieties. Lundberg focuses on organic and non-GMO rice cakes, gaining traction among clean-label seekers. Tastemorr Snacks offers flavoured and mini rice cakes targeting the youth and fitness segments. Other key players like Riso Gallo, Wangwang, General Mills Inc, Kellogg Co, and Ricegrowers Ltd contribute with specialized, high-quality rice cake offerings tailored for retail, foodservice, and private-label supply across multiple global markets.
Recent Rice Cake Industry News
In August 2024, Mars, Incorporated announced a definitive agreement to acquire Kellanova. The deal strengthens Mars' portfolio across snacking, cereals, plant-based foods, and frozen breakfast categories, enhancing its global footprint in consumer packaged goods.
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 12.7 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 16.6 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 2.7% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Report Parameter | USD billion for value/volume in metric tons |
| Type Analyzed | Mochi and Puffed Rice Cake |
| Flavour Analyzed | Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, Caramel, Vanilla, and Others (e.g., Beetroot) |
| Nature Analyzed | Organic and Conventional |
| Sales Channel Analyzed | Hypermarket/Supermarket, Convenience Stores, Departmental Stores, Wholesale Stores, Mass Grocery Retailers, Independent Retailers, Specialty Stores, and Online Retailers |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia, Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China, India, Brazil, South Korea, Australia |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | Quaker Oats Company, Mars Incorporated, Element Snacks Inc, Lundberg, Tastemorr Snacks, Riso Gallo, Wangwang, General Mills Inc, Kellogg Co, Ricegrowers Ltd |
| Additional Attributes | Volume consumption by type, market share by flavour and channel, retail performance, health trend impact, clean-label regulations, competitive strategy analysis |
The market is valued at USD 12.7 billion in 2025.
The market is forecasted to reach USD 16.6 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 2.7%.
Puffed rice cakes will lead the type segment, accounting for 65% of the global market share in 2025.
Conventional rice cakes will dominate the nature segment with a 90% share in 2025.
Japan is projected to grow at the fastest rate, with a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035.
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