The global meal replacement market size reached around USD 16.45 Billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% between 2026 and 2035 to reach nearly USD 33.90 Billion by 2035. The growing prevalence of lifestyle disorders like obesity and diabetes is prompting consumers to switch towards nutritious meal replacement solutions. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to witness a substantial growth due to the surging demand for shakes, driven by the rising consumer preference for ready-to-drink meals available in palatable flavours.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Protein is a key ingredient for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health and recovery. An average person needs 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. This, coupled with the growing trend of health and wellness, is boosting the demand for meal replacement products that are high in protein, especially among customers with busy lifestyles.
Customers with demanding schedules are preferring meal replacement products as convenient and time-saving options that support overall health. Moreover, with the increasing purchasing power, consumers are actively investing in health-focused and high-quality meal replacement products, including plant-based, organic, and protein-rich options.
The growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in both developed and developing countries is positively influencing the meal replacement market dynamics. Reportedly, over 100 million Indians suffer from diabetes, with nearly 15.3% of the population having pre-diabetes. This high prevalence of diabetes and other health issues is likely to bolster the demand for meal replacement products that support overall wellness, cardiovascular health, and weight management, among others.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
7.5%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
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Global Meal Replacement Market Report Summary |
Description |
Value |
|
Base Year |
USD Billion |
2025 |
|
Historical Period |
USD Billion |
2019-2025 |
|
Forecast Period |
USD Billion |
2026-2035 |
|
Market Size 2025 |
USD Billion |
16.45 |
|
Market Size 2035 |
USD Billion |
33.90 |
|
CAGR 2019-2025 |
Percentage |
XX% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 |
Percentage |
7.50% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Region |
Asia Pacific |
8.3% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country |
India |
8.4% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country |
China |
8.2% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Purpose |
Slimming |
8.0% |
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Flavour |
Berry |
8.1% |
|
Market Share by Country 2025 |
Japan |
5.6% |
In November 2024, it was reported that diabetes affects over 800 million people globally, with low-and-middle-income countries like India being severely affected. Around 20% of the population residing in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean region, and the Eastern Mediterranean Regions respectively suffer from diabetes. 13% of the American population is diabetic, and its prevalence is rising steadily in the world due to unhealthy diets. This has prompted food and beverage companies to introduce low-carb/low-sugar meal replacement solutions like shakes, energy drinks, protein bars, and candies for health-conscious consumers. The launch of innovative flavours of ready-to-drink meals by leading health nutrition companies is expected to increase the meal replacement market value in the coming years.
The growth of per capita disposable incomes of consumers is enhancing their appeal for trying different products to ensure overall health and wellness. In India, gross national disposable income is expected to rise by 8.9% in 2024. Similarly, in October 2024, the United States reported USD 144.1 billion in growth of disposable incomes of individuals. This is expected to favourably impact the meal replacement market dynamics in the coming years.
Introduction of vegan formulations; reducing family sizes; promotional and marketing activities by key players; and increasing focus on weight management are the major factors driving the meal replacement market growth.
Nearly 79 million individuals globally identify themselves as vegans to promote animal welfare (68.1%), stay healthy (17.4%), and ensure environmental protection (9.7%). This has prompted companies to introduce vegan meal replacement solutions, which is favourably influencing the meal replacement market dynamics.
By 2095, the average household size is expected to decline by 35%, which is expected to prompt consumers to prefer quick meal replacement solutions instead of preparing four-meals a day. The introduction of new flavours of protein shakes is also expected to favourably shape the meal replacement market outlook in the coming years.
Major market players are making significant investments to make their advertising and promotional campaigns successful. By leveraging social media, establishing influencer partnerships, and focusing on targeted consumers, the sale of branded meal replacement items is expected to surge significantly.
Increasing consumer awareness regarding lifestyle disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases is promoting them to seek natural and healthy eating solutions. Meal replacement solutions are well-suited to meet the consumer demand for nutritious meal solutions, thereby leading to the market expansion.
Decrease in family sizes in Japan
In 2023, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported that 34.0% of all Japanese families were single-person households, at 18,495,000. Households comprising of a married couple/married couple with children accounted for 24.8% and 24.6% of all households, respectively. This is expected to facilitate the meal replacement market expansion in Japan in the coming years, as consumers shift away from cooking four-square meals daily to healthy and palatable meal replacement shakes and protein bars for convenience.
Introduction of vegan formulations
In 2020, the sale of vegan food products grew 2x faster than general food sales. The United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand are the topmost countries ranked by the number of vegan consumers. 2% of the US population identifies itself as vegan, with three-quarters of it being female. Over the forecast period, meal replacement market value is expected to register significant growth, driven by the increasing introduction of plant-based protein-rich meal replacement alternatives.
The EMR’s report titled “Global Meal Replacement Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Breakup by Product
Breakup by Purpose
Breakup by Flavour
Breakup by Distribution Channel
Breakup by Region
Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Over the forecast period of 2026-2035, the market for meal replacement products in the Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% due to rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of portion control and rapid urbanisation. As per the meal replacement market analysis, countries like India and China are expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% and 8.2%, respectively, due to the growth of online distribution channels and increasing consumer demand for body slimming products.
Based on flavour, the market is segmented into vanilla, berry, chocolate, and cookies and cream, among others. Berry flavoured meal replacement products are expected to emerge as one of the key meal replacement market trends, recording a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period of 2026-2035. They are expected to be followed by chocolate flavoured products, which are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8%.
|
CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by |
Flavour |
|
Berry |
8.1% |
|
Chocolate |
7.8% |
|
Vanilla |
XX% |
|
Cookies and Cream |
XX% |
|
Others |
XX% |
Major players are making substantial investments in product innovation and are developing personalised nutrition solutions to suit various consumer health needs. The meal replacement market revenue is also increasing due to the expansion of digital commerce and improvements in marketing campaigns by companies.
Soylent Nutrition, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in California, United States. It specialises in producing health and wellness solutions including plant-based meal replacement formulations.
GNC Holdings, LLC was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Pennsylvania, United States. It specialises in producing pre-workout shakes and powders, protein supplements, and superfoods, along with collagen boosting products.
Vega US, LLC was founded in 2001, and specialises in producing plant-based protein shakes and powders, apart from electrolyte hydration formulas.
Huel Limited. was established in 2015 and is based in Hertfordshire, England. It has sold over 400,000,000 meals in nearly 150 countries worldwide. Its meals are created from 100% ethically sourced ingredients and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players included in the meal replacement market report are Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., SlimFast & WorldPantry.com LLC, Abbott Nutrition, Nestle SA (Orgain, LLC), Vybey, and PepsiCo, Inc. (CytoSport, Inc.), among others.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 16.45 Billion.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% between 2026 and 2035.
The market is estimated to witness healthy growth in the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of around USD 33.90 Billion by 2035.
The different regions considered in the market report include North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
The different meal replacement products available in the market are soups, and shakes, among others.
Consumers purchase meal replacement products for body building or slimming.
The different distribution channels for meal replacement products are hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, speciality stores, and online channels, among others.
Key players in the market are Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., SlimFast & WorldPantry.com LLC, Soylent Nutrition, Inc., Abbott Nutrition, Nestle SA (Orgain, LLC), GNC Holdings, LLC, Huel Limited., Vybey, PepsiCo, Inc. (CytoSport, Inc.), and Vega US, LLC, among others.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
|
| Breakup by Product |
|
| Breakup by Purpose |
|
| Breakup by Flavour |
|
| Breakup by Distribution Channel |
|
| Breakup by Region |
|
| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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