Adult Meal Replacement Market

Global Adult Meal Replacement Market Size (2024 to 2029)

The size of the global adult meal replacement market is expected to be worth USD 15.17 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.60% from 2024 to 2029 to achieve USD 19.92 billion by 2029.

Adult meal replacements are food products that are convenient and nutritionally rich, specially made to replace regular meals. They are available in various forms, from shakes and bars to powders. It offers essential elements like vitamins, minerals, fibers, proteins, and many others in suitable quantities. This nutritional profile helps to speed up digestion, boost immunity, and also helps to control weight. Though whole foods give numerous nutrients, these adult meal replacements can offer convenience and healthy food for busy lifestyles. In simple terms, meal replacements can be helpful when combined with a balanced diet, but moderation and professional advice are essential for overall well-being.

REPORT COVERAGE

Market Drivers

The growing number of people with obesity and diabetes is majorly influencing the adult meal replacement market shares. Recently, the increased consumption of fast foods and busy & fast lifestyles have led to health conditions like obesity and diabetes among adults. Adult meal replacements are the best fit for them as these meals offer an effective and organized approach to weight management, balanced nutrition, and controlled calorie intake, all of which are essential to managing obesity and diabetes. They offer people a way to control the amount of calories and carbohydrates they consume while still getting all the necessary nutrients. Adult meal replacements meet the needs of persons striving to effectively cope with these health conditions by helping with weight management and blood sugar control. Thus boosting the demand for the market.

Further, the rising health and awareness trend is propelling the adult meal replacement market expansion. These days, consumers are constantly searching for simple yet full-of-nutrient food options to fit with their health-conscious lifestyles because personal well-being and nutrition are becoming more vital. Adult meal replacements respond to this growing trend by providing necessary nutrition in manageable doses while supporting busy lifestyles. The attractiveness of meal replacements has grown due to rising adults' demand for foods that help weight management and overall wellness goals. Also, the growing public awareness about the importance of balanced meals is contributing to increasing the demand. The importance of adult meal replacements as a supplemental tool for supporting better lifestyles is highlighted by this expanding trend, which promotes an advantageous partnership between consumer awareness and adult meal replacement market development.

The surging demand for convenience foods is significantly driving the adult meal replacement market growth. Nowadays, consumers have become attracted to simple dietary options in this fast-paced, time-limited world. Adult meal replacements offer an appealing alternative as they give consumers a simple, fast method to have a nutritious meal without spending a lot of time preparing it. They are ideal for on-the-go consumption due to their portability and suitability for busy lifestyles. Increased urbanization, shifting work dynamics, and the need for readily available nutrients all contribute to this demand for convenience foods. Adult meal replacements have thus positioned themselves as a suitable substitute, fulfilling the demand for quick nutrient absorption without losing essential components. 

Market Restraints

One of the significant restraints on the market growth is the high cost of meal replacements. Though these adult meal replacement products surely provide convenience and focused nutrition, their high cost due to the presence of added nutrients and the application of various costly sources to make the meal replacements more healthy and nutritious can make them difficult for consumers to adopt. Regular meals can often be a more appealing option for price-sensitive people due to their economic feasibility. People might be hindered from adopting meal replacements as a regular dietary alternative because of the cost imbalance and belief in the nutritional value of whole meals. This can affect the demand for adult meal replacements and hence restrict the market expansion.

Also, the misconception about adult meal replacements hampering the market demand. Many people are still not aware of the usage and health benefits of consuming adult meal replacements. Also, some customers have a misunderstanding that these meal replacements are excessively processed, have poor nutritional value, or offer inferior health advantages than whole foods. Such thoughts might deter new customers from adopting adult meal replacements in their diets because they may think they are less natural or satisfying than regular meals. This attribute is restraining the adult meal replacement market growth globally.

Market Opportunities

A significant opportunity for market growth is presented by the rising demand for plant-based and vegan adult meal replacements. Plant-based meal replacements satisfy consumer demands for sustainable and animal-free product options by providing nutrient-rich food alternatives made from legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruits. This ensures that consumers get a balanced diet. This trend appeals to people seeking to consume fewer animal products, along with vegans and vegetarians. Hence, this growing demand for plant-based and vegan diets can help the market grow significantly in the coming years by innovating various flavors and allergen-friendly formulations without the use of any animal-based food products.

Recent Developments in the Adult Meal Replacement Industry

• In March 2023, Nestle made an undisclosed financial investment in the meal replacement startup YFood. The start-up based in Munich provides meal alternatives, such as powders, beverages, and snack bars.

Adult Meal Replacement Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product

• Bar
• Beverage
• Powder

By product, the beverages segment is anticipated to dominate the adult meal replacement market during the forecasted period. These beverages include liquid meal replacements like shakes or smoothies and provide convenience as they are options with ready-to-drink. Also, these meal replacements in the form of beverages offer a variety of flavors and tastes along with an abundance of nutrients, which is highly influencing the market demand. At the same time, the powders segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the projected period. To make a whole meal, meal-replacement powders are combined with water, milk, or other liquids. These adult meal replacement powders are flexible in terms of personalization, allowing consumers to change the consistency and flavor according to their preferences.

By Distribution Channel

• Offline

• Hypermarkets& Supermarkets
• Convenience stores
• Specialty stores
• Others (Department stores, local shops, and discount stores)

• Online

By distribution channel, the offline segment is dominating the market share during the projected period. Offline distribution channel involves retail channels such as supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and others (departmental stores, local shops, and discount shops). They offer a chance to physically examine products, compare alternatives, and provide convenience as customers can purchase these meal replacements along with other shopping. However, the online segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecasting period. This segment includes various e-commerce platforms that provide convenience to people to browse, select, and order adult meal replacements from home.

Regional Analysis

By region, North America is anticipated to rule the adult meal replacement market share during the forecasted period owing to the growing urbanization, busy lifestyles, high level of health consciousness, and strong physical activity culture. The demand for convenient and healthy alternatives like adult meal replacements fits with the fast-paced culture of this region, which is influencing the market demand. At the same time, the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the projected period. The demand for quick and functional food solutions is rising in this region because of rapid urbanization, shifting dietary preferences, and rising health consciousness. This attribute is inducing the demand for adult meal replacements in this region.

Key Players in the Market

Major Key Players in the Global Adult Meal Replacement Market are

• Abbott Laboratories
• Amway Corp. (Alticor)
• Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods
• Herbalife Nutrition
• Glanbia PLC
• The Simply Good Foods Company
• The Kellogg Company
• Nestlé SA.