Meal Replacement Market Report 2026

The meal replacement market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $19.8 billion in 2025 to $21.53 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in health and wellness awareness, increasing adoption of weight management programs, expansion of sports nutrition markets, rising urban lifestyles with limited meal preparation time, growth of organized retail channels.

The meal replacement market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $30.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for personalized nutrition solutions, rising focus on preventive healthcare diets, expansion of e-commerce nutrition platforms, growing popularity of plant-based nutrition, innovation in functional ingredient formulations. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-protein meal replacements, rising adoption of ready-to-drink nutritional products, growing focus on functional and personalized nutrition, expansion of plant-based meal replacement options, enhanced emphasis on clean-label formulations.

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is anticipated to drive the growth of the meal replacement market in the coming years. The increase in diabetes is attributed to factors such as ethnicity, aging populations, and changing lifestyles. Meal replacement products are widely used in diabetes management as they support weight control and glycemic regulation. Additionally, because these products are rich in nutrients while being low in calories, they are also effective in addressing obesity. For example, in March 2024, according to the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities, a UK-based government body, between March 2022 and March 2023, the proportion of individuals with type 1 diabetes receiving all eight recommended care processes rose by 22%, while for type 2 diabetes it increased by 21%. During the same period, the percentage of patients achieving target HbA1c levels reached 37.9%, the highest figure ever recorded by the National Diabetes Audit. Therefore, the growing incidence of obesity and diabetes is fueling the expansion of the meal replacement market.

Major companies in the meal replacement market are focusing on innovation, including offering products in popular flavors such as chocolate caramel and vanilla hazelnut. Flavors refer to the sensory experience of food or substances, primarily influenced by the chemical senses of taste and smell. For example, in September 2024, Arla Foods Group, a Denmark-based food company, launched a new line of meal replacement drinks called Protein Food to Go. Each serving of these drinks contains 30 grams of protein, providing a substantial source of protein for those seeking convenient nutritional options. This high protein content is designed to support muscle maintenance and overall health, appealing to active individuals and those in need of meal replacements.

In October 2025, Supreme, a UK-based fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer, acquired SlimFast’s UK and European operations from Glanbia for $24.6 million (£20.1 million). Through this acquisition, Supreme plans to strengthen its presence in the weight management and wellness segment, broaden its product offerings, and enhance its retail distribution while capturing synergies within its Drinks & Wellness division. SlimFast is a US-based nutrition brand known for its meal replacement shakes, bars, snacks, and high-protein, high-fiber, gluten-free products designed to support weight management and nutritional supplementation.

Major companies operating in the meal replacement market are Nestlé S.A., Abbott Laboratories Inc., Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Amway Corporation, Glanbia plc, Huel Limited, Soylent Nutrition Inc., Orgain Inc., Usana Health Sciences Inc., Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., No Cow Inc., Labrada Nutrition LLC, Ample Foods Inc., Kate Farms Inc., Jimmy Joy (Plenny) B.V., Mana Drink s.r.o., Saturo Foods GmbH, Sated Inc., Hol Food Inc., YFood Labs GmbH.

North America was the largest region in the meal replacement market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the meal replacement market share in the forecast period. The regions covered in the meal replacement market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the meal replacement market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The meal replacement market consists of sales of drinks, bars, soups, sparkling water. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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