Low-Calorie Food Market Report 2025

The low-calorie food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.69 billion in 2024 to $15.81 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to evolving food preferences, environmental and sustainability concerns, increased environmental and sustainability concerns, accessibility and availability, celebrity endorsements and influencers.

The low-calorie food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.06 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to cultural and demographic shifts, sustainability concerns, demand for convenient healthy foods, stringent nutritional labeling, prevalence of diet-related diseases. Major trends in the forecast period include health and wellness movement, product innovation, plant-based and vegan diets, technological innovation, functional foods.

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes worldwide is expected to propel the growth of the low-calorie food market in the coming years. Obesity is characterized by a higher body fat percentage, while diabetes results from excessively high blood glucose levels. These two conditions are interrelated and often occur together. A low-calorie diet can be particularly beneficial in treating obesity and diabetes, as it accelerates the fat-burning process and induces a catabolic state in the body. For example, in June 2024, the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, reported that over half a million (549,000) additional people in England were identified as being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the past year. Notably, among those under 40, the increase was even more significant, rising nearly a quarter from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023. Additionally, according to the World Obesity Federation, which advocates for global efforts to combat obesity, it is estimated that by 2030, one billion people worldwide, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men, will be living with obesity. Therefore, the growing prevalence of diabetes and obesity is a key driver for the low-calorie food market.

The rise in disposable income is anticipated to enhance the growth of the low-calorie food market in the future. Disposable income refers to the funds available for spending and saving after accounting for taxes and mandatory deductions for individuals and households. This income level significantly impacts the consumption of low-calorie foods, as those with higher disposable incomes often prioritize health-conscious choices and are more willing to invest in premium-priced, healthier alternatives. For example, in September 2024, the Office of National Statistics, the UK’s executive office of the Statistics Authority, reported a 6.3% increase in gross disposable household income (GDHI) in 2022 compared to 2021. Consequently, the increasing disposable income is driving the growth of the low-calorie food market.

Innovations in vegan low-calorie foods represent a prominent trend gaining momentum within the low-calorie food market. Key industry players are directing efforts toward crafting vegan low-calorie food choices, catering to the surging popularity of veganism. For instance, in September 2022, Nada Moo!, a Texas-based vegan ice cream company, introduced Frozen Bites, a vegan low-calorie dessert offering a mere 50-70 calories per serving.

Major players within the low-calorie food market are intensifying their focus on introducing low-calorie chocolates, aiming to gain a competitive edge. These offerings target consumers seeking indulgence while managing their calorie intake. Notably, in May 2022, Mars Inc., a US-based food giant, unveiled Triple Treat, a new series of low-calorie chocolate bars encompassing revamped versions of beloved classics like Mars, Snickers, Bounty, and Galaxy. Each bar, dipped and drizzled in milk chocolate, comprises over 75% fruit and nuts, effectively reducing the calorie content of these traditionally sugar-laden treats.

In January 2024, Ghodawat Consumer Limited, an India-based company in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, acquired To Be Honest for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows GCL to tap into the expanding health snack market. To Be Honest utilizes an innovative vacuum cooking process that provides products with high nutritional value and functional benefits, surpassing conventional low-calorie options. To Be Honest is recognized as a healthy snack brand in India that specializes in low-calorie foods.

Major companies operating in the low-calorie food market are Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Beneo Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories, Galam Ltd., PepsiCo Inc., Zydus Wellness Limited, Bernard Food Industries Inc., Danisco A/S, Archer Daniels Midland Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Cargill Incorporated, Groupe Danone SA, Nestlé S.A., McNeil Nutritionals LLC, Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., Heartland Food Products Group, Glucerna SR tablets, Kellogg Company, General Mills Inc., The Hershey Company, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International Inc., Unilever PLC, Kraft Heinz Company, Campbell Soup Company, Conagra Brands Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, Hormel Foods Corporation, Tyson Foods Inc., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Beyond Meat Inc., Impossible Foods Inc., Amy's Kitchen Inc., Sweetgreen Inc., Freshii Inc., Just Salad LLC, Chopt Creative Salad Company LLC, Tender Greens, Cava Group Inc., Dig Inn Hospitality Group LLC, Lemonade Restaurant Group LLC.

North America was the largest region in the low-calorie food market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the low-calorie food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the low-calorie food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Low-calorie foods encompass products with relatively minimal calories per serving, proving instrumental in facilitating weight loss. These food items serve as substitutes, meeting daily requirements for essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, proteins, and energy needs.

Within the realm of low-calorie foods, distinct types emerge, including sugar substitutes, sugar alcohol alternatives, and nutrient-based substitutes. Sugar substitutes serve as ingredients replacing sugar in food products, offering lower calorie content and heightened sweetness compared to sugar. Aspartame, sucralose, stevia, saccharin, cyclamate are examples applied across dairy, dietary beverages, baked goods, snacks, and various other consumables.

The low-calorie food market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides low-calorie food market statistics, including low-calorie food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low-calorie food market share, detailed low-calorie food market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low-calorie food industry. This low-calorie food market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The low-calorie food market consists of sales of sugar substitutes, sugar alcohol substitutes, and nutrient-based substitutes. 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 manufacturers 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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