Malted Food Drinks Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Malted Food Drinks Market was valued at USD 6.89 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.38 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.33%. Malted food drinks are powdered gruels made from a combination of wheat flour, malted barley, and evaporated whole milk. These beverages are low in protein and serve as effective dietary supplements. They contain around 30 essential minerals and elements, including important vitamins such as D, A, and E. Additionally, malted food beverages are a good source of folic acid, a vital nutrient for the development of children and the well-being of pregnant women.

The market for malted food drinks is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for barley malt-based beverages and their enhanced nutritional content, including biotin, vitamin B, and folic acid. Due to their health benefits, malted food beverages are gaining popularity as low-protein foods and supplements, supporting overall market growth. Additionally, drinks like cocoa-based malted beverages have seen a rise in popularity because of their appealing taste and nutrients such as potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium. These drinks are often used as flavor enhancers to encourage children to drink more milk. White Malt Powder and Brown Malt Powder are the two primary types of malt health drinks.

Malt-based ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, such as Cayman Jack Margaritas and Clubtails, are gaining significant attention alongside hard teas, sodas, and seltzers. Customers continue to favor malt-based cocktails due to their lower cost and fewer regulatory restrictions compared to spirit-based RTD drinks, which face high prices and strict regulations on where they can be sold. The category has been driven forward by frequent product launches.

Market Drivers

Health Consciousness and Nutritional Benefits

As global awareness of health and wellness continues to rise, consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that not only satisfy their taste but also provide nutritional benefits. Malted food drinks, especially those enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other health-boosting ingredients, cater to this growing demand. The increasing focus on functional drinks, such as those fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, zinc, and vitamins, is a key driver in the market. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices, and there is a growing preference for drinks that contribute positively to physical health, digestion, and overall well-being.

Malted drinks are often marketed as energy-boosting, easy-to-digest options, which appeal to both children and adults. Additionally, fortified malt drinks are seen as suitable alternatives for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking for a healthier substitute for sugary, carbonated drinks. In particular, the non-alcoholic malt drinks offer the benefits of malt, which is rich in essential nutrients that support immunity, bone health, and metabolic functions. This trend toward health-conscious consumption is driving innovation in the malted drinks segment, with manufacturers introducing low-sugar, high-protein, and plant-based options. As people become more focused on balanced diets and functional foods, malted food drinks are increasingly being seen as an appealing, nutritious choice.

Key Market Challenges

Intense Competition and Price Sensitivity

One of the major challenges in the global malted food drinks market is the intense competition among brands, particularly from both established and emerging players. The market is flooded with numerous brands offering a variety of malted drinks, often with similar ingredients and benefits. This high level of competition can lead to price wars, which affect profitability for many companies. Consumers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive, especially in developing regions where disposable income is lower. As a result, companies may have to lower their prices or offer promotions to stay competitive, which could hurt their margins.

Additionally, the presence of strong competitors in both the malted drinks category and other beverage categories, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, and juices, puts further pressure on companies to differentiate their products. Despite the nutritional benefits, malted drinks are not immune to the growing trend of low-sugar, low-calorie beverages, which consumers increasingly prefer. In response, brands need to invest heavily in marketing, brand positioning, and product innovation to stand out in a saturated market.

Key Market Trends

Innovation in Flavors and Product Variants

Innovation in flavors and product variants is another significant trend driving growth in the global malted food drinks market. Consumers are increasingly looking for new and exciting flavors to enhance their drinking experience, leading brands to diversify their offerings. While traditional malted drinks have been popular for years, there has been a noticeable shift toward introducing more exotic and innovative flavors to meet evolving consumer preferences. Brands are experimenting with flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, caramel, fruit blends, and even spices like cinnamon and cardamom to cater to a broader audience.

These innovations not only appeal to diverse taste preferences but also allow companies to target niche markets, including younger consumers, who are looking for more adventurous beverage options. Additionally, malted drinks with seasonal or limited-edition flavors, such as pumpkin spice in autumn or tropical fruit blends in the summer, are becoming increasingly popular as brands create excitement around new launches. Alongside flavor innovation, product variants are also on the rise. These include malted food drinks with different formulations, such as high-protein versions for fitness enthusiasts, low-sugar or sugar-free variants for health-conscious consumers, and drinks enriched with probiotics or other functional ingredients. By offering a variety of options, companies are not only catering to different taste preferences but also addressing specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie options.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé S.A.
• Abbott Laboratories
• Associated British Foods Plc
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Mondelēz International, Inc.
• Danone S.A.
• Zydus Wellness Limited
• Cytosport Inc.
• Continental Milkose (India) Ltd.
• CTL Foods, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global Malted Food Drinks Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Malted Food Drinks Market, By Product Type:

• With Cocoa
• Without Cocoa

Malted Food Drinks Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Pharmacies/Drug Stores
• Supermarket/Hypermarkets
• Departmental/Grocery Stores
• Online
• Others

Malted Food Drinks Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• Vietnam
• South Korea
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Turkey
• Kuwait
• Egypt
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global Malted Food Drinks Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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