Meal Replacement Market Assessment, By Product Type [Ready-to-Drink Beverages, Nutritional Bars, Powders, Others], By End-user [Adults, Elderly, Others], By Distribution Channel [Convenience Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Inter

Meal Replacement Market Assessment, By Product Type [Ready-to-Drink Beverages, Nutritional Bars, Powders, Others], By End-user [Adults, Elderly, Others], By Distribution Channel [Convenience Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Pharmacies/Drug Stores, Internet Retailing, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global meal replacement market was valued at USD 14.11 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 24.23 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 6.99% for the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. Products which serve as meal replacements are designed to reduce calories. Frequently referred to as ""nutritionally complete"", manufacturers guarantee to provide their consumers with all vital elements which are required, moreover, consisting of a combination of low-sugar carbohydrates, protein, and a small quantity of fat. Typically, these products are lower in calories than a typical meal.

Several companies have recently changed the focus of their marketing. They're hyping the ease of use of meal replacement products for busy lifestyles rather than emphasizing weight loss. Meal replacements have the advantage of being quite simple to make and their simplicity of use enables consumers to include meal replacements in their daily schedules. They feel convenient having a shake or bar for lunch instead of the typical burger and fries or cake with morning coffee. For instance, in June 2022, CTRL, a rapidly expanding meal replacement brand, introduced new Meal On-The-Go Bars, exhibiting the start of their functional food line. Two flavors are available for the bars: Magic Charms and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Each Meal On-The-Go Bar is made with actual ingredients and contains 240 calories, 27 grams of beneficial carbs, nine grams of fiber, and 15 grams of premium whey protein.

Finding a simpler approach to maintaining a healthy diet is the main goal of meal replacements. They aren’t meant to replace a well-balanced meal full of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Rather, they are meant to replace unhealthy snacks and fast food.

Additionally, evolving consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness among consumers about healthy nutrition are driving the market's growth.

Increasing Obesity Rates Drive the Meal Replacement Market Growth

The most frequent reason for using a meal replacement product is weight loss. People find it confusing to know what to eat when a wide variety of diet fads and supplements are available. Using a meal replacement product requires no task and it gives them a precise information about the number of calories and serving size. It does all the calculations, so consumers don't have to bother figuring out how many calories there are in a recipe with twenty ingredients.

Consumers find it easy to adhere to calorie-deficit diets by replacing their meals with specially formulated bars, shakes, and powders. These products promote healthier eating habits among consumers. People looking to shed weight find all the vital nutrients required for their bodies in these products. For instance, in September 2023, an Australia-based weight loss and meal replacement product, The Man Shake, was launched in New Zealand. In comparison to other products, the company claims to have up to three times the protein and a quarter of the sugar per 100 grams.

Convenience Factor Fuels the Demand for Meal Replacements

A significant benefit of meal replacement products is convenience. People with busier schedules find a great solution for fulfilling their dietetic requirements. Moreover, athletes, especially those who do not have ample time to cook meals for themselves, rely on meal replacement shakes to refuel quickly after a workout session. These meals require minimal to no preparation time for people with hectic schedules. Furthermore, the need for shopping for groceries, planning meals, and cooking them gets eliminated with meal replacements, saving consumers a lot of time and effort. The portable format of these products provides consumers with energy and nourishment throughout the day whenever they want. During the unavailability of traditional meal options, consumers find them ideal to consume and feel better. In February 2024, Herbalife, a leading health and wellness company, launched Herbalife GLP-1 Nutrition Companion, a new line of food and supplement product combinations designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals. The range includes classic product combo and vegan product combo, with 3 products in each range.

North America Holds the Dominant Share

Geographically, North America holds the majority of the global market share in the meal replacement market, with the United States leading the region. Local players in the region are introducing meal replacements in the form of protein shakes and bars, which are low-calorie and wholesome. These nutritious options are an emerging trend in the region. Rising sustainability trends are compelling manufacturers to launch organic meal replacements catering to the needs of eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, North American customers are drawn to meal replacement products because of their versatile nature and convenient on-the-go formats, particularly for drinks and bars. Moreover, convenience food stores offer a distinct edge over other snacks due to their ability to cater to both scheduled and impulsive purchases. In July 2023, Soylent added a new vanilla flavor to their best-selling High Protein Shake product range, Complete Protein. The product was launched online on Amazon.com and Soylent.com. Offline, the product is available on Meijer and Walmart.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Rising demand for plant-based and vegan meal replacement products is expected due to growing awareness for sustainability. Eco-friendly packaging solutions will influence the manufacturers of meal replacement products.

With advancing technology, personalized meal replacement products are likely to prevail in which the consumers will be allowed to customize their products as per their dietary requirements.

Expanding e-commerce platforms along with digital marketing strategies will allow manufacturers to reach the masses and engage with them effectively. Subscription offers and convenient buying options will draw the consumers to the products.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Global meal replacement market holds a vast and dynamic landscape with numerous key players competing for their respective market shares. Prominent players offer a wide variety of products to consumers catering to their specific requirements and nutritional needs. The outlook for the market seems promising driven by growing demand of consumers for convenient on-the-go nutritious food options. Product innovation and diversification are expected to expand the market presence of the key players. In January 2024, Abbott Laboratories launched a high-protein nutrition shake, PROTALITY, to help people with weight loss. The shake is designed to feed the muscles for upto 7 hours, as it has a mix of fast as well as slow digesting protein.

Furthermore, niche brands are trying to gain brand recognition by bringing in customized and personalized nutrition options to the market. Also, strategic acquisitions and partnerships are likely to enhance customer experiences with new innovative products in the market.