Nutritious Food Market Size and Growth Forecast 2025 to 2034

Nutritious Food Market Driving Health-Conscious Consumer Trends and Innovation

The global nutritious food market size is positioned for rapid expansion, with projected revenue increases over the next decade, spurred by the widespread efforts by key players across the globe. Rising demand for functional ingredients, plant-based options, and fortified products is fueling market expansion across retail and foodservice sectors.

Last Updated: 03 July 2025 Category: B2C Food & Beverages Products Insight Code: 5691 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global nutritious food market size is poised for substantial growth over the next decade, with projections indicating significant revenue increases during the forecast period 2025-2034. The increasing consumer preference towards healthy eating habits drives the growth of the market.

Nutritious Food Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, North America dominated the global nutritious food market by holding a market share in 2024, due to the increasing demand for fresh produce foods. 
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034 during the forecast period, which is driven by increasing health awareness. 
  • By product, the functional foods segment held a major market share in 2024, driven by increasing health and nutrition awareness.  
  • By product, the plant-based & vegan food segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034, driven by the increasing preference towards vegan diets. 
  • By nutrient focus, the high-protein segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the increasing demand for high-quality foods. 
  • By nutrient focus, the antioxidant & cognitive health-focused foods segment is expected to grow at rapid growth, due to the increasing consumer awareness towards health. 
  • By consumer group, the athletes & fitness enthusiasts segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the increasing consumer preference towards sports nutrition.  
  • By consumer group, the vegetarians & vegans segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing consumer preference towards plant-based foods. 
  • By distribution channel, the supermarkets and supermarkets segment dominated the market share in 2024, driven by the increasing number of offline stores.  
  • By distribution channel, the online retail & DTC segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, driven by the growing e-commerce platforms.      
  • By packaging, the ready-to-eat & packaged snacks segment contributed to the biggest market share in 2024, due to the increasing busy lifestyles. 
  • By end user, the subscription meal kits & fresh deliveries segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034, due to the increasing consumer trends towards online home delivery.

The Increasing Focus on Stages of Nutritious Food May Revolutionize Market Growth

The nutritious food market encompasses the global industry focused on the development, production, distribution, and sale of food products that are rich in essential nutrients and formulated to support health, wellness, and disease prevention. These foods are designed to provide a balanced supply of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), along with bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, dietary fibres, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. This market spans various product categories, including functional foods, fortified foods, natural and organic foods, clean-label products, and foods tailored for specific health outcomes (e.g., heart health, immunity, weight management, diabetes care).

One of the major factors driving the nutritious food market is increasing consumer trends towards health and wellness. Leading to an increased demand for nutritional foods that enhance health and well-being, consumers are aware of the link between health and diet. With many people looking for nutritious foods, there is increasing emphasis on fitness, which may help recovery and enhance athletic performance. In addition, an increased preference towards preventive measures that can help people to prevent chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Furthermore, nutritious foods also help to improve immune support and digestion, which is further expected to further drive the growth of the nutritious food market.

  • Increasing preference towards plant-based proteins: The increased consumer trend towards sustainable sourcing and plant-based proteins is gaining popularity, which enhances consumers’ health, contributed to propel the market growth.  
  • Increasing demand for functional foods: The increasing demand for functional foods such as micronutrients, pre/probiotics, adaptogens, and proteins acts as a mood booster, which may enhance consumers’ mood and accelerate the demand for the nutritious food market.  
  • Improves skin health: The increased consumption of nutritious foods helps to reduce the harmful radicals from the body, which helps to slow down the aging process and maintain the DNA structure, which is further expected to fuel market growth. 

Market Opportunity

Cutting the Salt and Sugar

The dietary choices of the people are based on the principle of exclusion in 2025. With mindful and clean eating replacing junk and processed foods, there is an increasing emphasis on reducing sodium and sugar intake. The awareness of consumers towards health and well-being is increasing rapidly as they are significantly reducing their sodium and sugar intake. The consumption of refined sugar will decrease and can be replaced by dates, honey, and jaggery in the coming years. The inclusion of soups, salads, and fruits has found great acceptance, which further creates major opportunities in the nutritious food market in the coming years.  

Market Challenge

Supply Chain Issues in Nutritious Foods

The increasing volatility in the cost and availability of raw materials can affect product pricing and disrupt production. The distribution and transportation challenges can lead to increased costs and delays, which can affect product availability. In addition, the navigation of complex regulations across various regions can disrupt supply chain operations, which is further expected to restrain the growth of the nutritious food market. 

Regional Insights

How do North America Dominates the Global Nutritious Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

North America dominated the nutritious food market in 2024. The market growth in the region is attributed to the increasing presence of various market players, increasing demand for nutritional foods, increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness, increasing consumption of plant-based food, increasing consumer trend towards healthy and clean eating, and increasing focus on fresh foods and produce. The U.S. and Canada are dominating countries, driving the market growth. 

The U.S. dominated the nutritious food market revenue in 2024, driven by e-commerce platforms, increasing demand for convenience, and increasing consumer trend towards online shopping. In the past year, 54% of people in the U.S. followed a particular eating diet or pattern, according to the 2024 IFIC Food and Health Survey. With 64% of Millennials and 66% of GenZ, this behaviour was more common in younger generations, as compared to 42% of Boomers and 52 percent of Gen X. In addition, 7% people are planning to start a plant-based or vegan diet in 2025 in the U.S.

Asia Pacific Nutritious Food Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is driven by the increasing focus on health and well-being, increasing popularity of protein-rich snacks, increasing demand for food nutrients, including fiber and protein, and increasing health awareness towards health and well-being. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the fastest growing countries, accelerating the market growth.  

India is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. The market growth in India is driven by increasing focus on mindful consumption, ethical sourcing, and clean eating. The modern Indian families are rapidly adopting personalized foods. For instance, in September 2024, the Government of India (GoI) is celebrating the 7th ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

How Functional Foods Segment Dominates the Nutritious Food Market Revenue in 2024?

The functional foods Segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the global market is attributed to the increasing consumer preference towards eating habits, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing demand for functional food, and increasing consumer preference towards health and wellness. Functional foods are ingredients that help to improve nutritional value. In addition, functional foods have various health benefits, such as may promote proper development and growth, may protect against disease, and preventing nutrient deficiencies, which further drives the segment growth.

The Plant-Based and Vegan Foods Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the nutritious food market is driven by the increasing consumer preference towards vegan and plant-based foods and the health and wellness trend. Various people are shifting to plant-based diets due to their health awareness, which helps to lose excess weight. In addition, without the need to focus on cutting calories, vegan diets may help to improve weight loss, improve kidney function, and lower blood sugar levels.

Nutrient Focus Insights

Why did the High-Protein Segment Held the Largest Nutritious Food Market Revenue in 2024?

The high-protein segment dominated the nutritious food market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is propelled by the increasing demand for high-quality foods, increasing consumer preference towards high-protein natural and organic foods, and increasing awareness towards health and well-being. The high-quality nutritious food offers various benefits such as helps in the digestive system function, supporting breastfeeding and healthy pregnancies, reduce the risk of diabetes, strengthening bones, boosts immunity, supports muscles, keeping eyes, teeth and skin healthy, and help you live longer, which further accelerates the demand for high-protein foods.

The Antioxidant & Cognitive Health-Focused Foods Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

Various nutrient-derived foods are rich in antioxidants, such as certain types of vegetables, nuts, and nutritional food. These foods are connected to health benefits and further help to prevent chronic diseases. These foods help reduce disease risk and oxidative stress, which may drive segment growth in the global market.

Consumer Group Insights

What Factors Help Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts Segment to Grow in the Nutritious Food Market in 2024?

The athletes and fitness enthusiasts segment dominated the nutritious food market in 2024. The consumption of good nutrition may improve sporting performance. A well-planned, nutritious diet can provide sufficient protein to enhance muscle repair and growth. Nutritious foods help athletes & fitness enthusiasts address their nutritional needs for better performance. In addition, the fitness and athletes enthusiasts may consume various nutritional intake such as 20 to 35% from fat, 15 to 25% from protein, and 45 to 65% from carbohydrates, which helps to enhance their body performance, which is further expected to accelerate the segment demand.

The Vegetarians and Vegans Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the global nutritious food market is attributed to the increasing consumer preference towards plant-based and vegan diets, increasing demand for alternative protein sources such as legumes and tofu, and increasing consumer shift towards veganism. For instance, about 70% of people are consuming vegan food and 64% plant-based food in India, which may increase the demand for these segments.

Distribution Channel Insights

How Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Segment Dominates the Nutritious Food Market Revenue in 2024?

The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment dominated the nutritious food market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is driven by the increasing social interaction trend, increasing personalized experiences, increasing consumer desire to buy food physically, and increasing consumer trend towards offline stores. The hypermarket or supermarket segment provides instant satisfaction of purchasing food products without waiting for online delivery, which improves consumer satisfaction. The segments also provide a huge range of nutritious food products that consumers can buy under one roof, which further accelerates the demand for hypermarkets and supermarkets in the global market.

The Online Retail & DTC Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the nutritious food market is propelled by increasing modern and busy lifestyles, growing e-commerce platforms, and increasing consumer preference towards online grocery shopping, such as paneer, tofu, legumes, and various nutritional foods. From 2022 to 2024, about 850 billion was spent on online food and beverage in the U.S.

Packaging Insights

How Ready-to-Eat & Packaged Snacks Segment Dominate Nutritious Food Market Revenue in 2024?

The ready-to-eat and packaged snacks segment dominated the nutritious food market in 2024. Packaged and ready-to-eat snacks deal with food packaging solutions designed to keep minimally prepared or pre-cooked nutritious, convenient, safe, and fresh snacks for immediate consumption. There are various benefits related to packaged and ready-to-eat snacks, such as freshness preservation, increasing shelf life, product protection, and sustainability. Eco-friendly packaging, including biodegradable and compostable materials, helps to reduce environmental impacts, which further drives the segment growth.

The Subscription Meal Kits, and Fresh Deliveries Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the nutritious food market is driven by various benefits such as improving cooking skills, discover new recipes and ingredients, enjoying balanced and healthy meals, tackle food waste, saving time, reduces food waste, ensuring better nutrition, and catering to dietary needs.

Recent Developments in the Nutritious Food Market

UNICEF India

  • Launch: In May 2025, In May 2025, Meri Thali Sehatwali was launched by UNICEF in India. This is the digital initiative to improve food choices healthy eating for Indian families. The aim behind this launch was to make India well-nourished. (Source: India Today)

Nissin Foods

  • Launch: In June 2025, the frozen food brand for health-aware customers was launched by Instant Ramen pioneer Nissin Foods. The aim behind this launch was to offer consumers nutrient-dense meals. (Source: FoodDive)

Nutritious Food Market Leading Companies

Nutritious Food Market Companies

  • Nestlé S.A.
  • Danone S.A.
  • Unilever PLC
  • PepsiCo Inc.
  • General Mills Inc. 
  • Kellogg Company
  • The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
  • The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
  • Glanbia PLC
  • Mondelez International 
  • Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. 
  • Abbott Laboratories 
  • Amway Corporation
  • Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.
  • Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
  • Clif Bar & Company
  • Chobani LLC
  • Hormel Foods Corporation
  • Blue Diamond Growers

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type 

  • Functional Foods 
  • Fortified Foods 
  • Organic & Natural Foods 
  • Clean-Label & Minimal Ingredient Foods 
  • Diet-Specific Products  
  • Plant-Based & Vegan Foods 
  • Whole Foods 
  • Protein-Rich Foods 
  • Superfoods  
  • Low-Calorie/Low-Sugar/Low-Fat Foods

By Nutrient Focus

  • High-Protein 
  • High-Fiber 
  • Low Sugar / Sugar-Free 
  • Low Sodium 
  • Rich in Vitamins & Minerals 
  • Probiotic & Prebiotic-Rich 
  • Antioxidant-Rich 
  • Heart-Healthy (Omega-3, Sterols) 
  • Brain & Cognitive Health (Nootropic Foods) 
  • Bone & Joint Health (Calcium, Vitamin D)

By Consumer Group

  • Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts 
  • Pregnant & Lactating Women 
  • People with Diabetes & Metabolic Conditions 
  • Vegetarians & Vegans 
  • Allergy-Prone Individuals

By Distribution Channel

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets 
  • Health Food Stores 
  • Pharmacies & Nutritional Retailers 
  • Online Platforms & E-commerce 
  • Convenience Stores 
  • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) via Brand Websites 
  • Institutional Sales (e.g., hospitals, schools)

By Packaging Format

  • Ready-to-Eat (RTE) 
  • Packaged Snacks & Bars 
  • Powders & Supplements 
  • Frozen & Refrigerated 
  • Fresh Produce & Bulk Items 
  • Meal Kits & Subscription Boxes

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The nutritious food market is expanding due to rising health awareness, increasing demand for functional and plant-based foods, and a global shift toward preventive health and clean eating. Consumers now actively seek nutrient-rich alternatives over processed foods.

North America led the market in 2024 due to high demand for clean-label and fresh foods. Asia Pacific is projected to grow fastest, fueled by urbanization, rising incomes, and health-conscious consumer behaviors.

Major trends include plant-based protein adoption, demand for antioxidant-rich and mood-enhancing foods, and growing preference for sugar-free, low-sodium, and gut-health-supportive diets.

Antioxidant-rich and brain-health-focused foods are gaining rapid traction as consumers seek long-term wellness, cognitive support, and anti-aging benefits through diet.

This group drives demand for high-protein, performance-enhancing, and recovery-focused foods. Their influence is expanding through fitness trends and personalized dietary plans.

Asia Pacific is experiencing a health revolution driven by urbanization, dietary education, and government-supported wellness initiatives especially in countries like India and China.

By localizing sourcing, investing in logistics tech, and ensuring regulatory compliance, companies can mitigate disruptions and strengthen consumer trust.

Supply chain disruptions, rising ingredient costs, and complex regulations across regions can impact product pricing, innovation timelines, and global scalability.